The Portage between South Lake and Rat Lake

Portaging Direction: From South Lake to Rat Lake

This portage is mostly flat and is well worn from the passage of many feet over several centuries. The landings on both ends of the portage are excellent. There are a couple rocky spots and once location where the portage crosses a creek on large boulders. Just after you leave the South Lake landing, an access trail to BWCA Campsite 2064 is on your left. The historical name of this portage is simply the South Lake Portage and it is depicted as such on most maps of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. A small creek flows into Rat Lake next to the Rat Lake landing. There is a boundary marker also at the Rat Lake end of the portage.

Now that you've made it over the portage, visit: RAT LAKE

Portaging Direction: From Rat Lake to South Lake

Good landing at Rat Lake. The small creek coming from South Lake flows into Rat Lake here. There is a boundary marker pounded into a boulder right in the center of the landing. The portage trail is very nearly flat over its entire length. About halfway down the trail, the portage crosses a small creek by hopping across some large boulders. Just before you reach the South Lake end of the portage, there is a trail leading off to the right. This trail connects the portage to BWCA Campsite 2064. There is also a great landing on the South Lake end of this portage. This historically significant portage dates back to the fur trading days. On most maps it is named simply the South Lake Portage.

Now that you've made it over the portage, visit: SOUTH LAKE

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