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SevenofNine
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This is from memory so I might be off on my portage but here goes: Although a wheeled portage, I really like the portage from Newton into Newfound Lake. I like the overlook and the stop at the midway point with the majestic pine trees where you can walk/climb down to an overlook. A person then can view upstream looking at the rapids, overlook Newfound with the large boulder in the middle of the flow (which gets taller and shorter based on lake height) and get really close with nature. Even my buddy who is afraid of heights climbs down to the overlook.
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bdubber
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I did the Stairway Portage for the first time this Septmeber. It was beautiful, not too challenging and the waterfall was a nice place to stop for a drink of water. 
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jtbwcaw
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I also like the short portages… either after a long portage or tough canoeing on the water!
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jcavenagh
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The yellow brick road...because it means our trip has really started or else we have had a great time the past several days.
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MrBreeze
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quote VoyageurNorth: I also enjoy the portage north of the Horse River. One mile long but the view of the waterfall area is beautiful & since most of the portage is rock ledge, not bad for walking
Mr. Breeze
I also enjoyed this portage.
One that was interesting was not a portage really. We did not want to take the moose river south due to water levels so we got a day use permit and portaged our gear on the hiking trail down to Big Moose Lake. Always a challenge whether hiking or portaging on that trail.
Another favorite is the portage from Sawbill to Alton.
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Cc26
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the last one of the trip.
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TuscaroraBorealis
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quote Savage Voyageur: "My next portage is from McFarland to Pine. "
One's like that are among my favorite as well. :)
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hiawatha
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ozarkpaddler
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quote sdebol: "quote Scout64: "I am going to have to say Stairway Portage going to Rose Lake. It is beautiful with the waterfall and bluffs."
^this"
The Stairway is definitely nicer going TO Rose rather than OUT of Rose!
  
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mgraber
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quote jcavenagh: "The yellow brick road...because it means our trip has really started or else we have had a great time the past several days."
+1!!! Our thoughts EXACTLY! Not so crazy about crossing Bailey Bay on a windy day though.
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PineKnot
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A couple years ago in early July, my son and I did the portage from Crooked to Argo that ends in the southwestern-most arm of Argo. It was mostly uphill for about 1/2 mile, but the walk was super soft through really old-growth pine....haven't been through an area as serene as this since.
When we put in on Argo, we tied on a couple spoons and within a hundred yards of paddling, we hooked into a nice 5 lb trout, followed by several more as we paddled toward the main part of Argo. What a great memory!
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Soledad
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I skied down to S. Hegman lake last winter- such a nice downhill slope all the way to the lake with a steep drop right into a lot of powder. It was by far the most fun I have ever had on a portage!
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Duboly
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Prairie Portage. My favorite. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
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shock
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quote sotaman: "I like the portage going from Seagull into Paulson AKA JAP. It is a long bear that is steap at times and really screws with your head becasue you see water a handfull of times and think you gotta be done but the trail keeps on going. What a treat then when you think you had it right around in the middle you are way down in the rocks and its dark and gloomie kinda how you are feeling at the time. But when you get the last twenty rods and can see over jap nothings is better then that. Also the camp site on the lake is increadible. " a couple of pics of the beaver pond about halfway up the portage to jap, 1997, but yes pre fire a very cool portage.  
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shock
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quote TuscaroraBorealis: "The hike up to Gogebic lake was quite memorable.   " AH ! my 1st trip into gogebic 1990 portaging a coleman scanoe #98 , glad i was 30... but yes another cool portage, alittle bit of work. i remember a huge pine tree that was rotting out , left side of the portage as you started the incline, it was huge and wide. i wonder if its still standing ?
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boonie
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Beaver to Adams is very cool.
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KCMOcat8
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I agree Hanson to South Arm
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jtbwcaw
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One of the more interesting ones for me was the Ella Grace portage... More of a boulder hoping adventure!
Sitka to Cherokee is certainly a challenge...
Pine to Gadwall is a very tricky one too.
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arctic
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Quetico: "Have-a-Smoke" Portage
BWCAW: Crooked-Gillis
Amoeber-Topaz
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mr.barley
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quote Mort: "For me, it's the portage leading from Mora to Little Sag." Mine to.
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dalet
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None of them seem bad as I sit here in my home.
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AndySG
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quote Arkansas Man: "The portage from Insula too Kiana is a good one, I also like the portage from Beartrack to Thumb. Here are a few other good one's Ruby to Lynx, to Oyster to Hustler, and I like Finger to Pocket too! Hudson to Insula is nice also. I like all of them really!
