GATEWAY BWCAW

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is like no other place on Earth. This wilderness preserve is more than one million acres of glacially-carved landscape, crystal clear lakes, and Boreal forest accessible only by canoe or foot (or skiing or dog sledding in winter). And the Gunflint Trail offers 44 entry points into this protected area. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 2,000 designated campsites, and more than a dozen major hiking trails, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise!

Visitors from all over the world travel to the BWCAW for its unique experience. Here, you can truly get away from it all. Life’s tensions fall away as you’re canoeing, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, watching the northern lights, admiring the scenic beauty and wildlife, and enjoying undistracted time alone or with loved ones.

There are many ways to enjoy the Boundary Waters whether you are an experienced adventurer or new to exploring the outdoors. You could take a multiple-day canoe trip, paddling from lake to lake via rivers or portages (a hiking trail between lakes); a multiple-day backpacking trip; or an easy day trip for canoeing, hiking, swimming, and fishing.

Want to go, but don’t know where to start? No problem! Any of the Gunflint Trail’s friendly outfitters will be happy to answer your questions, set you up with equipment, and even take you on a guided tour!

4.0+

See ad page 51 and listing page 62

9.4

13.1

Admire the tall white pines that line the road on this section of the scenic byway.

The trail to Northern Light Lake Overlook is a 1-mile uphill climb to an awesome view. Climb up 1/2 mile to the top and see beautiful vistas overlooking Northern Light Lake.

22.5 Turn off to hike the Moose Viewing Trail. The short out-and-back trail follows the snowmobile trail, then turns down a hiking trail to a moose viewing platform on Swamper Lake. See if you spot one of the most elusive creatures on the Gunflint Trail!

See ad page 55 and listing page 63

26.0 Turn on E. Bearskin Rd. to get to Bearskin Lodge, and the E. Bearskin Lake Campground. Launch a boat or canoe for a day of fishing on the lake, or portage into the BWCAW. Bearskin Lodge rents equipment like XC skis, snowshoes, boats, canoes, and kayaks.

27.4 Turn right onto Clearwater Rd to hike to Honeymoon Bluff. It’s a short, steep hike to one of the Trail’s most scenic overlooks.

29.0+ HUNGRY

Jack Lodge

See ad page 55 and listing page 63

29.0+ Turn on Hungry Jack Rd. to hike the Caribou Rock Trail. Take the short hike to a view of West Bearskin Lake, or continue on the trail for a look at Moss Lake then Duncan Lake. Continue to meet up with the Border Route Trail. In the winter, Hungry Jack Lake is popular for ice fishing and snowmobiling. Day use BWCAW permits are available at Hungry Jack Lodge, and they have gear, food, and advice for your wilderness adventure.

29.0+

Border Lakes Tours

See ad page 55

29.1 You have now reached the section of the Trail called Mid-Trail. Find a small collection of lodges, gift shops, and restaurants. Stop in to say hello and see what they have!

30.0

NOR’WESTER LODGE & CANOE OUTFITTERS

See ad page 55 and listing page 63

BIG BEAR LODGE

31.0

See listing page 63

32.9 Pull off at the Laurentian Divide Scenic Overlook. Waters north flow into Hudson Bay and Arctic Ocean. Waters south flow into Lake Superior and Atlantic Ocean.

38.4

LOON LAKE LODGE

See ad page 57 and listing page 63

38.4 Turn on County Rd. 51 to rent a standup paddleboard at Loon Lake Lodge. Further down the road, take the Crab Lake Spur Trail for a hike to Bridal Veil Falls (8-mile round trip).

43.9

GUNFLINT LODGE & OUTFITTERS

See listing page 63

43.9

JUSTINE’S AT GUNFLINT LODGE: LAKESIDE DINING & GIFTS

800-328-3325 gunflint.com

Fine dining and a casual bistro and bar. Enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer and homemade regional specialties from the dining room or patio overlooking Gunflint Lake and the Canadian shoreline! Largest gift shop on the Gunflint Trail! Seasonal activities include boat and snowmobile rental, zip line canopy tour, and riding stable.

44.6

BORDERLAND LODGE

See ad page 55

47.4 Magnetic Rock Trailhead. Hike 3 miles round-trip over ancient volcanic rock. The trail leads to the famous Magnetic Rock. Bring a magnet and see if it works!

52.4

CHIKWAUK MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER

218-388-9915

GunflintHistory.org

Explore the cultural and natural history of the Gunflint Trail.

55.4 You made it to the Trail’s End! Enter into Trail’s End Campground on Seagull River, which loops around to send you back down the Trail.