Hey folks,

I just returned from my first solo trip from Bayley Bay into Kashapiwi. I am pulling together a trip report but thought that I'd give everyone an update on this portage as well as others in the area that I used.

The portage into Kash from the Side Lake direction is different from how it's depicted on the McKenzie map. It's actually split in two as opposed to one long route on the map: one very short portage of 2 or 3 rods located on your right. The trail climbs up about 10-15ft from the lake going over a granite bald-face rock ledge and then the trail disappears into the water of the swamp.

I was forced to put the boat back in, reload and paddle into the swamp for about 30 yards or so. The next section is again on the right and hidden back into the swamp. I found it by looking for where the forest descended into the swamp (the trail is right there). This trail climbs a short 10 to 15 ft again into the woods, continues for maybe 10 rods or so and then descends into a boot-sucking bog. Don't step of the barely-visible corduroy logs laid out or you may sink in up to your upper-thigh...as I found out.

The bog trot continues for about 20 or 30 rods until it rejoins the forest. From there it's a straight shot to Kash.

I looped out via the McNeice portage to Shaun Walshe, Yum Yum, Grey, etc. eventually rejoining my way in via North Bay. Most of the portages have at least some or alot of 12-16 inch blowdowns and deadfall. These are probably typical for this park or any park for early May. The portage crews obviously have not been through this area yet.

On my way out, I found the maintenance crew at the PP ranger cabin setting it up. They flew out the next morning in the direction of Cache.

Anyway, I hope that this information helps if anyone is going in that way soon.