Bruce"
Ditto. I went from Ruby to Lynx and remeber it well. A long trek but arriving at that peaceful, sandy, pine canopied landing at Lynx will remain in my memory forever.
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rlhedlund
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The first one. Because now the trip is a reality.
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TuscaroraBorealis
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Maybe not my favorite.......? The Misquah - Little Trout trail is certainly one I won't soon forget;-)
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moose plums
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I 2nd the Gratton Portage. It was my favorite when It was over.
I really liked the Tuscarora portage. It was long, challenging at times, but fairly easy, and had beautiful scenery along the way. 
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starwatcher
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I agree with you Lightfoot on the Stuart to Dahlgren River portage, I love the huge pine trees, but it also reminds me of one of the more challenging portages from the Echo trail to Stuart River.
starwatcher
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Ho Ho
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I Heart Portages!
It's hard to pick a favorite, I love all of them. But if I have to choose my mind gravitates to the more challenging ones, and like TimA, I think of Yum Yum with special fondness. Not only is it a great portage, but it was there in 2003 in the pouring rain that it occurred to me "I wish I had a cabin somewhere around here." :-)
Inspiration Point -
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rlhedlund
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This was short and steep.
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fishguts
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Yup!
Beemer01 got it right...The Yellow Brick Road....the first of many. 
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myceliaman
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short ones
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boonie
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This fall I went in Mudro for the first time. I thought the longer middle portage above the gorge going into Fourtown was very scenic. There's also a pretty little up-and-over portage around a slot on the Isabella River.
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Beemer01
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Hapstap - You nailed it - Bingo. I don't think that portage sees a lot of paddlers.  Another view of the same stretch - you have to use roots and rocks to pull yourself up the grade.
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cowdoc
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Hey Kevlar, here's your little lake on the Davis to Kisk portage. It was beautiful this Sept. 
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linkslvr
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I have always liked the portage from the parking lot to the Stuart River. Long, yes, but scenic with some nice large red pines along the way.
That being said, I have a hard time picking a favorite. My bowman for the last 20 years and I have always single carried and my head is always stuck up in the canoe. Hard to appreciate the beauty of the trail from up in there.
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timatkn
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Ahhh Gratton Death March..... Here is a pic looking up from Moose Plums spot. When you do that spot feels like you are going straight up or down.
T
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bugman
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My favorite "portage" is the one from the parking lot to the landing.
The one from Insula to Kiana is nice too.
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ktoivola
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The last portage on day one
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YaMarVa
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Angleworm, after you complete this 2+ mile portage without stopping you feel you can do anything.
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fisher
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angleworm for me too. even with stops its quite the feeling of knowing you got longest one under your belt. plus it really is a nice trail.
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mr.barley
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quote moose plums: "I knew I'd get your attention SC! :)
I'd do the Bottle twice before I'd do Gratton again." Only twice?
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Chilly
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The 75 rod portage from Lake of the Clouds to Rivalry is my second favorite portage. It has a neat creek going through the middle that you can't see but can hear if I remember correctly. It was a hot sunny day and there were sections of it that was cool, dark and almost spooky.
In my limited Quetico experience I would say the Louisa Falls portage because the view from the top was top shelf so to speak.
I don't want to put a big red X on the map and tell everyone were my favorite portage is, sorry about that.
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bapabear
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Can't pick a favorite. I can say the favorite PART of the portage is that first glimpse of the next lake!
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Wetlander
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quote bapabear: "Can't pick a favorite. I can say the favorite PART of the portage is that first glimpse of the next lake!"
Agreed
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TuscaroraBorealis
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quote starwatcher: "Snakecharmer; deja vu; I like your picture. Here's mine from my October trip.
starwatcher  " 
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Corsair
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The first portage.
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jwartman59
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i don't think i have a favorite. seriously, the shorter and flatter the better. when i put it that way it strikes me how portages are the inverse of a good woman. (sorry women, just joshing). i know of many portages that i will try to avoid. the rewards have to be worth the effort. maybe that is why i keep finding myself on the angleworm trail portage. at 720 rods, or whatever, whose counting?, the fact that it is maintained as a hiking trail makes it a nice long walk with a canoe. and angleworm is worth that long walk.
