BWCA Portage 391 (Knife to Vera)

This was the toughest portage of our trip this year and the most difficult one I have done so far on 5 visits to the BWCA. The length is definitely challenging as is the initial elevation change, but towards the middle you have to climb (or descend depending on your direction) a rock face of about 30 ft. Doing it with a pack is challenging as you have to lean forward a lot to keep your balance, but with an 85 lb canoe on your shoulders as I did, it was extremely challenging and scary, specially as it had rained the night before and the rock was very slippery. Surprisingly I made it through this part without issues just to slip further along in the trail on a small wet rock during the descent. No major injuries other than scrapes and a hurt ego. Our sister crew who did the route on reverse had to lower the canoes along the rock face between three people to prevent a fall and injury. Not impossible, but be prepared for a challenge.

the worst part if getting up out of Knife. Nice view from the top. (5 out of 10) 10 being the worst.

Outfitter was concerned about our ability as mid-60s newbies to get over this "tough" portage. As a long-distance backpacker (albeit now with bad knees) this was surprisingly straightforward, although the rocky section in the middle might have been touchy if it had been wet. My partner forced me to put down our Kevlar canoe 3 times, but I could've probably done it with one rest break.

This portage tested my group at 6:30 pm. A bit of a climb and then a steep descent while taking it from the North. Pretty easy to follow, and the landings are nice.

What makes this portage tough in addition to a sizable distance is the elevation change plus a particularly steep section up (or down) a rock face that has just a few foot holds on it. Traveling from Knife to Ensign this one plus the Vera-to-Ensign portage are two that will take a fair amount of energy if you have gear.

It's a medium length with a boulder section at the top, nothing crazy. Traveled from Vera to Knife.

Agree w/Chris...A little bit of everything on this one. There are a few small stretches that have obviously been improved. Sorta like walking along railroad grade - minus the tracks. But, there are a couple of areas that could be absolutely treacherous if it is wet. Steep, and few good footholds. Use extreme caution!

Some climbing and fairly long, but nothing too difficult. Well traveled.