Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Minnesota's pristine wilderness
In the northern region of Lake County (just east of Ely, MN) you’ll find Fall Lake Township, which encompasses a large portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Every year, thousands of outdoor enthusiasts travel to this part of northeastern Minnesota to experience its pristine wilderness and to fish, canoe, hike, and camp completely off the grid. In the BWCAW, there is no cell service, so it’s best to travel with either a guide or someone with experience.
Staying in fall lake & BWCA
Several remote resorts in Fall Lake offer lodging options from newly constructed to rustic cabins and campsites. Many resorts also offer boat, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as fishing guide services. If you’re making a trek into the BWCA, a variety of outfitters can ensure you’re prepared to explore the vast wilderness and likely catch your limit in fish.
If you plan to camp in the BWCAW, you’ll need to apply for a permit, which the US Forest Service limits annually. Plan ahead if you’d like to visit between May – September, as the permits are very limited during the summer months.
Lakes near ely in fall lake township
In addition to Fall Lake, the area includes the White Iron Chain of lakes, including:
- White Iron
- Garden
- Farm
- South Farm (BWCAW)
- and Birch Lakes
Other popular lakes located within Fall Lake Township include:
- Snowbank Lake
- Newton Lake (BWCAW)
- Basswood Lake (BWCAW)
- Moose Lake (BWCAW)
- Mudro Lake (BWCAW)
- Jasper Lake (BWCAW)
Of Lake County’s 829 lakes, 799 of them are located within the BWCA!
outfitters in the BWCA
Basswood Trails Guide Service
Basswood Trails Guide Service can help you plan your next great Northwoods adventure! As one of the longest-running custom guide services out of Ely, Minnesota. …
Boreal Triangle Guide Service
Boreal Triangle Guide Service in Ely, MN – a small family guide service and outfitter – is committed to helping you enjoy the beauty of …
Boundary Waters Outfitters
There are several diverse and dynamic canoe routes available directly from their docks that allow you to canoe, camp, fish, and explore from one to …
Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Company
Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Co. has been serving Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Quetico Provincial Park canoe trippers since 1961. Experience and knowledge, combined …
Piragis Northwoods Company
Piragis Northwoods Company, a canoe outfitter in Ely, MN, provides canoe and equipment rentals, sales, and repair services. They strive to be paddlers’ best friends …
Bay Trip Licensing & Outfitters
Bay Trip Licensing and Outfitters is a home/outdoor clothing and equipment shop located in Silver Bay, MN. Take a quick stop in and you’re able …
Fall Lake
Fall Lake near Ely and the BWCA offers public access to fishing and boating. Anglers can fish for crappie, golden walleyes, and northern pike. Fall …
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