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TuscaroraBorealis
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quote Chilly: "The 75 rod portage from Lake of the Clouds to Rivalry is my second favorite portage. It has a neat creek going through the middle that you can't see but can hear if I remember correctly. It was a hot sunny day and there were sections of it that was cool, dark and almost spooky.
In my limited Quetico experience I would say the Louisa Falls portage because the view from the top was top shelf so to speak.
I don't want to put a big red X on the map and tell everyone were my favorite portage is, sorry about that. "
I'm pretty sure you may be referring to the Cherry - Lunar portage?
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Basspro69
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Sandpit to Tin Can Mike, and Tin Can Mike to Horse . For a tester the portage to Crab .
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boonie
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I liked the long middle portage above the gorge between Mudro and Fourtown with the autumn foliage in Sept 2009, although I hated the two short ones right on either end of it.
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TuscaroraBorealis
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quote ozarkpaddler: "I too always liked the Stairway Portage for the waterfall and the views of Rose and the cliffs over on Arrow. But my "Favorite" would have to be the little portage from Kingfisher to Ogish. Pretty little stream beween the two lakes and fairly flat and short with pines and always a white throated sparrow to sing to me when I've taken this portage. TW
  "
 
Seems we're always gettin' wet on that one:)
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moss13
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quote mhclon: " To those who said Angleworm: The year I did it, the middle third of the portage was under water. 2 feet of ice cold water! It was the same weekend someone died on that portage.
However, it did feel like quite an accomplishment. I just wish I wasn't exhausted for the next 3 days."
What!? Please explain. Never heard about anyone dying on a portage.
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bellolake
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Two that come to mind are the Brandt to Gotter and Elton to Little Sag (the longer of the two). The first because it was the first trip with my son, brothers and nephews and I've traversed it both pre and post-fire. It is a great area to see the regrowth following the Ham Lake fire. The second because it is lightly used, somewhat overgrown in spots and presents just enough of a physical challenge.
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ozarkpaddler
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I too always liked the Stairway Portage for the waterfall and the views of Rose and the cliffs over on Arrow. But my "Favorite" would have to be the little portage from Kingfisher to Ogish. Pretty little stream beween the two lakes and fairly flat and short with pines and always a white throated sparrow to sing to me when I've taken this portage. TW
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mhclon
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To those who said Angleworm: The year I did it, the middle third of the portage was under water. 2 feet of ice cold water! It was the same weekend someone died on that portage.
However, it did feel like quite an accomplishment. I just wish I wasn't exhausted for the next 3 days.
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Stumpy
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What!? Please explain. Never heard about anyone dying on a portage. "
This past spring, someone died on the Birch/Carp portage. It happened the day after we passed it enroute to the Bushwhackers Jamboree. In fact it was a guy that I knew, (So I've been told) from my days working at CBO. An old customer.
I've heard of other portage deaths over the years.
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RaisedByBears99
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We did a portage near Red Lake, Ontario. There was no sign of a path. It was a kilometer through the woods staring at your compass, heading for a lake that was really a pond, then another kilometer through the woods on an equally non-existent trail.
While this doesn't sound that good - other than the stress of hoping you were on the right track - the forest was nothing but jackpine, well spaced, and there was no brush. The duff was thick and springy, easy on the feet and back. In the end, it turned out to be a very good portage, and the lakes beyond were brimming with the kind of fishing, walleye and lake trout, that you can only dream about.
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jtbwcaw
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There are many areas either within, throughout, or at one of the ends of portages that deserve noteworthy recognition; the least of which is to say that it is primarily dependent upon/within the eye of the beholder. For me, there are multitudes of reasons that make an area special; from magnificent trees, powerful waterfalls, towering cliffs, and so much more. I am usually inspired by the scenery. Then there’s my wife… she’s an Artist by profession, while what’s special to me resonates with her too; there’s so much more that catches her eye. For her there are so many variables that can enhance or detract from what is basic to me. Then, I have a lifelong friend who frequents the Boundary Waters with me and my wife. For him, the Minnesota DNR Fisheries Lake Survey Reports dictates how he’ll view a particular portage, lake, or scenery… it’s all about the fishing for him.
Before the 1999 July 4th Blowdown... in all of my Boundary Water travels the Lily Lake to Mulligan Lake (off of Brule Lake) was the prettiest awe inspiring portage I've ever had the pleasure to be on. The Blowdown just devastated the 300-400 year old cedars that blanketed the area.
