We are thinking about sending a group of 3 boys 3 girls and a male and female chaperone (kids are 13-14) on this route and this mile portage (232 rods) concerns me. It will be mid June. How hard is it? It sounds like the route they will be on will be overall pretty easy but this one portage for a group of young inexperienced portagers could make for a REALLY bad day.

Im just looking for some opinions on how difficult it it, elevation changes and wet/muddy/swampy aspects. I know it depends on rain and all that but just any info would be great.

thanks

Are they just walking to see Johnson Falls or actually portaging? Just seeing the falls I'd have zero concerns. If they are really portaging I may still go through with it IF you're dealing with truly hearty teens. If you have a group of non-athletic/video game-softened kids I'd rethink the idea.

I'd think (hope) young teens could tolerate about anything for 3/4 mile, particularly given the option of multiple trips across if it came down to that.

The trail itself is good. Fairly wide, not rocky. It's a long uphill grade (Canoe to Pine) but not super steep. Once at the top, it drops pretty quickly down to Pine. It will get you puffing a little but not overly taxing. I would think kids that age could handle it with proper sized loads. Take your time and enjoy the views.

I have not been on that 2/3 mile portage before, but to me the biggest thing is, take your time and the portage is not that bad. People go out west and do two week portages around the mountains (they call it backpacking....I call it portaging", so 2/3 of a mile or a mile isn't that bad.

Put some time into packing, make sure that you have a minimal amount of stuff to be carried by hand. Make a plan before the portage about where gear will be staged if necessary. Are you going to walk all the way across with gear, or half way and come back fro more. That way you don't leave some part way.

I would not let the portage intimidate you into changing entry points are not going to a particular lake.

It is a long portage, but very doable for a group of this age. I wouldn't worry about it. If they get a chance, you should try some Splake fishing just east of Alder.

A bit rocky at the beginning but generally fairly well traveled so in pretty good shape. There are areas off to the side to set things down and some folks will leap frog their gear.
I had trouble with the Tusky portage earlier in the summer last year and did a bit of conditioning. I double portaged the Canoe to Pine non stop twice later in the year. I was 68 at the time.

It is a long hard portage. It's even harder the other way, something to consider if you are coming back out that way.

If the goal is just to visit Johnson Falls, they can be reached by foot from the portage, no need to portage canoes.

With the exception of Johnson Falls, I don't find Pine Lake very attractive. It is a long, wide lake running east/west, with no islands or structures that becomes a wind tunnel. I find fishing to be poor and paddling can be difficult. The campsites are generally nice enough but nothing special.

Another consideration is that entire area gets real busy and finding a vacant campsite can be an issue. Find one early. In June, I'd find one in the morning rather than waiting till afternoon.

It is a difficult portage, and it is longer that 232 rods. I have done it both ways, and Canoe to Pine is easier than Pine to Canoe. That age should be able to complete it without any problems, and the area is beautiful and well worth the challenge.