I was just curious about the portages from Brule Lake to Winchell. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. I'm taking a group of nine that way this spring.

The 160 rod North Cone to Cliff Lake might leave you a bit winded, but its no big deal. Double portaging, I broke it up into two equal segments with two nice breaks going back for load #2.

In July 2018, I avoid all of the Cone Lakes portages. It was hot, so I waded with the canoe up the first, managed to actually paddle the second(mind your map paddling that one) and waded the third. On a cold spring day with cold water I might choose to portage, although at spring water levels the middle one ought to be navigable. They are all short and easy. Some of the landings were rough if I recall.

The Grassy Lake route is interesting as the lake is just a boggy wetland. I am told the portage is routed around the shore of the old lake so its as long as the two old portages and the length of the lake. Sounds messy to me.

Its a pretty route. Enjoy!