Since the Blowdown… well, I’m hard pressed to pick a favorite. Stairway portage, East Bearskin Lake to Moon Lake, Brule Lake to Vernon, and so many more are very nice, but I guess I’d have to go with the route heading east out of Malberg Lake to Frond Lake (and beyond) is pretty incredible to me.
The Boundary Waters and the Portages within are forever changing; so to then might be the answers to this post; it could be one of those timeless and enduring ones.
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wb4syth
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Clearwater to Mountain is pretty cool. It has a good rise and descent and goes through virgin pines. The trees are huge and there is little to no underbrush.
I believe it is the Tarry-Crooked portage that I have vivid memories of. It was all cedar trees with a clear stream running through them - very picturesque. My wife and I spent some time exploring around that one.
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egknuti
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Portage from Oyster Lake to Oyster Creek. 
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Gudoleboy
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quote egknuti: "Portage from Oyster Lake to Oyster Creek. "
Oh yea fursure dat dere portage deres a good one oh yea with dem big ole pine trees and the like, jus makes a man feel a speshial sorta way dat one dere does. Shes a senic one dere forsure.
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riverrunner
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The one I get to see I can canoe right on by.
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Savage Voyageur
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My next portage is from McFarland to Pine.
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fadersup
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quote starwatcher: "This October we when from Hanson to the South Arm of Knife. The portage is beautiful with huge cedar trees and a babbling brook. Really nice!
starwatcher  "
My favorite too. Enchanted forest is right on, the landing on the Hanson side really sets the tone.
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sdebol
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quote Scout64: "I am going to have to say Stairway Portage going to Rose Lake. It is beautiful with the waterfall and bluffs."
^this
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MNLindsey80
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My favorite one was my first one - and will always be the first one.
You're so gun-ho!
Green out of the gate
fired up
strong
dry
well fed (usually)
adventurous
full of energy
alive
free
awaiting
alive
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Pinetree
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quote TuscaroraBorealis: "quote starwatcher: "Snakecharmer; deja vu; I like your picture. Here's mine from my October trip.
starwatcher " "
Just bumped it back. A good forum with many nice pictues.
Also love those Hansen cedar trees-heard how old they were once and forgot?
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mr.barley
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I like the first one in and the last one out.
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housty9
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haven't found one I don't like, the bigger the challenge the more I like it,Beartrap lake to the Beartrap river is a cool one, or Little Sag to Virgin nice view when you get to the top, another challenging place is Cherokee to Brule lots of boulders on all the portages, yes I'm a little nuts.
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kscorps
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The one between Kahshahpiwi and the unnamed lake north of Side is incredible. I think it's about 185 rods? The massive cliff overlooking the swamp during the final third of the portage is absolutely goregous. It's the quintessential Quetico portage: it begins with a very nice dirt path for the first two thirds of the trail, lulling you into a false sense of security. Before you know it, you're navigating a crazy mud pit while carrying the canoe!
My other favorite is the 180rod portage along the Darkwater River. The rapids alongside a very scenic (and flat) trail makes for a really pretty hike.
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PortageKeeper
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Every one that we just got done clearing.
Way too many memories otherwise. I think back and remember both good and not so good. Usually the 'not so goods' were at the end of a long day and my legs are rubber.
There is something great about so many of them. If I'm heading to Hustler I usually take a break on the portage from Heritage to Lynx. I crawl up on that big rock, catch a breeze and eat my lunch with a great view of the lake.
I love the second half of the Lynx/Ruby portage. Or all of the Stuart/Dahlgren, Pocket Lake/Pocket Creek etc. etc. etc
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mutz
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A short one
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bfurlow
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Hard to say. Each has its own charms. There is one somewhere between Moose and Knife that has the most wonderful greenstone rock planted right in the middle of it. I notice it every time. Not sure if it makes it my favorite, but it is a great touch point on a lot of trips. The color of it is wonderful.
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moose plums
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I too like the Curtain Falls portage. Also how about that good old Bottle Portage?
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apugarcia
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Oh yeah, the portage around Lower Basswood Falls is nice too.
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snakecharmer
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Bottle Portage?!?! I hate the Bottle Portage...always have, always will (not a big fan of mud, muck or mosquitoes).
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linkslvr
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bdubber,
Where is the Stairway Portage?
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VoyageurNorth
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I don't like either of the Bottle portages. One on the north is very hilly & the southern one is the mud pit!
