Sylvania Portage 15010 (Loon to Deer Island)

The portage itself it fairly level and easy. Not as well used as some. There is a lowland area about halfway through that the mosquitos seemed to love. The landing on Loon Lake is very nice and sandy. The landing on Deer Island Lake is pretty rough. It is deep and somewhat mucky. My paddle partner ended up sliding into the water and getting all wet after he slipped off an underwater ledge where it drops off right near the bank. There is also a leaning dead tree that looks like it's ready to fall on someone. The landing on Deer Island Lake is also well hidden so it may help to look back at it and making a mental note after launching onto Deer Island Lake.

No real elevation change. A fairly straight forward portage. Landing on the Loon side is easy and sandy. The landing on the Deer Island side was not easy, very mucky and no real good spot to get into the canoe.

Fairly easy, being relatively flat and well used although on the longer end for a Sylvania portage. Probably a bit easier from Loon to Deer Island than vice versa. When you first see Deer Island Lake, you will wonder why the trail doesn’t head straight to the lake and will continue on your hike for an annoying distance. The reason is more apparent when coming from Deer Island as the nice beach landing is obviously the appropriate trailhead.