Planning a trip into BWCA & Quetico in early October and looking for information on what the portages are like from Carp to Emerald then to Plough then to Ottertrack.  I haven't been able to find to much info on any of them.

PRK,

I plan to travel that route in Mid-September and come back through the Man Chain.  Will be happy to provide information when I return.  You might remind me here after September 22nd or so.  I have good intentions, but a poor memory.

I have been to Carp many times and the portages are not bad at all.  I do recall always finding ticks on the Carp to Emerald portage.  I have not yet been beyond Plough.  I also recall seeing Otters everywhere we went on Plough.

Good luck on your trip.

Regards,

MossBack

I camped on Emerald in 2013 and daytripped to Plough.  Big cedars and a wooden plank trail there.  The landing on Plough is not good however.

The portages from Carp to Emerald are rather well traveled and I don't remember any difficulty.

Welcome aboard! There is a portage database on this site and no doubt, others will chime in. I can't add to what you've been given.

When you join, you'll discover more of what QJ has to offer. It's the folks here who make this site the 'go to' authority on all things Canoe Country. 8-)

Thank you for the info to all who responded. I will check back with you in late September MossBack after you are back from your trip to see what you found. Thanks again.

PRK,

You asked about the portage from Plough to Ottertrack.  Not pleasant, but I have been on much worse in other parts of the park.  I was triple portaging, which I hate to admit, but it will show in a later trip report anyway.  I had a 42 lbs canoe, one 50 lbs  pack and a 45 lbs pack. Yes, I know, a ridiculous amount of gear for a solo.  Still in my lifelong learning curve. The portage is 142 rods and has a couple of very steep , but relatively short sections.  It took me exactly 2 hours total, but I am not exactly fleet of foot anymore.  It had been some time since there had been any rain and I believe it would have been much worse if the portage was wet.

I stayed in the first 4 star sight after turning North off the border route, which was a nice camp.  I looked at the other 4 star on the North end and I liked it a bit better.  I would quote you campsite ID numbers, but apparently PaddlePlanner is down at the moment, just after midnight.

Hope this helps.  Have a safe trip.

Regards,

MossBack