Boundary Waters portage Posted by: Arin Kurttila Season/Year: Spring 08 Water Level: high Length: 320 rods Rating: never again

Additional Perspectives:

Portage Description:
Ok, so there is no portage. Basically the way we got to State Lake was to bushwhack up the hills on the southeast end of Winchell Lake, and head south towards State. This area was partially burned out during the 2006 Redeye Lake Fire, making the initial climb relatively easy. Once on top of the hill, it's a nightmare of blowdown, marsh, and thick undergrowth. By the time we reached State Lake, our GPS told us we had walked 2 miles (it's only 1 as the crow flies) traversing the thick woods and marshes.

Lake after portage: State
Known campsites: None at all
Lake Description:
State Lake is beautiful, and one can tell that it is almost never visited. Surrounded by steepish hills on all sides, and containing one small island. The shoreline is incredibly rough; we were unable to find a good rock face to get out on. The waters along the shore are shallow, and the water clear enough to see the bottom well out into the lake. It's clear the only way to successfully fish this lake would be by boat or chest waders. Ultimate serenity.

Portage from State into: