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. So if you’re making a trek into the BWCA, various 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 must apply for a permit, which the US Forest Service limits annually. Be sure to plan ahead if you’d like to visit between May and September, as the permits are very limited during summer.
Lakes near ely in fall lake township
In addition to Fall Lake, the area features the White Iron Chain of lakes, including:
- White Iron
- Garden
- Farm
- South Farm (BWCAW)
- and Birch Lake
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)
Fun Fact: Of Lake County’s 829 lakes, 799 of them are located within the BWCAW!
outfitters in the BWCA
Basswood Trails Guide Service
Boundary Waters Outfitters
Boreal Triangle Guide Service
Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Company
Duane’s Canoe Outfitters
Echo Trail Outfitters
Jordan’s Canoe Outfitters
North Country Canoe Outfitters
Piragis Northwoods Company
Spirit of the Wilderness
Williams & Hall BWCA Outfitters
