Summer adventures opportunities near Ely

While many seek out the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) for their summer adventures, the Superior National Forest (SNF) reminds visitors of the variety of recreation opportunities that exist outside of Wilderness. These locations are perfect for those looking for a more impromptu trip, for a camping experience without reserving a BWCAW permit, and for campers of all ages and abilities to enjoy as some are accessible by motorboat, vehicle, or off-highway vehicles. To learn about the types of camping on the SNF, check out SNF camping and cabins.

Today we'll highlight some recreation opportunities in the Kawishiwi Ranger District near Ely, MN!

Canoe on the beach at Fenske Lake landing. USDA Forest Service image by T. Terrell 

Ely is in the heart of Superior National Forest with a population of around 3,500 year-round residents. The Kawishiwi Ranger District office is located on the east end of town and is a great resource for questions and trip planning. Here are three areas to add to your bucket list this summer! 

Circle Route (Twin Lakes-Fenske Lake-Grassy Lake-Bass Lake Canoe Route)-This route offers 10 lakes and two rivers with first come-first served, backcountry campsites like those in the BWCAW. Fish, swim, paddle, camp, nap, and enjoy this fun canoe route. 

Nels Lake This lake has two first come-first served, backcountry sites that resemble near- wilderness single party site. They are accessible by foot or boat. 

Tofte Lake-This lake offers four first come-first served, backcountry campsites and a boat ramp. Four other nearby lakes make for fun day trip options.  

Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. Be Bear Aware and store your food and garbage properly. All backcountry and rustic campsites are first-come, first-serve, with no fee for camping. Make sure to check area fire restrictions, alerts, closures, and office hours prior to your visit on the website. Have a blast making memories! 

Summer adventures await in the Superior National Forest near Cook, MN on the LaCroix Ranger District

Welcome to a new series where we highlight some lesser-known gems of the Superior National Forest!

Sign for the Astrid Lake Hiking Trail. (USDA Forest Service by C. Kolinski)

While many seek out the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) for their summer adventures, we'd like to remind visitors of the variety of recreation opportunities that exist outside of Wilderness. These locations are perfect for those looking for a more impromptu trip, for a camping experience without reserving a BWCAW permit, and for campers of all ages and abilities to enjoy as some are accessible by motorboat, vehicle, or off-highway vehicles.

To learn about the types of camping on the SNF, check out SNF camping and cabins.

Cook is a small town located within the Superior National Forest. The LaCroix Ranger District is located on Highway 53 North and is a great resource for questions and trip planning.

Here are three areas to add to your bucket list this summer:

• Hunting Shack River Route - In addition to the 4-interconnected lakes canoe route, this area offers seven miles of hiking trail, and six first come-first served, backcountry campsites. It provides an opportunity to experience wilderness-style camping without wilderness permits.

• Picket Lake - Picket Lake is a remote, quiet lake with three first-come-first served, backcountry campsites. Please pack out your garbage and bring your own potable water.

• Franklin Lake – This is a large, 156-acre lake with 2.5 miles of shoreline and two backcountry campsites (first come-first serve). There is a short portage that is open to ATVs.

  
  

Want to know more? Click here for more information on recreating around the LaCroix area.

Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. Be Bear Aware and store your food and garbage properly. All backcountry and rustic campsites are first-come, first-serve, with no fee for camping. Make sure to check area fire restrictions, alerts, closures, and office hours prior to your visit on the website.

Have a blast making memories!

Summer view of the Hunting Shack River. (USDA Forest Service by C. Kolinski)

Sign Up Now For July Projects!

We are excited to offer four projects in July, and we invite you to sign up now to reserve your spot! For all projects:

• Tools and training will be provided

• Camping is available throughout the project for anyone who wishes to camp out

• Your efforts will improve the health of the Superior National Forest!

Some of last year's amazing volunteers on South Lake Trail. Join us on this year's project on South Lake Trail on July 19-21, and this could be you!

Help Protect a Popular Trailhead

Pincushion Mountain in Grand Marais - Invasive Species Removal

July 17 & 18

Whether you are a local or a visitor, this trailhead near Grand Marais is a really special place. Many trails and user groups converge here, meaning it’s heavily impacted by humans. Volunteers will remove invasive species near the trailhead. It’s a great project for families, those with limited mobility, or anyone who likes to volunteer with a view!

There are multiple shifts to choose from, allowing you to volunteer in the morning and explore in the afternoon, or vice-versa. Or come for the full day and maximize your impact!

Join the Pincushion Project

Explore & Improve Remote Forest Trails

Moss Lake Trail & South Lake Trail - Erosion & Clearing Work

July 19, 20, & 21

These two trails near the midpoint of the Gunflint Trail are lesser-known gems of the Superior National Forest. Volunteers will enhance the trails by clearing brush and improving drainage in wet areas. This area is rugged, with lots of rocks and roots, and we’ll need to travel up to 5 miles per day. The trails might be tough, but the reward is great: you’ll see remote lakes, beautiful pines, and hopefully some wildlife. Last year’s crew even had a moose sighting! Come for one, two, or three days!

Help on Moss & South Lake Trails

Restore a Former Environmental Education Site

Isabella’s Old Environmental Center Site - Invasive Species Removal

July 25

Long ago, an environmental center (now Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN) was based out of Isabella. Today, that site is heavily impacted by invasive species. Spend a day with us removing these plants and helping to restore this area. It’s a great chance to explore this old site and make a big difference!

Looking for a longer project? Combine this with the project below for three days of stewardship!

Volunteer in Isabella

Give Back at a Scenic Northwoods Campground

South Kawishiwi River Campground near Ely - Campground Clean-Up

July 26 & 27

Join us for 1 or 2 days among the gorgeous pines of South Kawishiwi River Campground. Ten miles out of Ely, this campground is one of the most scenic campgrounds in the Superior National Forest. Volunteers will pick up litter and do trail work on the 1-mile trail around the area, in addition to clearing short trails within the campground itself. We’ll get a lot done, but we’ll still have time to swim, relax under the trees, or venture into Ely at the end of the day!

Clean Up South Kawishiwi

Questions?

If you have questions about these projects, reach out to Jo Swanson, Friends of the Superior National Forest Executive Director, at jo@friendssnf.org. Please be patient - it’s project season and she is often out of the office this time of year!