I was looking at the map at Big Lake, zoomed in and was surprised to see the yellow portage line to Stuart River EP. I've been to the Stuart EP parking lot but it was years ago. Given what I see on the map, my question is: If one has lodging on Big Lake, can you start your Stuart River EP trip right from there without needing a vehicle/shuttle?

Im assuming you’re referring to the portage from the boat launch parking lot on Big Lake. The portage is still there but I’m not sure of the condition of it. I suppose you could portage up the road to the Stuart River entry as well. I don’t know how much longer that would be. So the answer is yes.

I took that portage several yrs. ago. It was passable at that time and was quicker than walking the road. It showed evidence of being a nice wide trail in its day, with rocks piled along it in places. Probably from CCC workers.