BWCA Portage 696 (Sawbill to Alton)

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Portage Information
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Approximate Length:

133m (27 rods)

Lakes:

Sawbill, Alton

Climb/Descent Meters:

5.6

"Hilliness" Index

# of Comments:

On 9/1/2024 12:15:37 PM, coyotesamigos said:

Visit Date:

8/5/2024

Short wide trail with good landings on both sides. Formerly a motorboat portage. worst part of this portage is waiting your turn to cross,

On 3/28/2023 4:21:29 PM, Riley Smith said:

Visit Date:

1/8/2022

I have taken this one in the summer also and it is easier then. The portage is wide and well-travelled with a rock shelf in the middle.

On 12/26/2022 4:07:31 PM, Everylaker said:

Visit Date:

6/20/2015

Just about the easiest a portage can be without being a liftover. Sawbill landing is back in the bay but easily visible, with a standard amount of rocks. Alton landing is in a sheltered, shallow rocky area shielded by large boulders. Area gets a lot of traffic. 1/10.

On 12/8/2021 9:02:53 PM, MNBorris said:

Visit Date:

5/30/2020

Easy portage. Great landings on both ends.

On 7/14/2017 6:38:53 PM, Northwoodsman said:

Visit Date:

7/12/2015

One of the nicest and easiest portages you will find in the BWCA. Flat, wide and short. Okay landings on both ends.

On 10/2/2015 12:30:38 PM, tab1324 said:

Visit Date:

9/24/2015

Easy - couldn't be much easier and still call it a portage

On 8/10/2015 1:18:40 PM, swedescot said:

Visit Date:

Flat, wide and short. Used to have narrow guage rails with hand cart pre-BWCA. Remember using it for motorcraft in 60's as kid with parents. NW Alton-Kelso portage was also railed. Apparently built in 50's to ship in steel for fire tower construction west of Kelso lake (gone now as well).

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