BWCA Portage 261 (Loon to Lower Pauness)

Feels like climbs from both ends. Big beautiful landing on Pauness side. Devil's Cascade seemed almost completely dry when I was there; I was too afraid to get close enough to the wet cliff edge at the campsite to look far enough down to even see water flowing. Awesome canyon though.

The cascade was pretty dry in the fall of 2021, but the actual portage was still pretty. Note the "millstone" in the trail. I'm not sure of the history of it, but it appears man-made.

This portage felt shorter than the distance our map claimed it to be. The elevation change does make it quite difficult though. Make sure to stop half way to check out Devil's Cascade.

Scenic view from up top is worth the pause halfway through this portage. Note the portage length is not 272 meters. That might be to the Devil's Cascade campsite/overview, but 272m is essentially halfway. It's 550-600 meters in total.

If you're going this way, be sure to stop for a rest at Devils cascade, you won't regret it!

Very steep portage when coming from the north. Scenic portage around the Devils Cascade. Take the side trails to see the cascade better.

This portage isn't all that bad. There is an elevation change (going up towards the South), but the sound of the rushing water and the scenery is enough of a distraction to make you forget you have a canoe over your head and a 60# pack on your back. 2/5

The portage has a substantial climb(as you might expect) going from North to South. but the trail is in pretty good shape and the landings are easy to spot. In high water, the trail can be covered with standing water in a couple spots. The views of the Devil's Cascade along the way are great so plan some extra time to explore and take some photos.