Hey all,

We're headed to Crab Lake tomorrow, leaving from public access off Burntside. Wondering if anyone has advice on doing the 360 rod portage vs going through Crab Creek. Complicating factor, we have 3 young kids with us who can't contribute to the hauling of gear in a meaningful way, so there will be doubling back on the portage. Easier to just go back on the mile long portage or anyone have experience entering through the creek?

Thanks!

After the rain last night there will be plenty of water on Crab Creek. However, with three young kids, best take the 1 1/8th mile portage.

I don't have personal experience, but I'm doing that same entry in a few weeks, so I've been reading all I can find about it, and it seems almost unanimous that walking the portage is going to be a better option.
-
Those kids may not enjoy the double portage, but they'll probably be even more useless, frustrated, and possibly in danger trying to climb over and/or help you pull your canoe over the multiple beaver dams that clog the creek. Plus I think there are 2 ill-defined and probably very wet portages along the way.
-
Search the messageboard for old threads about the area...the creek does not sound like much fun, especially with small kids.
-
Ask your outfitter if you're using one as well.

I did that creek several years ago, solo. I share the view of others here, it's buggy, moderately difficult, loosely defined, and the portages were mucky. It was kind of fun for me, but if my kid were with me I'd be worried about setting the wrong tone at the start on the creek. OTOH, the walk is longish but a superhighway of a portage. Bring a Sherpa?