BWCA Portage 70 (Pine to Canoe)

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Approximate Length:
2309m (459 rods)

Lakes:

Climb/Descent Meters:
221

"Hilliness" Index
96

# of Comments:
10

On 9/23/2020 11:21:52 AM, flynn said:
Visit Date:
9/17/2020

As others say, the portage is closer to 230 rods. The trail to Johnson Falls starts on the Pine side and may be another 200 rods or so. The portage is easier going from Canoe to Pine, but there is a significant amount of up and down that makes this challenging even if only hiking with backpacks. I have respect for those who carry canoes on this trail, especially going from Pine to Canoe. The elevation on the Pine side is no joke!
On 8/24/2020 9:16:01 PM, eagle98mn said:
Visit Date:
8/21/2020

Agree that this isn't 400 rods. Around 230 feels more accurate. I was glad to be heading from Canoe to Pine. The initial uphill was a little steep, but the majority of the portage was downhill. Heading north like that, the portage was long but not awful. I'm sure my opinion would change going south.
On 8/23/2020 3:11:45 PM, BobberRob said:
Visit Date:
5/19/2016

This one has it all: Bogs, Hills, Bugs. More difficult coming from Pine, IMO. Good chance to see grouse. 4/5 Update: Voyageur Maps has this listed at 232 rods, which I think is closer to the true distance.
On 6/18/2020 5:45:18 PM, Riley Smith said:
Visit Date:
6/16/2020

It's nowhere near 400 rods, but the hills and footing make it a challenge. The landing is near table creek. The trail to Johnson Falls is much tougher to follow.
On 8/3/2019 9:38:13 AM, sagejon said:
Visit Date:
7/31/2019

Did this portage on a day trip to Johnson Falls with two canoes and a single pack. It was rough! Three hills and two bogs (with board bridges). It was disheartening enough that we decided to take an alternate route when moving camp from Canoe Lake to Caribou Lake. I would agree that it is not 460 rods long, but it sure felt longer than the ~230 rods it actually is. Johnson Falls was worth the slog, though I would think twice before doing this portage fully loaded.
On 7/12/2019 11:39:58 AM, amoman said:
Visit Date:
7/5/2019

As a portage, this would be challenging, especially with several climbs and decents. Overall, the portage was in good condition when we hiked it as a day trip to Johnson Falls. From the portage terminal on Pine Lake, you can hike about 3/4 mile to Johnson Falls to the west. The hike to the falls was in poorer condition than the portage, but well worth the effort! The falls and the swimming pool below were amazing - the kids LOVED it! Johnson Falls was fairly crowded when we arrived, but we were fortunate to have it to ourselves for about 20 minutes between groups departing and arriving.
On 7/19/2018 10:35:23 PM, lawdog82 said:
Visit Date:
7/17/2018

Yes, this portage sucks. No, it is not 495 rods. I'd say closer to 230 (approx. 3/4 mile) based on my MacKenzie Map and my GPS mileage. But is has lots of elevation, which distinguishes it from other long portages. The trail to Johnson Falls takes off to the west from this portage at the landing to Pine Lake. It is maybe 1/2 mile hike to the falls and worth it.
On 3/30/2017 7:45:41 AM, swegler said:
Visit Date:
8/21/2015

If it is a hike you like then this is your portage. Seeing and swimming in the waterfall made this hike worth every step. Just keep telling yourself the waterfall is worth it....
On 8/25/2015 8:29:33 PM, TuscaroraBorealis said:
Visit Date:
6/6/2015

A couple of nasty big long hills to contend with a boardwalk in the middle. At least the landings are nice.
On 5/26/2015 1:26:23 PM, Wawiagamok said:
Visit Date:
6/16/2009

Let's just say my group called this the "Death March" while doing it in the rain.
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Canoe Lake landing
Canoe Lake landing by TuscaroraBorealis
6/6/2015