Planning a trip in via South Lake, I have heard that going in through Topper is the way to go? Anyone been through South? Looking to go into Rose

I entered from North Lake via Height of Land portage. When we were there, the campsites to the immediate right, around the corner from the portage landing as you get to South were quite nice, though I'm aware of a storm a few years ago that hit them pretty hard so I don't know if they still have the same appeal. We went from South to Rose in about half a day--a pleasant paddle. As you enter and exit Rat Lake, keep an eye out for some nice photo ops with the palisade on the south side of Rose in the background. The campsite nearest the stairway portage from Duncan is also nice with some great views to the east at dawn when the sun comes up over the sawtooth hills in the distance.

Tumblehome podcast has an episode or express episode on that lake/entry point. Lots and lots of info there

I heard the Podcast as well!

I'm planning on going in that way around Memorial Day. I've heard/read the horror stories of coming out through Topper because of how steep it is. So our plan is to enter South via Topper and leave through Duncan.

I didn't realize that was a valid entry point. I thought the South Lake entry was only accessed from North Lake via Gunflint. Where is the parking for entering through Topper?

Did South to Rose last year in mid-May as a solo. Paddled from Gunflint lake. Checked out the Topper portage and the parking lot while I was there. That portage is indeed steeeeeep. I am personally glad I did the paddle, Gunflint through Little Gunflint and North is a cool little paddle. With big winds though, would definitely do Topper instead. There is not much parking for the Topper route - I'd say 3 vehicles. If it's full, which it might be since it is a BRT parking access, you might have to drop your equipment and park your car down near the Gunflint trail (about a half mile).

If you haven't done so already? Check out the maps section

I have only ever accessed South via topper. I have been on North via Gunflint and little gunflint. I can get from my vehicle to south lake in less that 2 hours. Paddling across Gunflint Lake will at least take 2 hours.

I vote topper. You access is through Mayhew Lake Road.

The portage from topper is very steep. Unique in the bwca. It’s doable but use caution, I had my son hold the stern of the canoe i case I slipped

Thank you very much for the insight! I will enter Via Topper!!

Thank you very much, I agree with the consensus, I will enter via Topper...

Thank you for the insight, I wanted to end up on Rose, we did the Stairway portage last year, but I am taking my 73 year old mother and want to avoid the Stairway portage AND the initial two hour paddle via Gunflint...I have seen those nice camp sights on Rose, hopefully we can find one this year...

You could check with gunflint lodge to see if they would give you and your mom a tow to the east end of gunflint lake. The paddle thru little gunflint is so pretty, plus the historic value of the height of land portage, not hilly at all.

The portage to topper is also steep and rugged with rocks and roots. If you choose this route be sure your mom has a walking stick or something.

Are you returning the same way?

If you are avoiding the stairway portage at rose because it’s steep you will definitely NOT want to take the topper portage. Stairway outage has steps and is well maintained, topper has scree and roots that slip out from under your feet. It’s similar to the rocks slopes at the base of mountains out west or the bluffs along to Mississippi

jwartman59: "If you are avoiding the stairway portage at rose because it’s steep you will definitely NOT want to take the topper portage. Stairway outage has steps and is well maintained, topper has scree and roots that slip out from under your feet. It’s similar to the rocks slopes at the base of mountains out west or the bluffs along to Mississippi "

How is the portage from Mayhew road into Topper in comparison with Topper to South?

thegildedgopher: "

jwartman59: "If you are avoiding the stairway portage at rose because it’s steep you will definitely NOT want to take the topper portage. Stairway outage has steps and is well maintained, topper has scree and roots that slip out from under your feet. It’s similar to the rocks slopes at the base of mountains out west or the bluffs along to Mississippi "

How is the portage from Mayhew road into Topper in comparison with Topper to South?"

Night and day.

The trail from the road to Topper isn't necessarily a walk in the park but, its not the goat path that Topper to South is. Road to Topper

i walked into south through topper 1 winter and yes it is steep , but we weren't portaging a canoe , just light packs for a day.