Having looked at a few older reports on-line about this portage, it sounds pretty foreboding. Has anyone been along it in the last, say 3, years? Specifically, has the portage been re-routed (one older report seems to hint at that)? I'm wondering if its going to be too much for two mid-70s types to tackle. Thanks.

Phoenix,

Let me admit, up front, I have very little constructive information to offer.  Of course, that has seldom stopped me before.

My personal experience on that portage dates back over 25 years.  At the time it seemed merely "longish" but not particularly foreboding... unless you find severe "tick infestation" to be foreboding.  By the time I finished double-portaging it, I picked off 17 of the little beggars.  It was an early June trip, as I recall.  Hot, sweaty, tough but I would say "do-able" - at least back then - for older campers.

Since that time, a number of friends have either tackled or attempted to tackle that portage.  Apparently blowdowns really screwed up the works several years back.  One of the most experienced trippers and bushwhackers I know actually "gave up" trying to get through the mess one year and re-routed his trip.  A few years later, a couple other experienced paddler friends reported the portage itself had been re-routed and was considerably "more challenging" than in the old days.  Frankly, I haven't heard anything recently EXCEPT I recall seeing a portage crew report from (maybe) two years ago indicating that park officials had been through there. 

Given the reports I've read AND the accounts provided over the campfire by friends, I guess I'd strongly recommend calling the park office in advance for any updates they might provide.  That area of the park is worth visiting, if possible without taking major risks.  It's excellent for wildlife sighting possibilities (spotted the largest buck I've ever seen), it offers good fishing (including largemouth bass on Yeh), and better-than-average solitude. 

I will be very interested to see what replies you receive on this thread.  Also, if you DO check with park officials, please let us know what you hear.

Good luck with researching conditions on this portage!

Jimbo   8-)


P.S.  Be sure to lather yourself in DEET if you head through there in May or June!

Phoenix,

  I don't know if you read my trip report about the Yeh to Lonely portage, part of my 21-day solo in 2015?

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May 29th.

  I said that it was the hardest portage of the ones I've been on. I was 65 then and doing it solo, with a bum right foot.

  I had to 3x it. My trip report tells the story. That portage has it all, none of it good.

  However, 2 guys, even your age unless you have bad physical issues could do it IF you plan/work smart.
I would break it into sections as the portage itself is.
Take ALL your gear to a point you get tired and take a break, keep doing that until you get to Yeh.

That steep rock face I carried the canoe-up barely, I wouldn't do that way again. I'd drag it up and with two guys that would be easy.

  The bog part was only bad because the corduroy was shot. IF they fixed that, then no big deal.

Plan for ticks/mosquitos like Jimbo advised AND bring plenty of water! In a pinch you can filter water from that small stream you cross just before you hit that steep rock.

Barring physical issues, I'd go for it. You make it thru that portage in decent shape, it will do wonders for your self-confidence!  ;) ;D ;D





 

When you cross that little stream at the rock face, you see a body of water south of it. If you look on the map it shows a stream that runs south skirting a swampy area and comes out at the southwest corner of Lonely lk.

I have no idea if that stream is passable but both times I went thru the portage once Yeh to Lonely and then Lonely to Yeh, that water looked deep enough to float a canoe?

Maybe something to consider checking out ?

I did it 3 years ago.  I took the old portage.  Crosses the same swamp only no board walk. The Yen end has been rerouted and is south of the old portage. It was all new board walk 3 years ago. Don’t remember it being a bad portage once I found the board walk.

Nothing to add except to high light magic's comment about the portage getting moved. Even some very experienced trippers got tripped up ;D  :-[ trying to start at the wrong end of Yeh.