Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Portage Trail

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.