Bear Back Island

For Minnesota's dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers an unparalleled escape into a pristine natural world. Within this vast expanse of interconnected lakes and ancient forests, certain campsites stand out for their unique qualities. Bear Back Island, located within the BWCA and accessible via Fall Lake, represents one such gem—a secluded island campsite offering an intimate and truly immersive wilderness experience. This article provides a detailed guide for local users, highlighting what makes Bear Back Island a compelling choice for a memorable BWCA adventure.

The BWCAW, a million-acre designated wilderness in northern Minnesota, is renowned for its commitment to preserving a primitive environment. Unlike drive-up campgrounds, BWCA campsites, including those on Bear Back Island, are designed for self-reliant adventurers who embrace Leave No Trace principles. This means packing in all necessities and packing out all waste, ensuring the wilderness remains unspoiled for future generations.

Imagine the solitude of camping on your own island, surrounded by the tranquil waters of a BWCA lake. Bear Back Island, as described in a customer review, is indeed "a great island to camp on in the BWCA," particularly notable for being on a lake with "Only two sites on this lake." This scarcity of campsites translates directly to a heightened sense of peace and privacy, making it an ideal spot for those seeking genuine tranquility away from crowded areas. It’s a place where the sounds of loons, rustling leaves, and lapping water are your primary companions.

It is important to clarify that while the provided reviews mention a "Black Beer 24oz special" and "staff were kind," this likely refers to a local establishment near the BWCA entry point, not the wilderness campsite itself. Bear Back Island is a raw wilderness site, devoid of commercial services, staff, or amenities beyond the basic provisions for primitive camping. This distinction is crucial for proper trip planning, as visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying all their gear, food, and water treatment systems. The true allure of Bear Back Island lies in its unadulterated natural beauty and the deep sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching and thriving in such a remote setting.

Bear Back Island is situated within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), specifically in the vicinity of Fall Lake Township, MN 55731, USA. It is a true island campsite, meaning access is exclusively by canoe or kayak, requiring a wilderness permit.

The most common and practical way to access Bear Back Island is through Entry Point #24 on Fall Lake. Fall Lake is a popular entry point because it offers unique accessibility compared to many other BWCA entry points: portions of Fall Lake allow for the use of motorized boats, including tow services. This means visitors can shorten their initial paddling distance by utilizing a tow to a specific point on Fall Lake before transitioning into paddle-only areas of the BWCA.

From the Fall Lake entry point, paddlers would navigate across Fall Lake and through subsequent waterways that lead to the lake where Bear Back Island is located. Given the review stating, "Only two site on this lake," Bear Back Island is likely situated on a smaller, perhaps less-traveled lake that connects off a main route from Fall Lake. This suggests a journey that might involve several portages – the overland carries where canoes and gear are transported between lakes.

Detailed navigational skills are essential for reaching Bear Back Island. Visitors must carry up-to-date BWCA maps (such as those from Fisher or McKenzie, which mark campsites and portages) and understand how to read them. Outfitters in nearby Ely, Minnesota, are invaluable resources for trip planning. They can provide specific route advice from Fall Lake to the lake containing Bear Back Island, offer canoe and gear rentals, and arrange tow services. The journey to Bear Back Island, while requiring effort, is an integral part of the wilderness experience, offering scenic paddling and the satisfaction of reaching a truly secluded destination.

As a designated campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Bear Back Island provides only the most fundamental "services," designed to uphold the wilderness character and minimize human impact. It is crucial for visitors to understand that this is not a developed campground with amenities; rather, it is a primitive site requiring complete self-sufficiency.

• Designated Tent Pads: Bear Back Island, like other BWCA campsites, features cleared, relatively level areas specifically for pitching tents. These "tent pads" help to concentrate camping impact, preventing damage to the surrounding vegetation and soil. While the number can vary, a site with only two overall sites on the lake (as mentioned in a review) suggests each site on Bear Back Island would offer ample, well-defined space for tents.