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alpine525
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The Stairway Portage connects Duncan and Rose Lakes which are off the Gunflint Trail.
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VoyageurNorth
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So many I enjoyed & so many I hated (at the time anyway).
But the Elm Portage on Little Indian Sioux is a favorite, so is the "Yellow Brick Road" to Quetico southside.
I just did the Devil's Cascade portage from Pauness to Loon & the view of the Cascade was SOOOO gorgeous that this one is now included too.
I also enjoy the portage north of the Horse River. One mile long but the view of the waterfall area is beautiful & since most of the portage is rock ledge, not bad for walking.
Oops, also really like the portage around Curtain Falls, another nice walk.
Gotta stop typing, now they are all coming back to me & I'd be here all day! :-)
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sotaman
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I like the portage going from Seagull into Paulson AKA JAP. It is a long bear that is steap at times and really screws with your head becasue you see water a handfull of times and think you gotta be done but the trail keeps on going. What a treat then when you think you had it right around in the middle you are way down in the rocks and its dark and gloomie kinda how you are feeling at the time. But when you get the last twenty rods and can see over jap nothings is better then that. Also the camp site on the lake is increadible.
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moose plums
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I knew I'd get your attention SC! :)
I'd do the Bottle twice before I'd do Gratton again.
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Badgerboy
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Any portage leading IN is good for me, portages heading OUT, not so much.
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Stumpy
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My favorite in the BWCA is Horsefish Lake to Pace Lake.
I have not been on it since 1998 (pre blowdown). I was solo.
Horsefish had one of those "spooky" feels to it. I had come to it via Image Lake. On the portage to Pace Lake, I had that feeling of transcending time. The trail was faint back then, but flat sandy, pine needled, dry, and sheltered. I guess a lot had to do with the feel of it, and my emotions at the time.
My favorite in Quetico...I'm still thinking...
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fishguts
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camp-n-scrap
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My favorite portage? Considering I don't have a lot of experience yet I'd have to say that they're all my favorite because they get me further away from....whatever....and closer to....whatever I'm looking for that day. :)
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kanoes
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i really enjoyed the portages from kahshahpiwi to silence via the unnamed lakes. pretty intimate and constant boulder hopping. they werent fun at the time but, thinking back now, they were pretty cool.
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Spartan2
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Adams to Beaver. Back in 1982 Beaver Lake on our map was called Elbow Lake and this is what I wrote in my journal:
"The 90-rod portage from Adams to Elbow Lake was unique--so beautiful I hated to see it end! Enormous boulders along the trail, at a point about midway there was a cliff (150-200 feet high) with a series of boulders which looked dumped from the top by some giant playing with toys. On the very end of the portage at our left a sheer blank cliff rose 60 feet right at the push-off place. This hike was so lovely I retraced it--ferns as tall as my shoulder and so many rocky crannies and cave-like areas."
I have always remembered this portage. We have never been back. We tried to get back to Adams a few years ago but didn't end up going quite that far on that particular trip. It's still on my bucket list.
This was just one portage on a really fun ten-day trip that had some portages that were not favorites, and that included our only real bushwhack (which was actually my fault, but I thought it was fun, too.) Obviously, we were much younger then. :-)
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starwatcher
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This October we when from Hanson to the South Arm of Knife. The portage is beautiful with huge cedar trees and a babbling brook. Really nice!
starwatcher
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Koda
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Thanks mc2mens, I forgot about that one. It's a beaut.
You might want to update your data. It's only 168 rods (per GPS).
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overthehill
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The Shortest One! :) Portage distances can vary considerably between high water levels and low; depending on the terrain. I know the difference in Bottle was at least 12 rods between '07 (low water) and '08 (relatively high)
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Arkansas Man
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The portage from Insula too Kiana is a good one, I also like the portage from Beartrack to Thumb. Here are a few other good one's Ruby to Lynx, to Oyster to Hustler, and I like Finger to Pocket too! Hudson to Insula is nice also. I like all of them really!
Bruce
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SunCatcher
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Sitka to North Temperance coming South. Easy Portage, not so much the portage, as the beauty as you pull onto North Temperance into this ling Narrow finger of North Temperance, Its Beautiful.
Nice Thread.
SunCatcher
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Mort
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For me, it's the portage leading from Mora to Little Sag.
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ultralight
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It's a well traveled one, but I like the Elm portage on the Little Indian Sioux. From what I understand, there was once a large elm tree that marked it on the upstream side. When the water levels are high, the waterfall in the middle is beautiful.
