BWCA Portage 327 (Rose to Duncan)

Of course it's a huge elevation change, but at least it really isn't too long. I counted the large stone stairway - 60 stairs - just in the one large section. A few breaks on the way up is definitely needed and don't overload yourself. But really, this isn't too terrible of a portage. I'd rather have short and steep than long. If time allows you should take the BRT west for about a 10 minute hike. Lots of elevation change, but the views are awesome. Take about a 45 minute hike to see an even higher and further away view of Rose Lake.

I love the upgraded staircase. The wooden one was out of place. The new one is a work of art! Thanks to all who volunteered!

Stairway Portage - I never saw the old wooden stairs but the new rock stairs that were installed in 2022 are beautiful, a very nice complement to Rose Falls. It is hard to believe they were built by hand without power tools. You are headed uphill if you are travelling south. It is steep, but what do you expect from a portage named Stairway? :) The Border Route Trail bisects this portage at the top of the stairs just past the waterfall. If you head to the east along the BRT for 5-10 minutes you will get a beautiful view of Rose Lake looking to the NW. If you head west along the BRT, you will get the NE view of Rose Lake in about the same time. If you continue west on the BRT for 2 miles, there are two more vistas. The first will look south over a marshy unnamed pond. The second at two miles overlooks South, Rat and Rose. This last overlook, although a 4 mile roundtrip from Stairway Portage is worth the time and effort! It offers a 180 degree view into Canada and arguably one of the best overlooks in the wilderness.

The famous stairway portage. Yes there are a lot of stairs, but it is well maintained and the waterfall is beautiful. This is a destination for a reason.

scenic portage with two sets of wooden stairs to climb - one with 23 steps or thereabouts and one with 90 some to negotiate. they are placed at a very comfortable angle for walking with gear so do not pose a big hurdle. good place to set canoe down near the falls to take a look. beyond the stairs toward rose there is more steep terrain before getting down to the lake.

If you desire a leg workout then this is your portage. Steep and a few other choice words will come to mind either direction you are taking. Don't be superman - rocks and steps are wet and slippery from the waterfall spray so take multiple light loads. Adjust your canoe angle with weight in the front or back otherwise you will be bouncing the front or back all the way up or down.