Editor's Note:
Schoolcraft: "We progressed four pauses, and reached the river at the head of the portage, in season to air our baggage -- repair the canoes -- and make the necessary dispositions for an early departure on the following day. The entire distance of this portage is nine miles, which is passed at nineteen pauses, divided according to the unevenness of the ground, and the facilities of travelling…
"The fall of the St. Louis river, between the extremes of this portage is very great, being one continued chain of rapids and falls, and at one place there is a perpendicular pitch of thirty feet. Altogether, the descent may be estimated at two hundred and twenty feet. It is here that the river forces a passage through a chain of mountains consisting of short broken ridges, which give the country a very rugged appearance, and render the travelling excessively toilsome."
Location: near modern Scanlon, Minn.
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View this page in Schoolcraft's 1821 Narrative
By 4 o'clock we had every thing across the portage, for all which we were blessing our stars over a piece of ham & a good dish of chocolate. This is considered a difficult portage and it is reckoned fortunate to pass it in 3 days. We had 20 Indians to assist us — a long talk was held with them this afternoon and many valuable presents made, with which they appeared highly pleased. Weather clear all day & intensely hot. Within a short distance of the head of port, crossed a small stream of good water 1 rod over.