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GraniteCliffs
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No doubt.
It is the next one.
And keep them coming.
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togue
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My favorite is ram lake,nice view at the top. I also like portages in winter,not sure why. Maybe its the surreal fealing winter gives in the bwca.
Pictured: ram lake entry and portage to wee lake in winter.  
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Kevlar
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The portage from Kiskadinna south to Davis...305 rods, starting from a pretty shaded landing among the cedars on the north end. Prior to the '99 blowdown, the portage was mostly shaded, but now is has many open areas with brambles and encroaching underbrush. The portage crossed a small brook on large boulders, swung around a hillside overlooking a small pond that looks like a lake in the mountains, and finished downhill among giant cedars.
On any given trip, the first portage is the one I look forward to the most.
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snakecharmer
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Yup, that is a beauty (Hanson to SA). One of my favorites for sure.
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timatkn
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Kashipiwi to Yum Yum.
Has everything a portage should have. Scenery, rocks, cliffs adversity---a real character builder. BUT the real reason why is it brings back good memories. It was the first time we were away from our son Chase for more than a few days and I was really missing that little one year old. As I was climbing one of the many hills on that portage and getting quite tired, Sara looked back and said, "C is for cookie, that's good enough for me, YUM YUM YUM YUM." That was Chase's favorite song at that moment in time. Probably sounds stupid to everyone else, but it made me laugh. Anytime we were getting tired that dumb cookie song came out :) It was really fun.
one of the views towards the end of Yum Yum
T
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Spartan2
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This is a neat thread. It is interesting to know others' views of portaging, and to have people mention familiar ones, too. Arkansasman/Bruce, I was pleased to remember Pocket-Finger because I recall stopping to set up the tripod and photograph the little cascade along the way. Such a pretty spot!
I didn't write anything to make me specifically remember the 200 rod portage to Beartrack except that it seemed long (200 rods tends to seem long to me whenever) and wasn't too difficult, but for us what made that one memorable was that we saw a loon's nest on the little island below the high rock at the Beartrack end and I got my first photo of loon eggs.
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Beemer01
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I think Fishguts was showing the 'Yellow Brick Road' heading into Quetico - I agree. Lovely, flat, wide and firm golden sand.
It gets harder from there on. :-)
This is the seldom used portage from Emerald to the Man Chain.
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mc2mens
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Insula to Kiana. 180 rods. Up and Down. Beautiful trail and the vista when you get to Kiana is tough to beat.
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Koda
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My favorite portage in NOT the second one between Lake Four and Hudson Lake. That's right, the one that's marked 25 rods on the map but is actually 52 rods (per my GPS) of rocks and roots.
I enjoyed the 140-rod stroll from Disappointment to Snowbank.
I can't think of a favorite, but I remember being delighted to find the portage at the north end of Lake Gebeonequet. Borrowing from that trip report (August 2008 - my first BWCA trip):
The Fisher map shows the portage at the top of Lake Gebe about 100 yards SE of where it actually is. Believing the map, I bushwhack parallel to the shore for about a half hour, trying to intersect the portage trail. There seem to be a lot of little dead-end trails, but we'd met people who had come south through that portage so it doesn't make sense that the portage would be obscure. Finally I remember that the portages have been next to the "rapids" and decide to check it out (the GPS shows the portage in exactly the right spot, but up to now I've assumed the map was right). As we approach the portage we see a couple who have just emerged, ready to shove off on Lake Gebe. duh....
While crashing around in the underbrush looking for the portage trail, I find a section of what I guess is a moose's backbone, then a skull. This is the closest we come to large wildlife:
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mocha
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for beauty the beaver to adams in fall
for challenge the fern to olifaunt
the most difficult would be carrying the canoe to the truck signaling the end of the trip :((
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bradcrc
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I agree with "the shortest"
As winter approaches and it's been over a month now since I was in bwca, my memory is already starting to tell me "they weren't that bad" but I still remember at the time thinking they were my least favorite part of the trip.
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wa0yle
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The one from the parking spot to the Ely Steakhouse bar.
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starwatcher
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Snakecharmer; deja vu; I like your picture. Here's mine from my October trip.
starwatcher
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Journeyman
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The First one. When it's behind me!
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stonecutter
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I'll second starwatcher's choice of Hanson to the South Arm of Knife.