• Steel Fire Grate: Each campsite is equipped with a permanent steel fire grate. This is the only permitted location for building a campfire. Visitors are expected to gather dead and downed wood from the surrounding forest (adhering to regulations on size and type of wood). Checking for current fire bans, which are frequently imposed during dry conditions, is mandatory, and all fires must be completely extinguished before leaving.

• Wilderness Latrine: A short, marked path leads from the main camping area to a wilderness latrine, typically a simple, open-air pit toilet. These facilities are essential for proper human waste disposal, preventing environmental contamination. Visitors should bring their own toilet paper and be prepared to pack out anything that is not fully biodegradable within the latrine.

• Natural Water Source (Untreated): Water is readily available from the lake surrounding Bear Back Island. However, this water is untreated and must be purified before consumption. Visitors are required to carry a reliable water filter, purification tablets, or be prepared to boil all water used for drinking and cooking. No potable water is provided on-site.

• No Waste Disposal: There are no trash bins or waste collection services. All items brought into the wilderness, including all garbage and food scraps, must be packed out by the campers. Adherence to the "Pack It In, Pack It Out" principle and other Leave No Trace ethics is strictly enforced to preserve the pristine nature of the BWCAW.

• First-Come, First-Served Site Access: While a permit is required to enter the BWCA through a specific entry point (like Fall Lake), individual campsites, including those on Bear Back Island, are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. This means there are no reservations for specific campsite numbers. Visitors should always have backup campsite options in their itinerary.

These minimalist services underscore the commitment to wilderness preservation within the BWCA. Visitors to Bear Back Island must be fully prepared and capable of self-sufficient camping.

Bear Back Island, as a unique island campsite within the BWCA, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience.

• Exceptional Seclusion and Privacy: The most significant highlight of Bear Back Island, as noted by a reviewer, is its location on a lake with "Only two site on this lake." This extreme scarcity of campsites on the surrounding lake translates to an unparalleled level of solitude and privacy. Unlike busier lakes that might have many sites, finding a campsite on a lake with only two ensures a much more exclusive and peaceful experience, far from other groups.

• Island Camping Experience: Camping on an island offers a unique sense of being truly "away from it all." Islands often provide natural barriers from land-based activity and can offer more open views of the lake and sky, enhancing the feeling of remoteness and exposure to natural elements like sunrises and sunsets. They can also offer some natural protection from insects if there's a breeze off the water.

• Ideal for Extended Stays: The reviewer mentioned, "Stayed a couple of nights before heading out." This suggests that Bear Back Island is well-suited for longer stays due to its comfortable setup and appealing environment. Its seclusion means it's a great base camp for day trips, fishing, or simply relaxing and soaking in the wilderness.

• Immersion in Pristine Wilderness: As part of the BWCAW, Bear Back Island offers an undiluted wilderness experience. Visitors can enjoy unpolluted air, dark night skies ideal for stargazing, and the ambient sounds of nature—loons, rustling leaves, and lapping waves—undisturbed by motorboats (beyond Fall Lake's motor zone) or human-generated noise.

• Paddling and Fishing Opportunities: The lake surrounding Bear Back Island provides excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Depending on the specific lake, it could hold various fish species common to the BWCA, such as walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, offering a rewarding experience for anglers seeking remote fishing spots.

• Wildlife Observation: The untouched nature of the BWCA means frequent opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Sightings of moose, deer, various bird species including bald eagles and loons, and smaller mammals are common, adding to the magic of the wilderness. While "Bear Back" in the name might imply bears, all BWCA visitors should practice bear-safe food storage, as bears are strong swimmers and can reach islands.

The overall highlight of Bear Back Island is its promise of a deeply peaceful and private wilderness retreat, making it an excellent choice for those Minnesotans who truly want to disconnect and immerse themselves in the Northwoods.

Bear Back Island, being a specific, designated campsite within the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), does not have a direct phone number, email address, or dedicated on-site staff. All management, regulations, and permit processes for the BWCA are handled by the U.S. Forest Service, particularly through the Superior National Forest.

