I am going on a trip with friends this weekend, Thursday Oct 20th - Sunday Oct 23 (preparing for the cold!). We are planning on base camping on Ensign Lake (entering on Snowbank) and then doing a couple of day trips.
Any recommendations of places to visit close to Ensign?
Any updates or warnings about portages?

Thanks!

Have you checked the weather up there? The temps off the Gunflint right now are 27 degrees with lowes in the low 20's. High today is 39 degrees. Wind gusts up to 25 mph.

Also, most of the outfitters are closed now.

Alex : "I am going on a trip with friends this weekend, Thursday Oct 20th - Sunday Oct 23 (preparing for the cold!). We are planning on base camping on Ensign Lake (entering on Snowbank) and then doing a couple of day trips.
Any recommendations of places to visit close to Ensign?
Any updates or warnings about portages?

Thanks!"

Thursday evening will be a bit nippy, but as you know, the weekend looks incredible weather-wise. I'm going in Fri-Sun, but on the Gunflint side.

I don't know the experience level of your group, so excuse me, but watch the wind on Snowbank! That lake can be a beast. Wear your pfd's!

Are you fishing?

I've been to that area many times, but my group is there to fish. Happy to share what I know. PM me if you like.

Be safe, Pete

We are heading up the same time frame. Just going to take one portage, camp, and then do day hiking on the Angleworm trail. Packing the layers! And some extra calories.

Alex : "I am going on a trip with friends this weekend, Thursday Oct 20th - Sunday Oct 23 (preparing for the cold!). We are planning on base camping on Ensign Lake (entering on Snowbank) and then doing a couple of day trips.
Any recommendations of places to visit close to Ensign?
Any updates or warnings about portages?

Thanks!"

Cattyman Falls is a must see if you are in the area. If you are entering at Snowbank you will portage right past them depending on the route you take. It's worth a stop. If not it is an easy day trip (2 portages) to see them.

Someone already mentioned Cattyman Falls. If you did this on a day trip I would suggest paddling a bit further East to the Jordan to Ima portage. The narrows right before the portage are pretty cool.

The other day trip I would take is to Knife and a visit to Dorothy's (Rootbeer Lady) Island.

Also don't know if you are set on Ensign for your base camp, but with the Snowbank entry Abinodji would also be an option. A bit closer and smaller water in case the wind picks up. On one hand, Ensign has better fishing if that is important but Abinodji is a bit more off the beaten path and you would definitely have the lake to yourselves. However during this time of year I doubt too many people would be an issue.

The weather looks fantastic! 60's with light winds! Just watch out while you are coming out on Sunday as the winds start picking up along with the chance of rain. Forecast says SE wind, so when you get to snowbank just hug that SE shore all the way back.

Did you go? If so how did things work out?