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ducks
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timatkn, I know exactly how you felt:) Our trips the last 2 years are the 2 times we've been away from our little girls for more than a couple of days and we really miss them during our trips. I found myself singing the goofy songs from their Dora CD while portaging. We can't go anywhere in the van without them wanting to hear it.
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hapstap
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Beemer-is that the one that goes straight up from Emerald, if so it is a classic, but not really one of my favorites for same the reason.
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Kiporby
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My favorites are the challenging ones. Such as the portage from Plough to Ottertrack. I thought is was neat portaging through the stream instead of around it!
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L.T.sully
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Hmmm I never managed to get into the Insula to Kiana portage, maybe it was the dreary day and nagging flies. The 2nd hudson portage is not 52 rods, maybe 30 if it's long.
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Koda
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I wonder if I identified the wrong portage. Maybe it was the first one coming out of Lake Four. The first two are shown as 25 rods long. One of them measured 52 rods in two separate measurements. But it might have been closer to 53 rods, since the GPS indicated 0.16 miles (51.2 rods) one way and 0.17 miles (54.4 rods) the other. They average 52.8 rods. I haven't known my GPS to be off by more than a few feet (it's a Garmin e-trex Vista HCx).
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Lightfoot
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My favorite is from Stuart Lake to the Dalhgren River. Follows the river through some very large red pine and has a few small waterfalls along the way.
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snakecharmer
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Another favorite...the "Gratton Death March" portage. Once was more than enough :)
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apugarcia
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I'll second the portage headed north out of Gebe to Pocket Creek. It's nice and short, not too challenging but not easy, and when you're that far away from an entry point it really does feel like the middle of nowhere. Add to that the nice little waterfall and you've got a perfectly scenic and quiet portage.
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moss13
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Ensign-Vera
Hard to pick a favorite but this was on my first solo trip as I was headed to knife lake. Not exactly a walk in the park but the views up top were nice.
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ozarkpaddler
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Seems we're always gettin' wet on that one:)"
You taking the easy way out (LOL)! I haven't been that way since the fire. I bet it's changed a lot. Used to love that Jasper, Kingfisher, Ogish area! TW
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TuscaroraBorealis
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quote Amok: "Ok. Now I'm going to have to find that tree and get a pic. Hanson -> Knife? hmmmmmm..... when to do that one ... :)"
Enchanted forest is the best way I can describe that portage. Has an otherworldly feel to it. Especially by the cedars and the small waterfall.
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Amok
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Ok. Now I'm going to have to find that tree and get a pic. Hanson -> Knife? hmmmmmm..... when to do that one ... :)
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nctry
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A memorable one is the unmarked portage between Fat and Slim Lakes. Back in the Alumacraft days one in our party was cruising along the portage and got wedged between two trees. Had to be there I think. But it's about a mile long and was used very little. I've never been able to find it on the Slim Lake side... But I haven't tried much.
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Amok
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Well, depending on my physical prowess (hahahaa) at the time of my solo next year, this just got bumped to the top of the list! One less decision to make this winter. WOOOT!
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arctic
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quote TuscaroraBorealis: "quote Amok: "Ok. Now I'm going to have to find that tree and get a pic. Hanson -> Knife? hmmmmmm..... when to do that one ... :)"
Enchanted forest is the best way I can describe that portage. Has an otherworldly feel to it. Especially by the cedars and the small waterfall.
A buddy and I passed over that portage by dog sled a few winters ago. Very beautiful, but one helluva workout busting a trail through three feet of unbroken snow with eight dogs and a heavy sled.
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ozarkpaddler
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"Ok. Now I'm going to have to find that tree and get a pic. Hanson -> Knife? hmmmmmm..... when to do that one ... :)"
Enchanted forest is the best way I can describe that portage. Has an otherworldly feel to it. Especially by the cedars and the small waterfall.
Yup, that is another really pretty place. "Otherworldly feel" hits the nail on the head. This one is Hanson-Knife a couple decades ago.
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kanoes
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two...portages in and out of "high man". that strange little lake was worth it.
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Woods Walker
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In BWCA, probably Beaver-Adams... Quetico would be Yum-Yum
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TuscaroraBorealis
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The hike up to Gogebic lake was quite memorable.
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friman001
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thunder to beartrap....because I didn't know if I was actually on it or not...still made it to the lake
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walllee
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Buck Lake to pine lake via Buck creek. Very wild and scenic.
