Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Portage Trail
Fur trade route through pristine wilderness
Following the footsteps of 18th-century voyageurs, this remote route winds through Voyageurs National Park’s backcountry between Crane Lake and Ash River along old portage roads. The trail parallels ancient canoe routes used by French-Canadian fur traders, crossing multiple beaver dam complexes and navigating around Locator Lake’s boggy shoreline. The infamous Portage Creek ford can be waist-deep during spring melt, demanding winch points and spotters.
Rated difficult for the technical water crossings and soft ground that can swallow a careless driver. High-clearance 4WD with recovery gear essential, plus waterproof storage for electronics. Park permits required — reserve through recreation.gov months ahead. Best attempted July through September when water levels drop. The payoff is camping beside pristine lakes where loons call across water that hasn’t changed since the fur trade era.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1420 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Crane Lake, Minnesota |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What clearance do I need for the rocky portage sections?
Minimum 9 inches ground clearance with skid plates recommended. The technical sections have jagged granite outcrops that will scrape anything lower.
Can I drive this trail in spring or fall?
Best access is July through September only. Spring has impassable mud and water levels, fall weather can trap you with early snow.
Do I need a National Park Service permit to drive this route?
Yes, backcountry permits required in advance through NPS reservation system. Limited daily entries to protect the historic corridor.
What's the hardest obstacle on the trail?
The Beaver Dam Crossing at mile 18 - steep rocky descent into water crossing with no bypass. Recovery gear mandatory here.
How many days of water should I carry since there's no cell service?
Carry 3-4 days minimum - lake water needs filtering and you're completely cut off from outside help if something goes wrong.