🏔 Wilderness
BWCA — Fall Lake (Entry Point 24)
About This Permit
Fall Lake sits at the base of the famous Moose Lake staircase — the chain of lakes (Fall, Newfound, Sucker, Moose, Ensign) that serves as one of the primary paddling corridors into the BWCA interior. The put-in at Fall Lake Campground is well-maintained and easily accessible, making this a popular choice for first-time BWCA visitors and families. From here you can paddle the full staircase toward Knife Lake and the Quetico border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fall Lake a good entry point for beginners?
Yes — the put-in at Fall Lake Campground is easy to access and the early paddling is straightforward. The portages in the staircase chain are well-maintained and marked. That said, the Moose Lake corridor is one of the most trafficked routes in the BWCA, so expect company during peak summer weekends.
What is the Moose Lake staircase?
The staircase refers to the chain of lakes — Fall, Newfound, Sucker, Moose, Ensign — connected by short portages northeast of Ely. It is one of the most popular routes in the BWCA and leads toward Knife Lake, Prairie Portage, and the Quetico Provincial Park border.
Can I reserve campsites along the Fall Lake route?
BWCA campsites are first-come, first-served once you are inside the wilderness — they cannot be reserved in advance. You secure your entry point permit on recreation.gov, then claim campsites on the water as you paddle. Popular sites near entry points fill early on summer weekends.
Key Facts
- State
- MN
- Season
- May 1 – September 30 (reserved permits)
- Quota
- Approximately 6 groups per day (⚠️ verify)
- Trailhead
- Fall Lake Campground landing, off Hwy 169 northeast of Ely
- Entry Point
- Fall Lake (Entry Point 24)
- Difficulty
- 2/5(Moderate)
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