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KawnipiKid
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I've not done the Kiskadinna to Muskeg portage for a few years but most of the 150 foot drop in lake level from Kisk to Muskeg is going down very steeply at the Muskeg end of the portage. We dreaded this portage in advance and then found it tough but less bad than feared. I'd still say it's formidable despite being well-used with a good clear path.
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LindenTree
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Our ranger crew brushed out the portages from the cones to Davis Lake last year/2023, that area is pretty good, but steep from North Cone to Davis. I agree with most, try for Davis on first nite.
Can't tell you about the rest of the trip but I liked the reference of the Wall portage by Muskeg Lk. I had to do that a few times last year, fully loaded with our ranger gear.
We also brushed out the portage from Kisk to Muskeg Lk, that one is a little tough.
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A1t2o
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An alternative that I would recommend would be entering through Brule and heading straight west to South Temperance and spend one night there. You want to get an early start on Brule to avoid the wind so this gives you a full day on a great lake. Then you can head north to Cherokee and spend the 2nd night there. For the 3rd night, you can stay on Cherokee again, head south to Sawbill, or turn east to stay in the Smoke/Burnt area then exit at Baker.
I do not see the appeal of heading to Long Island Lake. I had looked into it at one point because of how far in it is and it looked like a bigger lake on the map, but I couldn't find anything really special about the lake. It seems more like something to paddle through than a destination lake.
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BEARnMOOSE
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Traveled to long Island from Brule 4 weeks ago, only difference is we came in from Vernon on the east end of Brule and stayed at Davis for 2 nights. The portage into Davis was a hell of a workout. Our original plan was to day trip back to Winchell before moving on to long Island. Neither of us wanted to go back through that portage 2 more times so we just had a lazy day on Davis. The portage out of Davis to kiskadinna was also very challenging, the high water seemed to make the stream crossin extra spicy. Portage into muskeg was not as over grown as last year, and not difficult compared to the other two.
Wouldn't say 1 day is impossible but you all better eat your Wheaties if you go for it.
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Citadel92
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Group of six of which all have been to the BW before. First time entering Brule. Only have three nights on the lakes and are working back to Sawbill.
Biggest question is has anyone done Brule through the Cones/Davis/Kiskadinna/Muskeg to Long Island Lake in a day? I figure this will be a long day but it looks doable.
From Long Island was thinking of meandering until getting to one of the Temperance lakes for the second night then head down Jack and Kelly lakes and head west from there and work to Alton for night three. That puts us an hour from Sawbill on the fourth morning.
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straighthairedcurly
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If you enjoy the challenge of tough portages, then the Cone/Davis/Kiskadinna/Muskeg route will definitely find you a lot of peace and quiet. I found the portages in and out of Davis quite challenging, especially in wet weather. North out of Davis had beaver ponds that required putting gear back in the boat. The start of it goes through a burn area and was so overgrown that it was impossible to see my feet. But I loved my stay on Davis since I had it to myself.
I haven't done the Kiskdinna/Muskeg portage but have heard it is tough.
Personally, I would stay on Davis the first night, then Cherokee the 2nd night. Jack or Kelly the 3rd night.
For info on the Cone/Davis/Kiskadinna section (Day 3 and 4): First solo: Bower Trout. to Ram
For info on the Cherokee/Temperance/Jack/Sawbill sections (Days 2, 3, 4): Turtles trip report We traveled from Cherokee back to Sawbill more slowly than your plan, but that was because we had a novice with us. But the portages from Cherokee to the Temperances are not particularily easy.
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cowdoc
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I agree with SHC....shoot for Davis. Long Island is nothing special IMO. Davis will be better as long as you get the good mid lake site. It would be pretty tough to finish your day with 3 tough portages....into and out of Davis and "the wall" portage from Kisk to Muskeg. Also, I was confused why you wound go thru Sawbill to Alton only to come back to Sawbill to exit. Stay on Jack or Kelly or Burnt on your last night and avoid big, busy Alton.
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