I have searched high and low and have come across two short reports. Does anyone have any experience of entering through Portage Lake rather than Poplar on a Skipper/Portage permit?

I think I would contact Rockwood Outfitters on Poplar Lake. They probably can give you your answer.

Tom

I entered via Portage two years in a row a couple years back (2021 & 2022). Put in at Iron Lake (beautiful lake and the small campground there is awesome if you get a lake view site). Long initial paddle but great to get the kinks out. First portage into Portage Lake is not memorable. The long portage from Portage into One Island is. In this direction, it's a long steady climb upward. Long and steady. Trail was decent. But it is uphill until you hit the Banadad trail crossing. Had to take a couple of breaks along the way. From the trail crossing, it's a few ups and downs until you start the descent into One Island. Maps show anywhere from 160 to 230 rods. I'd say it's much closer to the longer number. At least it felt that way.

The portage from One Island to Rush is also memorable. A very steep climb to start and get to the top of the ridge. Then it's overgrown, making for some slow turns with the canoe. About 1/2 way thru you skirt the edge of a decent sized ledge/drop off. You need to watch your footing as the drop off is inches from the trail (good 10 foot drop). Then it's downhill along the creek until Rush.

Stayed on Banadad one year and Rush the next. The first campsite to the north on Rush (on the point) is a great elevated site. Looks to the burn area to the south. Caught SMB in the bay to the south.

Those portages were tough, but manageable, and the lakes were quiet. Really enjoyed both trips.

Jefflynn06: "I entered via Portage two years in a row a couple years back (2021 & 2022). Put in at Iron Lake (beautiful lake and the small campground there is awesome if you get a lake view site). Long initial paddle but great to get the kinks out. First portage into Portage Lake is not memorable. The long portage from Portage into One Island is. In this direction, it's a long steady climb upward. Long and steady. Trail was decent. But it is uphill until you hit the Banadad trail crossing. Had to take a couple of breaks along the way. From the trail crossing, it's a few ups and downs until you start the descent into One Island. Maps show anywhere from 160 to 230 rods. I'd say it's much closer to the longer number. At least it felt that way.


The portage from One Island to Rush is also memorable. A very steep climb to start and get to the top of the ridge. Then it's overgrown, making for some slow turns with the canoe. About 1/2 way thru you skirt the edge of a decent sized ledge/drop off. You need to watch your footing as the drop off is inches from the trail (good 10 foot drop). Then it's downhill along the creek until Rush.


Stayed on Banadad one year and Rush the next. The first campsite to the north on Rush (on the point) is a great elevated site. Looks to the burn area to the south. Caught SMB in the bay to the south.


Those portages were tough, but manageable, and the lakes were quiet. Really enjoyed both trips."

Good info! I have entered via the mile long into Skipper and just thinking about entering this way. Skipper is long but non-descript....wondering the risk vs. reward of the road less traveled.

While the portages weren't easy, they aren't something I would avoid. The mile long portage sounds more grueling to me. And the quiet of Rush and Banadad were well worth it to get there.