The portage head on Burntside is a beautiful, relatively open area beneath tall pines. There is plenty of space to spread out should multiple groups arrive at once. The portage itself is over one mile, divided approximately in the middle by a beaver pond which must be crossed by canoe. Not going to lie - this portage was tough for us and took about two hours. We were dropping packs, taking breaks, and doubling back. The first section from Burntside to the pond is narrow, rocky, slick in areas, and boasts several rugged inclines. The trail on the section from the pond to Crab Lake is mostly smooth, but it is a long gradual uphill climb, so be prepared for burning leg muscles. We were fortunate to see beavers on our way in. One was swimming about, the other sitting on a dam. Neither seemed to care about our existence moving through their pond, allowing us to sit and quietly watch them for several minutes. The portage head into Crab has a sandy landing and plenty of space to drop your gear.