portages

Portages are routes used to transfer watercraft and equipment between bodies of water, most commonly by carrying the vessel overland. The term derives from the French portage, meaning to carry across. On many waterways, rapids, falls, or stretches of unsuitable water necessitate a portage to continue the voyage.

Practicing a portage involves unloading the boat and gear, transporting them along a designated path, and re-launching on the watercourse beyond the obstacle. In canoe culture, boats are often carried in sections, using a yoke or shoulder straps, while gear is carried in packs or baskets on a back frame. Portage routes vary from short, easy strolls to multi-kilometer carries through forest or tundra, sometimes following maintained trails with switchbacks.

Historically, portages were central to the fur trade and travel networks in North America, where Indigenous peoples and voyageurs linked river systems across the continent. Long portage networks allowed access to remote lakes and aided transport of goods and people. In modern times, portages remain common in wilderness canoeing, kayaking, and expedition trips, and may be marked on maps and supported by park services.

Because portage capacity and conditions influence crossing length and safety, proper planning is essential: assessing route length, surface type, weather, weight, and hydration; using protective gear; and avoiding environmentally sensitive areas. Some rivers and parks regulate portage use, and waste disposal should follow Leave No Trace principles.