For the last few years my group has done a trip into Seagull in March
We always use the Blankenberg lot to take off from and head to the area areound the Palisades. Summer trips we use the trails end launch and paddle up "the shoot" into seagull. I wondering if there is any merit to setting out from trails end vs bankenberg. It looks shorter on the map but Im concerned about open water/bad ice at the narrows before you get into seagull. Seems like the standard shove off point is Blankenberg and pick up the snowmobile trail until you get to the park boundary.

Anyone ever use this route?

Andy at Tuscarora shares his perspective in this excellent Gunflint Winter Parking/Entry Video .

Wow what a great video!
I have also only used the main lot as I also have concern for the ice in that area especially later in the year when things have warmed up a bit.

Thanks for the link. Looks like the pros do not outweigh the cons of open water. Leaving in a week and forecast looks balmy!