I've seen a few posts in the past about an unofficial portage between Slim and Fat. Has anyone taken this in 2017? Trying to plan a route for next season.

Thanks!

I took it in July. It was tricky to find from Slim. Paddle up the eastern shoreline and just before you get to the little creek along that east side you'll see a slight clearing that ascends quickly. There are two or more downed trees in the water that make it a beast to land the canoe there. Once on land, the portage is not bad, probably between 260-300 rods and it drops you on the western side of Fat Lake. I made it from EP 14 to Fat Lake using this portage in about 6 hours, solo. I single portaged every other one except for this portage as I didn't want to lose the trail. I've got a trip report out there that has a video, but there's not much footage of this portage. I'll link the report that also has a video link embedded in it. LIS North Solo Trip Report and Video

I just did it a few weeks ago. She is a tough one. Not the toughest I have been on but surely one of the more difficult ones. Mostly because you have to go slow around tight corners and maneuver your canoe around trees. I think there is no doubt you save time versus going up and around.

I agree what others have said. It's a beast but it's worth it.

Hey I recognize those pictures I've done that Portage the last 2 years going from fat to slim is much easier. Slim to fat is the more difficult way it's very steep the first 50 rods or so. Then it's just long. The Portage Trail wasn't too difficult to follow there are a couple of places where you have to pay attention but not too bad.

quote mcsweem: "Hey I recognize those pictures I've done that Portage the last 2 years going from fat to slim is much easier. Slim to fat is the more difficult way it's very steep the first 50 rods or so. Then it's just long. The Portage Trail wasn't too difficult to follow there are a couple of places where you have to pay attention but not too bad."

My apologies for not giving you picture credit. That was a great trip. Then again, I've never been on a bad trip.

Thanks all for the feedback! My tentative route will be from Slim to Fat, my main concern had been being able to locate it and whether it was used enough to be easily followed. Sounds like it's viable! Thanks again.

Tombo:

When are you doing this? I may attempt in July...Fat to Slim.

landoftheskytintedwater: "Tombo:


When are you doing this? I may attempt in July...Fat to Slim."

June 10th or 11th, I'll try to update this thread afterwards!

Awesome, good luck!

tombo131: "

landoftheskytintedwater: "Tombo:



When are you doing this? I may attempt in July...Fat to Slim."

June 10th or 11th, I'll try to update this thread afterwards! "

I did it mid May 2017. It was difficult to follow in a few places, 2 other guys got off trail and ended up bushwacking their way up to Fat. It wasn't terribly difficult to find from shore or walk when I went through though.

We just did this portage as part of a day trip loop last week. Took us about 1.5-2 hrs to get from Slim to Fat. There were 3-4 spots where we had to put the canoe down & figure out where the right trail was, and another 3-4 where we had to trim some downed trees to get over/under/through. The landing on the Slim side had a couple of downed trees & driftwood, but it was pretty easy to find. There is a rock cairn marking the portage on the Fat side.

denik: "We just did this portage as part of a day trip loop last week. Took us about 1.5-2 hrs to get from Slim to Fat. There were 3-4 spots where we had to put the canoe down & figure out where the right trail was, and another 3-4 where we had to trim some downed trees to get over/under/through. The landing on the Slim side had a couple of downed trees & driftwood, but it was pretty easy to find. There is a rock cairn marking the portage on the Fat side. "

Thanks Denik! Was that with a single or double portage?

We single portaged - just the canoe, paddles & a day pack.

Just got back and had the same experience as denik. Double portaging, was almost 2.5 hours. Trail has several detours due to down trees, lots of tight 90 degree turns to make with a canoe. Was pretty brutal, but getting to Fat on day one was worth it.

landoftheskytintedwater, Fat to Slim would certainly be easier, as you're mostly downhill that direction.

You read my mind. Been checking the last few days knowing you'd been through. Thank you for the update! I keep changing my mind about what direction I'm going to do the loop but this may keep me going counter-clockwise so I can do this Fat to Slim.