BWCA Motor routes on Basswood Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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GeoFisher
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06/07/2012 05:45PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
So, I see Pipestone Bay and Jackfish Bay allow motors. How do you get a boat and motor there. Do you come from Prairie with them or are there areas around there to launch/recover a boat.

I'm not planning on this but always wondered how it worked.

Thanks,

Geo
 
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inspector13
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06/07/2012 06:03PM  

I think most would put in at Fall Lake and take the Newton-Pipestone portages. These portages allow for portage wheels.

06/07/2012 06:07PM  
The Newton and Pipestone portages are like roads. You put portage wheels under the boats and canoes or have the wheels attached and drag the boats over.
I helped a couple of guys drag a boat up what they called heart attack hill last year. It is hard work and would take 4 strong people to get a 16' deep boat up the hill.
They told me that the Pipestone Portage is where the Pipestone Falls resort used to be and they used jeeps and trailers to get boats over long ago.
It is a scenic portage with good views of the falls.
06/07/2012 07:38PM  
So, is Newton a motor route as well? I was looking at that and could not figure it out from the maps. I kind of figured based on previous posts, but wanted to confirm.
blutofish1
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06/08/2012 04:54AM  
. The portage from Back Bay to Pipestone is a little tough. At least 3 people the portage a boat and motor.Beautiful lake. Heading to Basswood in 2 hours.
06/08/2012 05:37AM  
Yes Newton allows motors.
06/08/2012 08:17AM  
I'm assuming that they are nothing like the prairie portage then, or is it like it was prior to the motor tow for boats?

Would someone need to bring in portage wheels or are they there for use?

Thanks
06/08/2012 08:48AM  
You have to bring your own wheels.
I don't know what PP is like now but the last time I was there in '96 or thereof a boat trailer with motorcycle tires was used and two young men assisted us pulling the boat over for a fee.
06/08/2012 10:35AM  
I think that PP has a small ATV pulling the boat trailer instead of young men now unless you bring your own wheels. Cost is about $25 round trip if I'm not mistaken.
06/17/2012 06:14PM  
Prairie portage now has jeeps and boat trailers to haul you across. The motorized vehicles were once-again allowed a few years back. Last week we paid $13 each way. What a back saver!
06/18/2012 11:57AM  
I can imagine! I remember that going down to Basswood was not too bad, but coming back up would leave you pretty winded. Especially at the end of the day...
Harv
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06/18/2012 03:30PM  
Either put in at Fall and go to Newton and then to Pipestone, both portages allow portage wheels. prairie portage on the Moose Lake side has a truck and trailer to pull your boat over.

4 mile portage off of Fall Lake use to have a vehicle that would pull your boat over...sure wish they still had that!
chiefzago
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08/21/2019 08:44PM  
Back in '99, they used a Ford Explorer on Prairie Portage. I haven't been back since. Until this weekend, that is. I will update this thread regarding the equipment they are using to portage motor boats around the dam.
 
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