BWCA Portage 358

Coming from the Royal Lake end the portage (river left) started at a beaver dam. It has a nice fairly large landing. Trail is fairly level, but the overhanging branches were a bit bothersome. Downstream landing was very constricted with a small staging area just behind. Unless water levels are high, I suspect most, not single portaging, heading toward the Fowls just walk their loaded canoes down the rapids. Probably not the prudent choice if heading upriver though.

Totally fine portage. Could be a little muddier in more wet times of the year or wetter years. Flat and easy. If I remember correctly, right after this portage there is a beaver dam we had to get around. We went to the far right and maneuvered the canoe over the dam. Luckily, we were able to avoid losing any shoes or being in too deep of water but may be a different situation if higher water levels.

pretty portage along river, could be buggy in summer....

After scouting ahead, I found that this portage can be lined the whole way through. However, my group decided they'd rather portage. So we took the trail around. It's scenic as it follows the river most of the ways.

6/1/2022: Both side of portage landing are underwater for 10 rod. There is a small sign nailed to the tree on the Royal river end to help you find the porage, but there are falling trees on the way to the new landing, you will have to proceed with caution. Coming from Fowl lake, you can go in a little bit deeper and there is a small opening on the right side to access the porage.

This portage seemed to be a bit further back in Royal Lake than indicated on the map. It is pretty easy to spot once you get back in that channel. The portage also seems to go further up the Royal River towards South Fowl than indicated by the map. It was pretty muddy going when I was there in the spring, but otherwise not much to report. 2/5

Tough portage to find in lower water when coming from South Fowl. As we paddled up the Royal River toward Royal Lake, we had to get out and drag the canoe upstream. The portage is self-evident once you get there though. Once in Royal Lake, we ran into thick wild rice, but found an open channel as we worked our way south.