BWCA Portage 242 (Beartrack to Thumb)

This portage is long but quite easy and enjoyable. Gradual hills for the most part, one short steep climb heading west. Great scenery and goes by a cool big boulder.

While it's a bit long, it's positively gorgeous with wide open spaces of blowdown completely covered by moss. It kind of felt like walking through Middle Earth. I read some cautionary reviews of this portage, but heading east, I remember the beauty much more than any difficulty. The climb from Thumb to Beartrack is certainly formidable but not too bad. Bring some water and a bar to snack on when you walk back for your second load and enjoy the scenery!

Coming out of Beartrack, the beginning was quite steep. I was huffing and puffing by the time things leveled out in the middle.

Decent landings on both ends. Most of the trail is quite level & across an excellent flat path. Only as you near the Thumb lake end does the trail begin to drop and rocky, as well as muddy, sections are encountered. Thought the large expanse of mossy forest floor in the mid section was pretty neat.

This is a rather long, but not-too-challenging portage. Decent landings, gentle elevation changes, and a good trail make this a pleasant portage overall.