Length of portage: 1050m

Portage maintenance regular or low: Regular.

Elevation above Sea Level @ Crotch Lake is 390 meters.

Elevation above Sea Level @ Shirley Lake is 402 meters.

Difference in elevation: 12 meters.

Elevation of highest point: 407 meters. Overall rise/fall: 17 meters.

Landing at Crotch Lake

Topography of under-water approach: One has to paddle up the creek that flows from Shirley Lake. The portage landing is the sand and gravel bank of the creek. A somewhat pronounced current sweeps by it, so one must take care to jump ashore with canoe-rope in hand. There are usually no large rocks in the water, as the current tends to keep the bottom pretty smooth. Note: In times of high and fast run-off, one might be forced to come ashore southwest of the creek itself and to then possibly access the small path downstream of the landing.

Impediments to disembarking from and/or unloading a canoe: No impediments. Just hang on to your canoe-rope, or else the canoe may be swept downstream. Should that occur, there's a foot-trail high-up on the bank that allows you to run downstream and intercept your canoe.

Topography of the ascending grade: Moderate gravel slope up from the landing.

Impediments to moving gear to portage trail: Above the slope is a large level area. Empty canoes should be brought up the slope and placed to the side, so as to not clog the landing or portage.

Portage Trail

General description: The portage is quite smooth, generally quite easy, with only a couple of moderate grade areas and the odd rough spot.

Topographical impediments to travelling: There's a heavily used logging road that crosses the portage, just a short distance from Crotch Lake. Keep your ears open for approaching trucks!

Areas susceptible to impact by periods of rain or beaver flooding: Part way in is a small brook that has washed out the trail. It requires special care in crossing.

Landing at Shirley Lake

Topography of under-water approach: The landing at Shirley Lake is quite smooth. However, when approaching it from the north-east, it is visually tucked 'behind' a large rock hump, located well west of the floating safety barrier above the lake's outflow.

Impediments to disembarking from and/or unloading a canoe: None

Topography of the ascending grade: Negligible.

Impediments to moving gear to portage trail: None.

Submitted by Barry Bridgeford, visited 2005,2006 and 2010, submitted March, 2011