We are indeed flying from Atikokan - we'll be crossing border at International Falls at around 5 or 6. Trying to pull up the map you linked me to as I'm typing this - looks like some useful info to be sure! Thank you for that!

Thanks also for the heads up on the possible perils on approaching the take out for portages - definitely something we'll have to be prepared for, with some 'current' information.

Anyone who has been through he falls chain and poet lakes have any particularly nice places they recommend checking along the way or notables (pictographs etc).