BWCA Gunflint to Crab portage Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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HikerJack
  
12/19/2020 12:32PM  
Planning a spring trip. Son will paddle while dad hikes the Border Route.
Wondering if it is possible to paddle between or portage from Gunflint to Crab Lake at Bridal Veil Falls? No portage is indicated on the map, but there appears to be a creek between them. Can't imagine that is something you could paddle.

Anyone done that?
 
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HikerJack
  
01/25/2021 07:46AM  
I could really use some input on this one. Would like to portage from Gunflint to Crab lake this spring. I am going to hike the BRT while my son solo paddles and we meet up periodically. Bridal Veil falls is a good place to do that but it doesn't appear to have a portage or trail between these two lakes. Also, I have a Garmin but would like to rent one for my son so we can communicate, any suggestions?
Thanks
Wolfee
senior member (73)senior membersenior member
  
01/25/2021 08:32AM  
Are you asking if there is a trail between these two lakes, or if there is a portage-able trail?

I haven't done this hike myself, but there is info online with maps that shows a hiking trail exists between the two.

https://clearwaterhistoriclodge.com/best-day-hikes-gunflint-trail/

https://www.rockwoodbwca.com/bridal-veil-falls-hike/

My guess is that portaging a canoe up/down the hill that the falls comes down would be pretty brutal - if it's anything like the South lake / topper portage.

Hopefully someone that has actually done the hike will chime in.
01/25/2021 09:36AM  
I don't know if this will help or not, but hiking project.com has a post labeled "crab lake trail to bridal falls" with some route info.
01/25/2021 01:10PM  
HikerJack: "I could really use some input on this one. Would like to portage from Gunflint to Crab lake this spring. I am going to hike the BRT while my son solo paddles and we meet up periodically. Bridal Veil falls is a good place to do that but it doesn't appear to have a portage or trail between these two lakes. Also, I have a Garmin but would like to rent one for my son so we can communicate, any suggestions?
Thanks"


I've hiked the trail from Gunflint to Bridal Veil and up the side of the falls onto the Border Route. You could definitely portage that section. Might be a couple tough turns with the canoe, but not bad. The Border Route map on Alltrails.com shows a spur trail that goes to Crab Lake and the Crab Lake Campsite (see picture). I can't speak to the condition of those trails as far as carrying a canoe goes, but I'd have to imagine the Border Route Trail section would be easy for portaging. Just not sure about the spur trail.

One suggestion would be to call Gunflint Outfitters. They take people on day trips to those falls and would be very familiar with the area.
01/25/2021 01:55PM  
Also, was going to mention, there's an great island campsite right in the bay where the trail from Gunflint to Bridal Veil Falls starts. Not sure exactly what you guys are planning but might be fun to have him pick you up at the Bridal Veil trail head on gunflint and stay together on the island for the night if that's a possibility that works in the plans (and he's paddling a canoe that you could cram into for the short ride). Seems like it would be easier for you to hike down to Gunflint Lake from the Border Route Trail than for him to portage up from Gunflint.

HikerJack
  
01/25/2021 07:22PM  
Thanks, I will check that out.
HikerJack
  
01/25/2021 07:23PM  
Thanks, was hoping for a portage, but if I can get to him that would work. Not much for camping site on that section of the trail so either a short day or a really long day if we can't meet up. Appreciate the input.
 
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