I have a short mid-May trip planned for Duncan Lake. Recommendations for "must see" locations in vicinity of stairway portage (e.g., overlooks that may not be obvious), points of interest, etc. Also, recommendations for/against camping on Partridge Lake?

A pared down "trip" due to knee recovery, so day trip recommendations, by canoe or hiking, much appreciated. Other favorites of the area, such as campsites, wildlife watching spots, .... Thanks!

If you haven't seen this already? Daddy daughter Duncan daytrips

The report encapsulates a run down of all your requests.

Hiking along the Border Route Trail will lead to a few overlooks of Rose Lake (go east from the portage). Also part way down stairway portage is a waterfall.

+1 outlook on Rose lake.

This is probably all in TB's trip report, but there are Rose Lake overlooks from the BRT on both sides of Stairway Portage.

Also about a mile west of the portage on the BRT is a really nice overlook to the northwest, of the western arm of Rose Lake and Rat Lake beyond. It looks from the maps on this site that you could also get there from the northernmost campsite on Partridge Lake.