Entry Point 24

For Minnesotans with a spirit of adventure and a deep appreciation for the natural world, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents an unparalleled opportunity for immersion in truly wild landscapes. When planning a trip into this vast, protected wilderness, selecting the right entry point is crucial to setting the tone for your journey. BWCA Entry Point 24, located on Fall Lake near Ely, Minnesota, stands out as a particularly popular and convenient gateway, offering a unique blend of accessibility and direct access to the wilderness experience. Unlike more remote entry points, Fall Lake provides facilities that cater to a range of users, from seasoned paddlers to families looking for a well-supported start to their wilderness adventure. This article will explore the specifics of Entry Point 24, detailing its location and accessibility, the services and conveniences available, its key features and highlights, and ultimately, why it remains an excellent choice for local users looking to embark on their BWCA journey.

Entry Point 24 on Fall Lake is often described as a "deluxe" entry point into the BWCAW, largely due to its superior facilities and ease of use. As one satisfied visitor noted, it's a "Great entry point for us! Easy unload area and convenient dock. Quick drive to a spacious parking area with extra long spots to accommodate canoe trailers." This level of convenience is a significant factor for many, especially those with larger groups, more gear, or who prefer a smoother transition from the road to the water. The entry point also benefits from being directly adjacent to the Fall Lake Campground, which itself is renowned for its cleanliness and well-maintained amenities. This proximity means that while you're accessing the pristine wilderness, you still have the option of some comforts or services just steps away. For Minnesotans, Entry Point 24 offers an ideal starting point for exploring the interconnected lakes and portages of the BWCAW, providing a blend of wilderness immersion with a thoughtful level of support at the launch. It's a place where the wild calls, but the journey begins with ease.

BWCA Entry Point 24 is located on Fall Lake Road, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This places it approximately 6.5 miles east of the town of Ely, which is widely recognized as the primary gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The geographic coordinates (like X77R+QQ) pinpoint its precise location, indicating a direct access point to Fall Lake.

Accessibility to Entry Point 24 is highly convenient for both vehicles and various watercraft. The drive from Ely is straightforward, following County Road 182 (Fall Lake Road) directly to the entry point. A key highlight, as noted by visitors, is the "easy unload area and convenient dock," making the transfer of gear from vehicle to canoe or boat efficient. The parking area is notably "spacious with extra long spots to accommodate canoe trailers," which is a significant advantage for groups or those with larger equipment. Fall Lake itself is unique within the BWCAW system as it allows motorboats, a feature not common on many wilderness lakes. This provides options for those who prefer motorized travel, at least for the initial segment of their trip, before transitioning to paddle-only zones deeper within the wilderness (e.g., through Newton Lake to Basswood Lake). Public transportation options directly to the entry point are limited, typical for wilderness access points, so visitors primarily rely on personal vehicles or outfitter shuttle services from nearby Ely. Ely itself offers various services including lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, and outfitting services for gear and permits, all within a short driving distance from Entry Point 24, ensuring that all pre-trip needs can be easily met.

While BWCA Entry Point 24 itself is primarily a launch site into the wilderness, its proximity to the Fall Lake Campground and the permit system provides specific services that enhance the wilderness entry experience.

• Permit Issuance and Information: As an official BWCAW entry point, visitors pick up their mandatory permits here or at a nearby Forest Service cooperator/outfitter. Information on wilderness rules, regulations, and Leave No Trace principles is typically available.

• Spacious Parking Area: The entry point features a large and accommodating parking area, including "extra long spots" designed for vehicles with canoe trailers, making it easy to park and prepare for your trip.

• Easy Unload and Launch Area: A "convenient dock" and "easy unload area" facilitate the transfer of gear and canoes/boats from vehicles directly into Fall Lake, minimizing effort at the start of your wilderness journey.

• Onsite Latrine: An "onsite latrine for one last shred of human existence" (as one reviewer humorously put it) is available, providing basic restroom facilities before entering the wilderness where such amenities are primitive or non-existent.

• Adjacent Fall Lake Campground Services: Critically, Entry Point 24 is adjacent to the Fall Lake Campground. This means visitors can utilize additional services offered by the campground, such as:

  • Showers: "Shower time can be purchased from Fall Lake Campground located adjacent to this entry/exit point," providing a highly valued amenity for post-wilderness clean-up.