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togue
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quote TuscaroraBorealis: "The hike up to Gogebic lake was quite memorable. "
A favorite of mine also tusc. Read your trip report, it was awesome. Its a bear in summer with gear. Its gotta be tough in winter.
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SunCatcher
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There is a portage in the WCPP that has a name, it is called,
The Enchanted Portage
It is as nice and flat, but long, about a 750 Meters.
It is one of the most pleasant place's I have been.
It is a nice trail, that is like a stroll in a park, only your the only one in the park. Lots of flowers, berries, open areas, woods, meadow;s it is very nice.
Here are some photo's....I remember it well
SunCatcher
 
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SunnyDay
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I have two. The first and last portages of the trip.
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crumpman
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Singing Brook I've been in the Q twice and over this one twice. Easy, pretty, and the cliffs on the Sunday side are a nice place to take in the view and grab an early nap.
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TuscaroraBorealis
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quote togue: "quote TuscaroraBorealis: "The hike up to Gogebic lake was quite memorable. "
A favorite of mine also tusc. Read your trip report, it was awesome. "
Thank you!
More portages
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RaisedByBears99
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quote snakecharmer: "Bottle Portage?!?! I hate the Bottle Portage...always have, always will (not a big fan of mud, muck or mosquitoes)."
Ditto
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Scout64
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I am going to have to say Stairway Portage going to Rose Lake. It is beautiful with the waterfall and bluffs.
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kanoes
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quote RaisedByBears99: "quote snakecharmer: "Bottle Portage?!?! I hate the Bottle Portage...always have, always will (not a big fan of mud, muck or mosquitoes)."
Ditto"
last september that portage was dry as a bone, but i could see how it might be a bitch at times.
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Sierra1
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quote TuscaroraBorealis: "The hike up to Gogebic lake was quite memorable. "
The last time I took that portage I was coming down from Gogebic. I slipped carrying a pack and my Alumacraft and damn near killed myself when the canoe slammed into the back of my neck. I have to get back there. I really love that lake...
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jtbwcaw
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A tough uphill portage to a favorite trout lake!
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BWPaddler
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I like the portage to the car when I am loading up to go on a trip!
I also like the portages that I can stay in the boat... Elbow portage on the Granite River Route was fun... several others that you can paddle up until you can't go any more, and determine that you CAN get there via water - THOSE are the ones I love!
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jtbwcaw
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I remember a day trip from Brule Lake back around to Home Lake a couple of years of so after the South Temperance Lake fire (aprox. 4450 acres burnt), and the portages through this area were open but somewhat eerie.
Overall it was very memorable because it was so different.
I’m planning on hitting the Pagami Creek fire area this year.
My daughter and her husband went through last year and she had a similar experience to mine.
Memorable has a place alongside the favorites!
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Jackfish
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bump
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KCMOcat8
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I agree! Those mature trees and the waterfall make that a very special portage into South Knife Lake.
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520eek
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My first trip, there was an unforeseen route change. On day two ( I think ) we were around the red rock area and there was a 5 rod portage that was to be encountered. Apparently the lake levels were up (in June) and as we got to portage there was some sort of a forest sign that was partially underwater. And so was the portage! We paddled right over the trail and could see down through the water to the trail right below us...couldn't of been more than 3 feet below. It was kind of nice not having to deal with such a short portage. Earlier in the day we had been discussing what would be the most effective way to do this short portage....
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hobbydog
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The portage into Jigsaw Lake (WCPP). Nice vistas, jack pines sprouting everywhere and good footing. A bit long but that just makes the enjoyment last longer :)
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TuscaroraBorealis
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The memory is still fairly fresh, still I gotta add the Sea Gull ~ Paulson portage. It was tough, BUT a very rewarding experience from many perspectives. 
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plainspaddler
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Mine is from my first trip. It was the first real portage I have done. Red Rock to Alpine. (I won't count Red Rock Bay to Red Rock) I just remember when we got to Alpine that I was thinking I have finally made it! I had just turned 39 years old that day and I had finally made it to the BWCA! What a way to spend a birthday!!!
Mike
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TuscaroraBorealis
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quote Stumpy: "My favorite in Quetico...I'm still thinking..."
.....Well, it's been nearly 6 years, what did you come up with??? :)
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schweady
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Angleworm entry and the Angleworm-Trease portage. Because I can say I did them and because of the vivid, recurring stories about them. And because I'm not on either of them right now.
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