I'm heading into LIl sag in may and I was wondering if anyone had any info on some of the portages heading in that way.

there are a couple ways to get in there. if heading in from the gunflint trail, two of the more popular options are 52 brant lake and 51 missing link lake.

i'd choose 51 any day of the week over 52. granted, the first two portages are longer, but it sure beats the in and out of entry point 52.
i think there are 7 portages if entering 51, and 12 through 52.

I HAVE BEEN THERE THROUGH 51 AND I DID NOT LIKE THE LONG PORTAGE OVER TUSCARORA. THAT MILE AND HALF WALK JUST KILLED ME. I WAS GOING TO TRY GOING IN THROUGH 52 AND DOING THE SHORTER PORTAGES. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT KIND OF CONDITION THEY ARE IN

No need to yell. The new batteries in my hearing aids work great. What's that ringing? Someone answer the phone.

Sorry about the LARGE caps

EP 52 flooded for hundreds of feet last September. The boardwalks were floating. Get (fall) off the floating boardwalks, and you are up to mid-thigh at least in water/muck. When I finished it, I swore I would never go that route again. I agree with going in EP 51, even though those two portages are really tough. Probably never take the two longer portages again, for that matter.

There are a couple of portages on the EP 52 route that are real chest grabbers too before you hit Gillis. Very steep and rocky with several downed trees last fall. I think I would rather do the two longer ones, unless the water was really low. On the portage from West Round to Round, you could not even see the portage due to high water. I spent a couple of minutes trying to figure out where the "portage" was. Turned out I was correct, and only had to wade through knee deep water. Had I chosen the alternative route, I would have waded through about 100 yards of a pond and easily sunk up to my waist.

Either route is not for the faint of heart. There is a cool old trappers cabin if you take the EP 52 route though. Cant't miss it. It is maybe 20 feet off the portage (I think it is the Gillis portage). Prior to last year, it has been about 20 years since I saw it, and it is still there.

Tomster

I agree w/quark2222 & mocha,

I think you'll find the shorter portages on the Brandt side more of a challenge. Looking at each individually, none are absolutely devastating trails - it's just that the short paddles in between really don't leave much time for you to catch your breath. So the weariness kinda sneaks up on ya.

Although, if you've never been to Lil' Sag before???? For the most awe inspiring introduction to this crown jewel of the BWCA - I recommend entering from the Virgin Lake portage.

photo: Gotter ~ Flying portage

Sounds like it's easier to get there from #37, Kawishiwi Lake, although probably longer, but the Fente-Hub and Zenith-Lujenida portages on the way out to Sawbill were no easy way.