Click to View the Full Thread

Author	Message Text
Spartan2	03/25/2014 12:12PM   I certainly remember them, but can't say that I have missed them much. The last time we saw one, I believe, was at the portage to Iron Lake on our 1985 trip. There is a photo in my trip report that shows it if you look closely.
schweady	03/25/2014 03:14PM   From 1978, leaving Stuart River and heading back to the Echo Trail. Sign text: PORTAGE ELY BUYCK ROAD 513 RODS
FullGo	03/25/2014 03:37PM   I wish they still had portage markers, but given many of the stories of vandalism and destruction in the BWCA, I imgaine it would be more work than they are worth.
HansSolo	03/24/2014 11:22AM   quote starwatcher: "How many remember portage signs? I do miss them. Did the forest service remove them? Anyone have any photos or remember any special portage sign? starwatcher" I can't say for sure if the Forest Service removed them. I remember something about the Forest Service saying that when the portage signs fall into disrepair they would no longer replace them. Funny thing though, the next year after that proclamation most of the portage signs were gone. So I don't know if the Forest Service physically removed them or if BWCAW canoe-campers took them as souvenirs figuring the USFS wanted them gone anyway. Hans Solo
LuvMyBell	03/24/2014 11:46AM   The portage markers were removed long before I began tripping in the BWCA. The vast majority of portages are easy to find with any of the maps. Some of the portages are mismarked on some maps but even they get you close so you can find them. Some portages don't require a map to find. Just observe where the other canoes are travelling to or from. The majority of my trips since 1999 have been in the central region of the BWCA, so I know that area pretty well. I still bring maps and GPS because I like to use and reference them. I rarely bring a compass to the BWCA simply because I don't view it as being a place I need one. We stick to the lakes and portages and don't do much hiking so a map is all you need to keep your bearings. There have been a few areas where it took some looking to find the portage. One that comes to mind is Makwa Lake to Boulder lake through Hoe, Fee, Vee, and Ledge. It would be nice if some of those portages were marked, but if you use common sense, review your maps and keep calm, all portages can be found without the aid of markers. Having said that, I wouldn't care if the markers, canoe rests, bear poles or even picnic tables were used again. For me these wouldn't detract from the expereience anymore than toilets and firegrates do.
OneMatch	03/23/2014 09:12PM   They are still up in Superior National Forest that is outside the BW. I did a loop from Fenske Lake last year with the orange diamond denoting the portage: Fenske - Bass Loop trip report
deerfoot	03/24/2014 11:53AM   Sylvania Wilderness Area, Ottawa NF, Upper Michigan. Found this rotting portage post marker in the woods near this portage. The USFS pulled the markers and apparently discarded this one in the woods when the area was designated a wilderness from a recreation area. At this same time small picnic tables were removed from all campsites. As I recall this happened in the late 1980's or early 1990's. I sawed off the rotting back side and it is a rec room decoration now.
mooseplums	03/23/2014 09:21PM   Portage signs, canoe rests were purposely removed by the FS. I prefer a wilderness trip without these...just use a map
starwatcher	03/23/2014 08:44PM
Savage Voyageur	03/23/2014 09:06PM   I remember these on many portages, cool at the time, but I'm glad they are gone now.
OBX2Kayak	03/23/2014 09:23PM   Forgot about portage markers. I don't miss them at all.
starwatcher	03/23/2014 08:37PM   How many remember portage signs? I do miss them. Did the forest service remove them? Anyone have any photos or remember any special portage sign? starwatcher
OtterTail	03/24/2014 04:31AM   I might vaguely remember them, they where removed when I was very young. I seem to have this memory of the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters asking my dad to hang a small flag or handkerchief or something on one of the portages out of Sawbill Lake so others could find it the same summer they removed the portage signs.