BWCA Portage 480 (Basswood to Wind)

If coming from the Basswood side, do not be tempted by the two 'false landings'. These may be options during higher water periods, but I found that it was necessary to take the well established trail over the bog on the east (Wind) end, until I reached navigable water.

There are multiple starts to the portage presumably from low water conditions. The one just to the West of the beaver dam has mud at the start that will sink you up to your waist. Coming from Wind Lake, you can be fooled to take one of these. If the water is high enough, push well past the beaver dam and you'll find a portage without the risk of the mud.

This portage is passable, but you wont be able to get to the original location. A walk through the bog/grass is necessary with the low water situation. There is a path, so no bushwhacking required.

Due to extreme low water levels in 2021, we had to start this portage before the beaver house and traverse the bog area. We walked past the 2 landings deeper into the stream, but they would have required walking in some very deep looking mud. As a result of the low water, this portage was about 70 rods longer than marked.

I wish I had read bwbrian's entry. We took the entirety of the 188 rods by carrying. Tested the folks I was guiding a bit. Oh well, good experience and on to Basswood.

Portage was in good shape. I turned my ankle on a rock in the middle of the path so watch your step.

You have your choice of three landings on this one. Don't stop at the first one! Paddle through the lily pads until you reach the beaver dam. At this point you can take the portage on the right or paddle through the break in the dam and about 15 rods downstream to the final takeout point. The portage is not difficult but there is a stream to negotiate about 40 rods from the Wind Bay end. In low water, wade right through, but when the water is high you may want to float across the three rods. After this, there is a little area of mud and rocks. When you get to Wind Bay, the landing is very shallow, so don't load your canoe right next to shore.