BWCA Portage 271 (Lower Pauness to Upper Pauness)

This pretty rapid set was pounding with the recent rains. The landings are both in the current right now and its a relatively steep up and over through this scenic little valley.

Used this route once and the other portage several times...it's just complicated. The approach, landing, technical walking, slippery, etc. That said, I'd rather be working through this portage than not spending time in the BW!

This portage has only grown worse. During our visit, the wild rice patty has grown huge on the Upper Pauness side, and there's a beaver dam a little way into the Lower Pauness side. I didn't mind the portage itself too much, but the difficulties even getting to it on either side make the longer portage a no brainer. At this point, we all might as well let this portage rewild.

This portage is indeed steep and short, but in dry weather I wouldn't hesitate to take this portage. That said, we did the other one on the way out, and we found this way adds a quarter mile to your paddling. Basically, I would make the choice based upon weather, especially rain and the direction of the wind.

short and a bit steep. lotsa rocks. most outfitters advise taking the longer portage.

Very steep on the Lower Paunes side. I recommend the 40 rod portage instead if you're heading to Loon Lake.

Note: The portage is on the RIGHT when going from Upper to Lower. The campsite is on the elevated ground to the left, you should see the canoe landing with some rock steps to the fire pit. The portage is extremely short, but steeper than the northern portage, and footing is a bit trickier. 1/5

The portage is on the right side of the rapids. Don't do what some friends did and portage into the campsite on the left side then bushwhack down to the water. They told me this portage was terrible! It's actually a short but steep up over on some rocks. The pool below the landing looks like a good place to wet a line- but we didn't take the time.