  • Concessionaire/Store: The campground often has an on-site store that sells last-minute supplies, firewood, and offers canoe rentals.

  • Potable Water: Access to treated drinking water is available at the campground.

• Motorboat Access: Fall Lake itself allows motorized boats, providing a service for those who prefer to use motors for a portion of their journey into the BWCAW (e.g., to reach portages deeper into Basswood Lake).

• Convenient & User-Friendly Access: Entry Point 24 is lauded for its ease of use, with dedicated loading/unloading zones and ample parking for vehicles and trailers. This makes it particularly appealing for first-time BWCA visitors, families, or groups with a lot of gear.

• Dual Access (Motorized & Paddle): Fall Lake permits motorized boats, offering a unique feature for a BWCA entry point. This allows for quicker access to more remote paddling areas or provides an option for those who prefer motor-assisted travel on the large lake.

• Proximity to Fall Lake Campground: The adjacent Fall Lake Campground is often cited as "the cleanest and best kept campground I've been to in a long time!" Its amenities, including clean bathrooms, hot showers (for a fee), and potentially a store/outfitter, serve as a convenient base camp before or after a wilderness trip.

• Gateway to Major BWCA Routes: From Fall Lake, paddlers can access popular routes leading to Newton Lake and eventually Basswood Lake, a large and iconic lake within the BWCAW known for its excellent fishing and numerous campsites. Options include the relatively short 40-rod portage to Newton Lake or the more challenging Four Mile Portage.

• Ideal for Anglers: Fall Lake itself is known for good fishing, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, offering fishing opportunities even before entering the strictly wilderness sections.

• Scenic Northwoods Environment: While offering conveniences, Entry Point 24 is still deeply embedded in the Superior National Forest, surrounded by beautiful pine, aspen, and fir trees, providing an immediate sense of the Minnesota Northwoods.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Beyond the entry point itself, the adjacent Fall Lake Campground is consistently praised for its cleanliness and the dedication of its staff ("So impressed with the staff here"). This level of care extends to the common areas surrounding the entry point.

Address: Fall Lk Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA

For general inquiries about BWCA Entry Point 24 or the surrounding area, including permit information and current conditions, it's best to contact the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District responsible for this area:

Superior National Forest - Kawishiwi Ranger District (Ely Area):

Phone: (218) 365-7600

For permit reservations, which are required for overnight trips into the BWCAW (especially between May 1 and September 30), please visit Recreation.gov.

If you are specifically looking for information about the adjacent Fall Lake Campground (for amenities like showers or canoe rentals), you can contact the concessionaire:

Fall Lake Campground Concessionaire:

Phone: (218) 365-2963 or +1 218-365-2963 (typically operational May – October)

For Minnesotans, BWCA Entry Point 24 at Fall Lake offers an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended starting point for experiencing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Its unique blend of convenience, accessibility, and direct connection to the vast wilderness makes it ideal for a wide range of local outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned adventurers to families introducing their children to backcountry camping.

The ease of access is a major draw. Locals appreciate the "easy unload area and convenient dock" and the "spacious parking area with extra long spots to accommodate canoe trailers," which significantly streamline the logistics of embarking on a wilderness trip. This convenience reduces the initial friction often associated with remote wilderness access, making the BWCA experience more approachable for busy families or those with more gear. Furthermore, the fact that Fall Lake allows motorized boats provides flexibility that isn't available at every BWCA entry point, allowing groups to cover more ground initially or to easily access the deeper, paddle-only sections of the wilderness.

Beyond the practicalities, the proximity to the highly-rated Fall Lake Campground offers invaluable amenities that are often cherished after days in the wild. The availability of clean showers, as specifically mentioned by a reviewer, is a welcome luxury upon exiting the wilderness, transforming the end of a rugged trip into a comfortable transition back to civilization. For Minnesotans, who often seek both the challenge of the wilderness and the comfort of well-maintained facilities, Entry Point 24 and its surrounding resources perfectly deliver. It's a testament to thoughtful wilderness management that allows for an immersive outdoor experience without entirely sacrificing essential modern conveniences, making it a truly premier gateway for locals to explore the iconic Boundary Waters.

Entry Point 24

Fall Lk Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA