Planning to enter at entry point #16 Moose River and end at Mudro Lake, via Lac La Croix, Iron lake, Crooked Lake, Horse River. At lower Basswood Falls, there is a portage on the Canadian Side, but none shown on the American side. Last year on a different trip, we were told by the Forest Service not to cross into Canada at all, due to Covid. I am thinking it will still be the same this year. Is there a way around lower Basswood Falls on the American side ?

It's in another post and seems credibly reported that the USFS interpretation of the closed border not permitting portaging on the Canada side was incorrect. The provisions of the Webster–Ashburton Treaty still apply.

I agree with billconnor. You can use the portage.

You can use that portage. Same with the next one at Wheelbarrow (but you won't be going quite that far)

I used that portage a couple of years ago. It's ok.

I've used it, too. I would hope no one gave you a hard time for being safe.

Mike

We used both the Canadian Wheelbarrow and LBF portages last year.
No worries