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March 29 2024

Entry Point 49 - Skipper & Portage Lakes

Skipper and Portage Lakes entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Gunflint Ranger Station near the city of Grand Marais, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 28 miles. Access is a 320-rod portage from Poplar Lake or a 230-rod portage from Iron Lake. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1865 feet
Latitude: 48.0517
Longitude: -90.5366
Skipper & Portage Lakes - 49

Ham to Poplar

by wibowyer15
Trip Report

Entry Date: September 23, 2013
Entry Point: Cross Bay Lake
Exit Point: Lizz and Swamp Lakes (47)
Number of Days: 4
Group Size: 8

Trip Introduction:
My first time in the Bwca. It won't be my last !

Day 2 of 4


Monday, September 23, 2013 We got on the water a little after Noon on Monday, a south breeze greeted us on our short paddle south to our first portage. A 50 rod portage ! Lot's of big boulders and up hill, o boy I was thinking what did I get myself into ! Two more short and easier portages later and we were in to the Bwca ! South in to Crossbay then a 56 rod into Rib where we spent our first night. Great first day Sunny and breezy !

 



Day 3 of 4


Tuesday, September 24, 2013 We woke about sunrise and had breakfast, oatmeal and hot chocolate. By the time we tore down camp it was about 9:30.

We made the portage into Lower George then on into Karl and down into Long Island. Then East into Muskeg and onto Heart attack Hill !! ( what a doozy ) We made it over the Hill and into Kiskadinna and took the first camp site. Very nice site with nice sunset and rise !

What a great second day !!

 



Day 4 of 4


Wednesday, September 25, 2013 A wake for a nice sunrise, breakfast was pancakes and syrup with hot chocolate !

We wanted an earlier start today, were going to try for Horseshoe today ! Our first portage out of Kiskadinna was only 35 rods, but straight up. Everybody laughed and called it mini Heart attack !! On into Omega to the east portage and into Henson ,east to the end of lake , then the north portage into Pillsbury, east into Allen then a 50 rod portage into Horseshoe, it was about 5:30 when we got to the first campsite across from our 20 rod portage for the morning.

Beautiful weather once again 65-70 light winds and full sunshine, Perfect !!

 



Day 6 of 4


Thursday, September 26, 2013 We woke to dense fog Thursday morning, and the sound of a Loon signing, AWESOME !

By the time we finished with breakfast the fog had lifted and it looked like the skies would break and the sun would shine ! We had a good south wind to push us along to our exit !

North into Caribou, up into Lizz and out to the public launch on Poplar.

This trip was everything I expected and more, still soaking it all in !!

Thanks for reading and I will answer anyones question the best I can.

I can't wait to start planning next years trip !!!

John