The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Looking for the best hiking in The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
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Ely, Minnesota
Camp on BWCA's Lake 2
A trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area requires some planning ahead. First, you'll need acquire a permit/reservation via recreation.gov . Specify how many people are in your group, the number of watercraft you plan to use and how many days you'll be in the BWCA. You'll also need to select a gro...Read more -
Ely, Minnesota
Explore Rifle Lake in the BWCA
The best part of Rifle Lake is how remote it is. There's no quick way to find this small, secluded lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The lake supports just one campsite and is less than a half-mile long, according to rook.org. It is also part of the Rifle/Bridge Loop, which is a good option...Read more -
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Cliff Jump at Beth Lake in the BWCA
Beth Lake is part of the "Lady Chain" of lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It's secluded, serene and worth the trip, especially if you're up for an afternoon of cliff jumping.You can reach Beth Lake in half of a day, assuming you set out in the morning and are efficient with your time. But...Read more -
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Camp at Alton Lake in the BWCA
5.0A trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area requires some planning ahead. First, you'll need to book a permit/reservation via recreation.gov. Specify how many people are in your group, the number of watercraft you plan to use and how many days you'll be in the BWCA. You'll also need to select a grou...Read more -
Grand Marais, United States
Hike to the Magnetic Rock
3 mi / 130 ft gainBranching off of Gunflint Trail, Magnetic Rock Trail first passes through a regenerating forest, a result of past fires, where there are young pines as well as wild blueberries in the summer. The rock itself, measuring 30 feet high, is a fun attraction (literally) – bring a compass or magnet to d...Read more -
Ely, Minnesota
Kawishiwi Falls
4.01 mi / 121 ft gainThe trail to Kawishiwi Falls begins at the parking lot and winds through a wooded trail with minimal elevation gain. There are several different vantage points of the falls that are accessible from the trail (above, below, and from the side). The trail is also part of the portage between Garden a...Read more -
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Camp at Trail's End Campground
5.0Trail's End Campground is located at the very end of the Gunflint Trail, a remote highway that cuts into the heart of the Minnesota Northwoods. Catch the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais along Highway 61 on the North Shore of Lake Superior. From Grand Marais, you'll wind your way sixty miles along ...Read more -
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Paddle the Boundary Waters' Seagull to Saganaga Loop
29 miFirst, things first - plan your trip well! There are many details that need to go into planning even a short trip into the Boundary Waters. Various websites and companies exist to help you plan and check off all of the boxes prior to your departure date. The bwca.com website is one I found to be ...Read more -
Ely, Minnesota
Hike the Bass and Dry Lake Loop
6.3 mi / 518 ft gainThis is a moderate trail, that gets a bit steep at times. Great views of the lake and has lots of spots to stop for a quick snack. Trail is well maintained, and there is a fun waterfall, which is great to splash around in. The trailhead is super close to Ely, MN and has bathrooms. Make sure...Read more -
Tofte, Minnesota
Hike to Britton Peak
0.6 miThis hike is very short and rewarding. It doesn't take longer than 15 minutes if you wanted to make it a quick pit stop before or after you hike Carlton Peak.From Hwy 61 just near Tofte, MN take Sawbill Trail. Go roughly 2.5 miles and the parking lot will be on your right. Once you are on the tra...Read more -
Tofte, Minnesota
Hike Oberg Mountain
4.52.3 mi / 230 ft gainThe hike to the top of Oberg Mountain is short and sweet. The trail starts off with a climb of roughly 230ft in about a half of a mile before getting to the top of Oberg Mountain. At the top of the climb the trail forks, you can go either way since the trail loops around the top. I suggest you go...Read more -
Schroeder, Minnesota
Hike to Carlton Peak
4.06.2 mi / 325 ft gainOne of the trailheads for this hike begins at Temperance River State Park. Parking can be found alongside Highway 61. The Superior Hiking Trail passes through this park and this is the trail you will follow to reach Carlton Peak. The trail follows the Temperance River and is relatively flat until...Read more -
Lutsen, Minnesota
Hike to White Sky Rock
5.00.6 mi / 230 ft gainFrom Hwy 61 in Lutsen, you'll turn on Caribou Trail (Hwy 4). You'll drive about 4 miles and turn right for the public boat launch area. There will be a small parking area on your left before the boat launch. This trail is apart of the Superior Hiking Trail. Follow the short little trail up to the...Read more -
Silver Bay, Minnesota
Camp at George H. Manitou Crosby State Park
5.0George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a lesser known park along Minnesota's North Shore. There are only backcountry sites, and it's not conveniently along the scenic road, so you really have to plan on going here. This makes it quiet, peaceful, and absolutely perfect for someone looking for a li...Read more -
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Hike Eagle Mountain
5.07 mi / 554 ft gainThis moderate hike takes you to the highest point in Minnesota, at all of 2,301 ft in elevation. The first part of the hike, which runs along Whale Lake, is a gentle upwards climb. You gain most of the hike's elevation in the final push to the top, within the last mile of the hike. Enjoy the view...Read more -
Silver Bay, Minnesota
Hike to Caribou Falls
5.01 miCaribou Falls is a true hidden gem located along the Superior Hiking trail on Minnesota's North Shore. To access the falls, begin at the Caribou Falls State Wayside rest, off of Highway 61 just north of Little Marais. The trailhead is marked on the Superior Hiking Trail sign in the parking lot. ...Read more