Portage Description:
It was a bit difficult finding the exact location of the portage from Bootleg lake over to the Little Indian Sioux River. The trail is obviously seldom used, and is thus overgrown along the lakeshore, but the best determinant was the trickle of spring water running down the best footpath, up a long, spongy moss-covered glacier scarred slope- it winds off thru the woods along to the top of the hill, and over, on toward the river to the west. As you approach the river valley floor, you'll start to get some spectacular views thru the trees, out into a huge prehistoric looking swampy valley- hopefully you'll be quiet as you approach the river- look for a little lookout on the north side just before meeting the riverbank- from there you can view much of the valley to the south and west.- It's a sure bet that you'll see moose and calves coming down to the river in the later afternoons! I'd choose your campsites carefully in this area of the BWCA- as there aren't too many choices along the river's valley! Look for some high solid ground upstream from here. It's a winding route ahead- and the portage to Little Trout lake may be very difficult to locate easily! All landmarks in this valley are quite untravelled, and are overgrown at best! Keep track of your progress on the maps as you go! You cant really get lost when you're on a river- but you might not be able to know just exactly where you're at either! Bring lots of film, and a good telephoto, and a wide angle lens! lots of nice vistas along the valley. Always have a contingency plan- to stay put if bad weather blows in! Always tie up the boat- to something solid- keep listening and looking for otters, and other wildlife as you wind your way upstream! I found the best/clearest drinking water running down along the portage trails- filter it- it's so good! not green, or 'fishy' like lake water! I'd recommend bringing a bit of beer, or whiskey- to really savor for those special evenings at camp- after a long hard day, sitting next to a small crackling campfire! = "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"

Lake after portage: Little Indian Sioux River
Known campsites: None at all
Lake Description:
Bootleg was stained, but clear- not murky- like good MN tea! Little Indian Sioux River = same but moving steadily, very nice for going upstream, or down!

Portage from Little Indian Sioux River into:
Upper Pauness
Little Trout