BWCA Portage 61 (West Pike to Pine)

A long trail that climbs a monster hill. Having said that, it's more a matter of a long steady gradual climb, than a bunch of steep sections. I found the section just before the BRT intersection coming from the Pike's to be the most grueling/steepest. Definitely a trail worth hiking just to see some of the magnificent upland old growth cedars. There are also some very impressive pines & poplars too.

This portage is long, steep, and nasty. After cruising with a tailwind down Pine (and not seeing a single open site, also narrowly missing the one by the portage) we were forced across this trail. The problem was, that would leave us facing a massive headwind on East Pike. This was a guided father/son group and the boys were just young enough to not really be able to help power through the waves. After a long struggle, we were tossed into the north shore without really any progress. It was here I had us group up our three canoes, put the boys in the middle and adults on the outside two, and we would raft our way west. It took everything we had, but after some hours we came to the first campsite.

Long up and down, but not technical. Shuttled gear with my wife while our 4 and 6 year old boys plodded along.

Tough portage, hot weather with humidity played a factor in the difficulty. Single portage best was to go.

I have taken this portage many times. Sometimes with a canoe, sometimes just for the hike. It is doable with a canoe, enjoyable for a hike. From water to the middle of the portage, you are going to climb about 300' in elevation. The trail is good though and usually in good condition. You can do this...