BWCA Bottle, Curtain, Argo Portage - July 18 Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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      Bottle, Curtain, Argo Portage - July 18     
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timclark112151
member (14)member
  
06/25/2026 03:23AM  
How long will it take me to get onto Argo. Going solo, three trips each portage and bad knees. If I take two days, where should I camp and catch walleye?
 
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Jackfish
Moderator
distinguished member(8424)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/25/2026 07:20AM  
How are you getting to that part of the park? You're only going to spend two days?
 
timclark112151
member (14)member
  
06/25/2026 07:28AM  
Mark Anderson, motor shuttle, July 18-24.
I am open to any suggestions to minimize the portages.Possibly coming down MacAree to the portages at the falls to avoid Bottle.
Not familiar with that portage. Can paddle all day...concerned about the portages.
 
jparks02
distinguished member (242)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/25/2026 12:16PM  
I think you should use bottle portage instead of McAree. The overall portaging distance is about the same but you will paddle twice as far and add a couple hours to get to your destination. Take your time on the portage and break it up if you have to. Travel on the northside of Four Island on Iron Lake, and use the back portage at Crooked Falls. (it's in the bay south of the outflow- Mark will show you.) If you want to break the portage into Argo up, follow the Roland Chain.

Most importantly- enjoy your trip!
 
timclark112151
member (14)member
  
06/26/2026 12:21PM  
Thanks for the guidance. My wife is concerned I might be overdoing it so I may Ms Agree/Minn/Martin Bay this trip.
I am returning for 10 nights in late AUGUST with a buddy and do the Bottle to Argo at that time. I especially like the Roland Chain route

Any other suggestions?
 
jparks02
distinguished member (242)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/26/2026 02:28PM  
Have a plan, understand the general area, be willing to cut back if necessary and go with what your knees are telling you. If you don't wear braces, might not be a bad idea.
 
timclark112151
member (14)member
  
06/27/2026 07:45PM  
Got it. Thank you.
 
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