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Plan your perfect canoe trip in the western BWCAW with 29 entry points and dozens of routes near Ely, Minnesota.
Spanning over a million acres on the US-Canada border, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northeastern Minnesota is a world-renowned destination for paddlers. With a canoe or kayak, you can paddle its remote lakes and rushing rivers, near waterfalls and through pristine forests. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong expedition, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Western Region by Louis Dzierzak helps you find the perfect route for your ability, interests, and schedule.
Since 1978, this classic guide—and its companion volume covering the eastern region—has been the trusted resource for navigating the BWCAW, which offers more than 1,000 lakes, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, and 154 miles of portage trails. This updated edition focuses on 29 entry points near Ely, Minnesota, via the Echo Trail, Fernberg Road, and State Highway 1. For each entry point, you’ll find route options for both short and extended trips, with detailed planning information to help you make the most of your time in the wilderness.
Inside you’ll find:
- Complete trip data, including total distance, time, and difficulty
- Permit and quota requirements, plus recommended Fisher maps
- Day-by-day details, including portage info, campsite suggestions, and more
- Fishing recommendations for surrounding lakes and rivers
- Expert tips on navigation and points of interest
- BONUS: Lake Index for Fishing, covering 128 of the lakes featured in the guide
A freelance writer for more than 30 years, Louis Dzierzak has had his articles published in Backpacker, Canoe & Kayak, Cross Country Skier, GearJunkie, Outside, Paddler, Scientific American, Silent Sports, and many more. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, the National Association of Science Writers, and the Society of Environmental Journalists. He lives in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
Acknowledgments
Preface
Locator Map of Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness, Western Region
Chapter 1: Introduction to the BWCA Wilderness
Chapter 2: How to Plan a Wilderness Canoe Trip
Chapter 3: Entry from Echo Trail South
- Entry Point 1—Trout Lake
- Entry Point 4—Crab Lake
- Entry Point 6—Slim Lake
- Entry Point 7—Big Lake
- Entry Point 8—Moose River South
- Entry Point 9—Little Indian Sioux River South
Chapter 4: Entry from Echo Trail North
- Entry Point 12—Little Vermilion Lake
- Entry Point 14—Little Indian Sioux River North
- Entry Point 16—Moose River North
- Entry Point 19—Stuart River
- Entry Point 20—Angleworm Lake
- Entry Point 77—South Hegman Lake
- Entry Points 22 & 23—Mudro Lake
Chapter 5: Entry from Fernberg Road
- Entry Point 24—Fall Lake
- Entry Point 25—Moose Lake
- Entry Point 26—Wood Lake
- Entry Points 27 & 28—Snowbank Lake
- Entry Point 29—North Kawishiwi River
- Entry Point 30—Lake One
- Entry Point 31—Farm Lake
Chapter 6: Entry from State Highway 1
- Entry Point 32—South Kawishiwi River
- Entry Point 33—Little Gabbro Lake
- Entry Point 84—Snake River
- Entry Point 75—Little Isabella River
- Entry Point 67—Bog Lake
- Entry Point 34—Island River
- Entry Point 35—Isabella Lake
Appendix I: Routes Categorized by Difficulty and Duration
Appendix II: Commercial Canoe Trip Outfitters
Appendix III: Lake Index for Fishing
Appendix IV: BWCAW Hiking Trails in the Western Region
Appendix V: More Resources
Index
About the Authors