Hello!

I am planning a trip for Mid-June and I can't decide between Brule or Duncan Lakes. We want few/short portages this year, but options to explore other lakes. I know both of these entry points feature these options. I read that Brule is quite busy... any other lakes with similar features that aren't as busy? (we're looking on the Gunflint/Grand Marais side for something different). Not to say that we expect to meet no-one else on the trip. So far it's just two people possibly more.

I don't believe we would actually portage stairway, but instead, do some hiking there. Thinking about a 3-4 night stay with one or two campsites. More interested in day trip stuff this time around. We're interested in wildlife, solitude, and fishing. Thanks!

Brule is a monster lake, often with wind problems. Duncan is a rather small lake by comparison. Both are fairly heavily used starting points, so you will see people. Try not to camp on the main route. Brule has a number of side trips available if the wind will cooperate. Duncan has two side trips, to a dead-end lake over a long portage, and down the stairway. The hiking trail is beautiful, and if you want to take a canoe down to Rose, that is a beautiful lake...but with wind issues. You can do a circle loop daytrip from Duncan, but it has some real portages and is an alldayer.

I have been to both and if you want easy portages, do Brule. Both of these lakes can have wind issues. While it's true that Duncan is much smaller, it's shape and layout can produce some large waves. A southwest wind will really produce some large waves on Duncan, but I have yet to see anybody capsize on it and I won't even admit how many times I have been on it.

Duncan is a busy lake and finding a campsite will likely prove to be difficult. I think I'd go for Brule, there is a great day trip up the Cone lakes with easy portages and it's very pretty. Brule has some great island campsites, cool sunsets, and good walleye fishing.

As for the big waves, yes they are intimidating, but you get used to them and it's a great way to see just how seaworthy a canoe can be. Just don't try crossing in high winds, especially if it's early in the season and the water is cold.

Be safe and may I advise wearing a PFD while paddeling big water.

Both are fairly busy entry points. 2 years ago we went to Duncan the 2nd week of June thinking we would have a tough time getting a camp site. We stayed there 4 nights and saw 1 other group paddle through for the entire trip, you just never know. The stairway portage is not the beast everyone makes it out to be yes its steep, but you do have stairs not a boulder field to navigate. Rose lake is worth the portage to be seen from the water. The fishing by the falls was quite productive for us.

I have been to both places and have to say that Brule would be your best option based on day tripping opportunities. No portages if you use Brule, Duncan would have an 80 rod portage. I was at Duncan last year and there were 24 canoes at the stairway portage. Nine on the Rose lake side and 15 on the Duncan Lake side.

tony