I took the portages between Argo to Brent last year. You mentioned going through Elk Lake. Elk Lake is not part of the direct route from Argo to Brent. Elk is accessible from the south end of Cone Lake. Below are the portages I took last year.

The first portage from Argo to unnamed lake is nice. First 5 rods will be wet though, walking through a sandy bottom stream.

The second portage from unnamed lake to Cone Lake is much harder. The length is 180 rods. I dont remember specifics but there were lots of rocks, roots, and several muddy spots. The trail is maintained and a nice log bridge saves you from from a messy situation.

The portage from Cone to Brent is also rocky with a couple of steep downhill spots to maneuver through. The trail is not as hard as the last portage and only half as long.

We camped on Argo and Brent so I don't know about the campsites on Cone or Elk. However we did spend some time on Cone catching Lakers near a mid-lake hump. Did not see any campsites. With it's clear water and wooded shores this secluded lake could be great for camping.

Posted by Kevin on January 24, 2000 at 02:02