So how hard is it to go down the "wall" on the Muskeg end?

I went the other direction, Karen. It's steep and was awkward enough going back down without a load to get the other loads. I ended up tripling the "wall" part by putting the canoe down there and going back for it. Some of the step-ups/step-downs were high. The pictures I took don't really do justice to the steepness of it.

Well, at least I have been fore warned. We are planning to go that way. So I hope we don't have to use the pulleys to lower the canoe down. Hahaha

You might ;). What's your route? I went from Cross Bay to Poplar in 2012, via Long Island, Muskeg, Kiskadinna, Omega, Pillsbury, Allen, Horseshoe, etc. You might find my 2012 trip report helpful if you're going through any of those. I also have about 50 pictures in my photo album here and more in my 2012 album here. . The Omega to Kiskadinna portage has a short but awkward little end on Kiskadinna - just be careful when you turn at the bottom. The Muskeg-Long Island portage is or was flooded out on the Muskeg end by a beaver dam and the rest of it is a real rock garden - see pictures. It is nice quiet country through there and I enjoyed it except for the portages. I saw a moose on Muskeg Creek. Omega is a real nice lake. Have a good time!

Thanks, Steve! I am going to share your pictures with my husband.
I think this might be the most challenging portage of our trip. The plan is to leave from Winchell and up through Omega which I hear is a beautiful lake and then hopefully get to Long Island unless we ditch for the Muskeg campsite if it's later that we expect.

It's really not a long trip. We want to spend an extra day at Winchell and hike up to the cliff side to get some good photos. looking forward to it!

Thanks for the info.

Me thinks I will take video of the wall when we are there.
Report to follow

It will be challenging, but at least you'll be going downhill. Your main concerns there will be getting good foot placement and not banging the rear of the canoe behind you. It will require some serious forward tilt. I would suggest the person not carrying the canoe follow the other down.

It was a long day for me from Long Island to Omega. I don't remember looking at the Muskeg site, but the Kiskadinna site across from the portage wasn't much.

You'll enjoy the area and I'll enjoy the video and your report :).

Did it once...don't think I'll do it again ...
watch your footing ...I went down with a full load ...take your time and take it easy