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Portages allowing Portage Wheels in BWCA ( equipment suggestions )
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Planning trip from either EP 24 ( Fall Lake ) or EP 25 ( Moose Lake ) in 2025. This will be the first year I am going to try to get Entry Permits myself.. I've always asked an outfitter to help me with that part of the planning process. In 2024, we started from EP 25 and using the mechanical portage at Prairie Portage into Basswood Lake. This year, if I can get EP 25 it will be sweet, but our 2nd choice is EP 24. I hear you can use a "portage wheel" from Fall to Newton and Newton to Basswood and going to Ella Hall maybe. I was wondering if the portage between Pipestone Bay to Back Bay ( on Basswood ) allows "portage wheels" too ? I want to be respectful of the rules. Being able to portage our kayaks effiecently and allowing us to enjoy the BWCA wilderness at 62 would be a real blessing if we can't get EP25. Also, any suggestions on Portage wheel specifics would be appreciated. We currently do not own a portage wheel, but I am imagining it will be well used, so I would be looking for one that will last me into my 80's. Thank you in advance! I'm actually excited to possibly use EP24 to be able to see a new area of the BWCA then in prior years.
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(1) BWCA visitors may use portage wheels and other non-motorized devices to transport watercraft over the following routes:
(i) The portages along the International Boundary.
(ii) Four Mile Portage from Fall Lake to Hoist Bay of Basswood Lake.
(iii) The portage from Back Bay to Pipestone Bay of Basswood Lake.
(iv) The portages from Fall Lake to Newton Lake to Pipestone Bay of Basswood Lake.
(v) The portage from Vermilion Lake to Trout Lake.
(2) The Forest Service may authorize, by special use permit, the use of motor vehicles to transport watercraft over the following portages:
(i) Four Mile Portage From Fall Lake to Hoist Bay of Basswood Lake.
(ii) Vermilion Lake to Trout Lake.
(iii) Prairie Portage from Sucker Lake to Basswood Lake
(iv) Loon River to Loon Lake and from Loon Lake to Lac La Croix.
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Thanks: 30 times
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Super helpful “OhPaddler”. Many thanks from MnYoYo
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"The portages along the International Boundary." allowing portage wheels. So would this be like possible if I paddle up towards Knife Lake from Sucker to Birch lake towards Knife ? I'm coming from a position of "a couple old paddlers in solo kayaks that like to explore as much as possible". I'm going to look at what is written about these portages, but, if anyone has experienced these portages lately, it would be good to know if what I am attemping is even feasible. (Portage wheel transporting kayaks approximately 50 pounds ) Honestly, I'm not sure what "The portages along the International Boundary " means, so I am very much guessing Thank you anyone willing to explain these things to me! PS - I obtained a OP permit for EP #25 Summer 2025  Edited by user Saturday, February 15, 2025 4:08:34 PM(UTC)
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I'd interpret the portages from Birch-Carp, Carp-Seed and Seed-Knife as being along the international border and OK for portage wheel use.
While I think it's feasible - I also think that this kind of trip is better suited to canoe.
Maybe try out the portage wheels first? Push/pull them up a moderately rocky trail with some minor hills. Consider doing it when it's crappy/wet out.
Make your decision after your test?
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The border portages are popular. I'd worry about the difficulty of passing with wheels. Carrying it's easy to find a place to step to side.
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