For all inquiries related to trip planning, obtaining the mandatory wilderness permit (which is required for overnight stays in the BWCA from May 1st to September 30th), current regulations, trail conditions, and general information about the BWCA and accessing sites like Bear Back Island (likely via Entry Point #24 on Fall Lake), please use the following official channels:

• BWCA Wilderness Permit Reservations: Permits must be reserved in advance for a specific entry point (e.g., Entry Point #24 - Fall Lake) and entry date via the federal reservation system. You cannot reserve a specific campsite like Bear Back Island; sites are first-come, first-served once you enter the wilderness.

  Website: www.recreation.gov

  Phone: 1-877-444-6777

• Superior National Forest Headquarters (Oversees the BWCAW): For overarching policies and general information about the entire Superior National Forest and its wilderness areas.

  Address: 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808

  Phone: (218) 626-4300

• Kawishiwi Ranger District (Relevant for Fall Lake Access): This office is particularly pertinent for those accessing the BWCA via Fall Lake, as it manages this entry area. They can provide localized information on conditions, specific route advice, and permit pickup services.

  Address: 1393 Highway 169 E, Ely, MN 55731

  Phone: (218) 365-7600 (This is the primary number for the Kawishiwi Ranger District).

  Concessionaire (Summer phone for Fall Lake Campground, separate from wilderness sites but in the vicinity): (218) 365-2963

• Local Outfitters in Ely, MN: Numerous professional outfitters in Ely serve as invaluable resources for BWCA trip planning. They offer canoe and gear rentals, shuttle services to entry points, and expert advice on routes, current conditions, and best practices for wilderness travel. They are often the first point of contact for many visitors.

  Examples: Piragis Northwoods Company, Boundary Waters Outfitters, Ely Outfitting Company.

It is highly recommended to consult the official Forest Service websites and www.recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information on BWCA regulations, including fire restrictions, and permit availability before planning your trip to Bear Back Island. Always carry detailed physical maps, as cell service is unreliable, if not non-existent, in much of the BWCA wilderness.

For Minnesota residents, Bear Back Island presents an exceptionally suitable and deeply rewarding wilderness camping opportunity that encapsulates the essence of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Its unique characteristics align perfectly with the preferences of locals seeking an authentic and secluded Northwoods experience.

Firstly, Bear Back Island's accessibility via Fall Lake is a significant advantage for Minnesotans. Fall Lake is one of the most accessible BWCA entry points, allowing for motorboat tow services on certain sections, which can significantly reduce paddling time and effort to reach deeper wilderness areas. This convenience makes a multi-day trip to a remote island campsite like Bear Back Island more feasible for those with limited time or less extensive paddling experience, yet still desiring a true backcountry adventure. It transforms what could be a week-long journey into a more manageable, yet equally rewarding, long weekend escape from the daily grind.

Secondly, the allure of "only two sites on this lake," as highlighted by a satisfied customer, speaks directly to the local desire for genuine solitude and privacy. Minnesotans often cherish their quiet outdoor spaces, and Bear Back Island offers an unparalleled level of seclusion, allowing for deep immersion in nature without the distractions of crowded campsites. This isolation fosters a profound sense of peace, ideal for reconnecting with nature, enjoying quiet contemplation, and simply unwinding in a truly wild setting.

Furthermore, the island camping experience itself is a highly sought-after feature. It offers a unique vantage point for observing the lake, enhancing privacy, and potentially providing better airflow to deter insects on calm evenings. The ability to stay for "a couple of nights," as one reviewer did, underscores its suitability as a comfortable base camp for exploration, fishing, or simply relaxing by the fire. The skills required for such a trip – paddling, portaging, and wilderness ethics – are often embraced by adventurous Minnesotans, making the journey to Bear Back Island a fulfilling test of their outdoor prowess.

Finally, by choosing to experience and respect a pristine BWCA campsite like Bear Back Island, Minnesotans actively participate in the conservation of their state's most cherished natural resource. Their commitment to Leave No Trace principles helps ensure that this invaluable wilderness remains unspoiled for future generations. For the local seeking a truly private, immersive, and quintessential Northwoods adventure, Bear Back Island offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Minnesota's outdoor heritage.

Bear Back Island

Fall Lake Township, MN 55731, USA