BWCA Portage 57 (Clearwater to Caribou)

We had a little difficulty finding the portage landing on Caribou Lake it didn't seem to match up with the location on the map. Leaving Caribou Lake the trail is good but it is steep and goes up hill for 2/3's of the portage. Coming down into Clearwater Lake the trail is rocky but and somewhat steep. Nice landing into Clearwater Lake.

Did this portage 5 times in 2 days! Gave me a lot of time to reflect on it. For me, it was 1450 steps. Coming from Caribou, 900 steps gets you to a nice clearing to take a short break. You may need it, since that's all up hill. Once you hit 1000 steps you're at the top and you're ready to start your descent into Clearwater. 450 steps and you're there. On the Caribou side, about 100 steps or so up the trail there are some old logging 'antiques' just off the trail.

Honestly, I really enjoyed this portage. Yes, it has relatively steep ascent/descent at the beginning/end, but they're not so steep as to need to grab onto trees to hoist yourself along. I recall one slope being much rockier than the other (Clearwater side, I think) demanding a little extra care in footing. Otherwise, this portage had comfortable width to it, and once you get to the top of your initial climb, it's a pretty easy walk through a nice area until you get to the other end. The Caribou landing made for an excellent spot to take a break. While it may require a little bit of work, at least it isn't overgrown, boring, or frustratingly sloppy/muddy; I'll take portages like this over ones like that every time.

Steep on either side, it seems there isn't a particularly easy way to get in or out of Clearwater. 8/23/20 Update: It is still a steep climb! This time I went from south to north. Either I'm getting older or this portage is worse going north...or both.

This portage is a butt kicker. It's a tough, rocky climb that proves a good test.

I would call this a very difficult portage. Very steep, with uncertain footing in several places. It's not the longest (205 rods on Fisher maps), but it's a real challenge.

The elevation change at the ends makes this portage tiring but not overwhelming. A very large tree with all its branches was blocking the the north end of the portage.

Whew. It's uphill. Lots of animal activity: rabbit, wolf, moose. 4/5

I don't think this one is quite as tough as some of the guide books make it sound. Still it will get the blood pumping as it has decent climbs on either end with plenty of boulders to step on & around along the way. A few muddy sections too.

8 out of 10 (10 is bad). We stopped halfway through and took a rest. We were traveling from Caribou to Clearwater. It is a healthy climb. Take your time, and you will be just fine. Nice trail. Nice semi-views