North Wilder Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

A View Worth the Trek: North Wilder Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail

For dedicated Minnesota backpackers, the name Powwow Trail (BWCA Entry Point 86) evokes images of a rugged, challenging, and profoundly rewarding wilderness. Deep within this 28-mile loop, the North Wilder Lake Campsite is a sought-after destination, particularly noted for its scenic quality and strategic position. Situated near Ely, MN 55731, this campsite is a true testament to the recovering boreal forest, offering stunning, expansive views across the lake—a direct result of the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire, which burned over 95% of the trail corridor.

The North Wilder Lake Campsite is not a simple walk-in. As reported by local adventurers, it is located approximately 10 miles (via the northern loop) into the trail, demanding self-reliance, rigorous navigation, and a commitment to primitive camping. It is one of only a handful of restored, designated campsites along this highly challenging wilderness path, providing a crucial, legal, and maintained sanctuary for overnight travelers. Its isolation and dramatic vistas make the effort entirely worthwhile, providing a front-row seat to the fascinating ecological regeneration of the Superior National Forest.

Location and Accessibility

The North Wilder Lake Campsite is a deep-wilderness site accessible only by foot or via a difficult canoe portage, ensuring extreme isolation.

• Gateway: The closest major hub is Ely, MN. The entry point is often reached via an extensive drive on gravel Forest Roads from either Ely or Isabella, MN.
• Entry Point: Access begins at BWCA Entry Point 86 – Powwow Trailhead, which shares a parking lot with the Isabella Lake Canoe Entry Point.
• Distance/Route: The site is located approximately 10 miles of challenging hiking into the loop section of the Powwow Trail (2.7 miles on "The Stick" and then roughly 7.3 miles on the loop itself). It is situated along the western shoreline of North Wilder Lake.
• Terrain: The Powwow Trail is renowned for being extremely rugged, with sections obscured by new jack pine growth, frequent downed trees, rock outcrops, steep grades, and often wet conditions in low areas. Hikers must be prepared for bushwhacking and difficult footing.
• Dual Access: While primarily a hiker's site on the Powwow Trail, it is situated near a difficult-to-access shoreline that runs along the trail and is close to the Harbor Lake portage. A canoe landing here is noted as being along a steeply sloped rock face, confirming its primary use as a backpacking destination.
• Permits: An Overnight Hiking Permit for BWCA Entry Point 86 is required for all overnight use from May 1 to September 30. Permits are unlimited but must be reserved in advance through the U.S. Forest Service.

Services Offered

Like all designated Powwow Trail campsites, North Wilder Lake offers only essential, low-impact wilderness amenities. Visitors must be completely self-reliant.

• Designated Fire Grate: The site is equipped with a permanent, steel fire grate, which, as a customer review points out, offers a "perfect fire grate with an amazing view." Campers must adhere to all fire restrictions and use dead and downed wood only.
• Wilderness Latrine: An unstaffed, basic latrine is provided a short distance from the main tent area to ensure sanitation away from the water source and main camp.
• Tent Area: The site features a cleared, designated area for tent pads. Due to the post-fire environment, campers must be hyper-aware of unstable dead snags (hazard trees) and camp well away from where one could fall.
• Water Source: North Wilder Lake is the water source. All water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption. The trail runs along the western shoreline, providing multiple access points.
• Food Storage Challenge: Because the fire destroyed much of the mature forest, there are often few trees suitable for hanging food packs to protect against bears. Visitors must bring alternative means, such as bear canisters, as part of their preparation.
• No Trash Service: All waste must be strictly packed out (Leave No Trace principle).

Features / Highlights

The North Wilder Lake Campsite is highly regarded for its physical beauty and its educational value as a living laboratory of post-fire ecology.

• Exceptional Vistas: The primary highlight is the "great views" across North Wilder Lake. The removal of the dense forest canopy by the fire offers dramatic, unimpeded sightlines across the water and surrounding regenerating hills.
• Fire Ecology Experience: The campsite provides a front-row seat to the regenerating forest ecosystem. Hikers can observe the thick growth of jack pines and aspens mixed with the skeletal remains of the original forest, offering a unique and starkly beautiful landscape.
• Strategic Stop: Located well into the challenging loop, this site is a crucial, reliable stop for multi-day treks. It breaks up the journey perfectly for those completing the 27.5-mile loop, making it an excellent reward for a long day of rugged hiking.
• Fishing Potential: North Wilder Lake is noted for holding northern pike and walleye, providing anglers with a rewarding opportunity after a long day of hiking.
• Solitude and Isolation: Being 10 miles from the nearest road, this campsite guarantees the deep wilderness solitude that the BWCAW is famous for, far from the noise of civilization.
• Overlook Fire Grate: The user-noted "perfect fire grate with an amazing view" suggests the site is deliberately positioned to maximize the sunset or sunrise views over the lake, enhancing the camp experience significantly.

Contact Information

All contact regarding the Powwow Trail and its campsites should be directed to the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the area.

• Administrative Address (General Area): Ely, MN 55731, USA (The nearest hub for the Tofte Ranger District).
• Managing District (Superior National Forest): The Powwow Trail Entry Point 86 is managed by the Tofte Ranger District.
• Tofte Ranger District Phone: (218) 663-7280 (Best source for trail status, fire restrictions, and permit information).
• Permit Reservations: Overnight hiking permits for Entry Point 86 must be secured online via Recreation.gov.

Community Resource: The Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC) is a vital, local volunteer group that maintains the Powwow Trail. Checking their website for the latest trail conditions is highly recommended before embarking on this challenging route.

What is Worth Choosing: North Wilder Lake Campsite

Choosing North Wilder Lake Campsite is choosing the peak of rugged Minnesota backpacking combined with unparalleled post-fire beauty. It is worth the immense effort for several key reasons:

• Ultimate Wilderness Challenge: The Powwow Trail is one of the most demanding hiking routes in Minnesota. Reaching this site confirms a backpacker's commitment to self-reliance and grit.
• The Vistas are Priceless: The site offers the most spectacular, open views on the trail, which are highly valued by those seeking dramatic photography and expansive horizons—a distinct feature of the recovering ecosystem.
• A Designated Sanctuary: As one of only eight official designated campsites on the trail, it guarantees a safe, legal spot to pitch a tent and use a fire grate and latrine in an area where dispersed camping is hazardous due to the number of unstable dead trees.
• Remote Solitude Guaranteed: Being 10 miles in, you are virtually guaranteed a genuine, quiet wilderness experience, sharing the space primarily with local wildlife.

For Minnesotans who want to push their limits and witness the raw power and resilience of the Northwoods firsthand, the North Wilder Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail is an unforgettable destination.