Mirror Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

For Minnesotans who truly seek an immersive wilderness adventure, one that tests their backpacking skills and rewards them with unparalleled natural beauty, Mirror Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail near Ely, MN, presents an extraordinary opportunity. Located deep within the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the Superior National Forest, this campsite is not for the faint of heart, but rather for those who yearn for the quiet solitude and raw splendor of Minnesota's iconic wild lands.

This article is specifically crafted for our local Minnesota residents, guiding you through what makes Mirror Lake Campsite a unique and challenging yet incredibly rewarding destination. We understand that many of you are drawn to the BWCAW for its untouched landscapes, remote camping, and the chance to truly disconnect. We’ll explore its precise location on the challenging Powwow Trail, the primitive services it offers, its defining features and highlights, and crucial contact information for planning your deeply immersive wilderness trip.

Mirror Lake Campsite is part of the Powwow Trail, a roughly 27-mile loop trail with a 3-mile "stem," which was significantly impacted by the Pagami Creek Fire in 2011. While extensive volunteer efforts have reopened the trail, it remains a rugged and dynamic environment, demanding preparedness from hikers. If you're ready to embrace a true backcountry experience, where stunning sunrises, easy water access, and pristine natural views are your daily companions, Mirror Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail offers an unforgettable Minnesota wilderness journey.

Mirror Lake Campsite is located on Mirror Lake, accessible via the challenging Powwow Trail, near Ely, MN 55731, USA. This places it deep within the Superior National Forest and, critically, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The accessibility of Mirror Lake Campsite is defined by its status as a backcountry, hike-in only site along the Powwow Trail. It is not accessible by vehicle. The Powwow Trail itself is a "lollipop" shaped trail, beginning with a three-mile out-and-back stem leading to a 25-mile loop. Mirror Lake Campsite is approximately 13 miles in from the Powwow Trailhead if one takes the south end of the loop to get there.

To reach the Powwow Trailhead, you would typically travel from Ely. One common route is to take MN-1 east and south for about 18.4 miles, then turn left/east onto Tomahawk Road (FR 377). Follow Tomahawk Road for approximately 17.6 miles to the Powwow Trailhead. The trailhead shares a parking lot with the Isabella Lake canoe entry point (BWCA Entry Point #86). From the trailhead, hikers embark on their journey into the wilderness.

Given its location within the BWCAW, accessing Mirror Lake Campsite requires a BWCAW use permit, which is mandatory year-round for overnight travel (May 1st to September 30th permits are reservable via Recreation.gov; day-use permits are self-issued at the trailhead). The trail itself is described as challenging due to obscured tread, regrowth, and a post-fire environment with little shade and potentially wet sections. This means Minnesotans attempting this hike must be prepared for rugged conditions, have strong navigational skills (map and compass are essential, as GPS can be unreliable), and be physically capable of a strenuous multi-day hike with a full pack. The journey to Mirror Lake is an adventure in itself, ensuring that only truly prepared wilderness enthusiasts reach this secluded gem.

Mirror Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail is a primitive backcountry campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). As such, the services offered are minimal, focusing on supporting a self-sufficient, leave-no-trace camping experience.

• Primitive Campsite: The site offers cleared, flat spots suitable for pitching tents. Reviewers specifically mention "plenty of flat spots and room for 6+ tents," indicating it can accommodate a group.
• Fire Grate: A designated fire grate is provided for containing campfires. However, it's crucial to note that the post-fire environment on the Powwow Trail means there may be "little wood for campfires," and nutrient-rich rotting wood is important for forest regeneration. Campers are advised to "limit your use of what wood there is" and "plan to use a cookstove as much as possible."
• Wilderness Latrine: While some sources indicate this specific site (Mirror Lake Campsite 2261) may have had its latrine disappear post-fire, generally BWCAW designated campsites are equipped with a wilderness latrine (a primitive pit toilet) for human waste. Campers should be prepared for varying conditions and follow Leave No Trace principles if a latrine is absent or unusable.
• Water Access: Reviewers highlight "easy water access" at Mirror Lake Campsite. However, like all BWCAW backcountry sites, there is "no potable water available – lake water must be treated." Campers must bring a water filter, purifier, or be prepared to boil lake water for drinking.
• Permit Required: A BWCAW use permit is required year-round for overnight travel. These permits are obtained online through Recreation.gov for the May 1st to September 30th season, and self-issued for day use or outside the main season.
• First-Come, First-Served: Designated campsites within the BWCAW are generally first-come, first-served for those holding the correct entry point permit.

It is imperative for Minnesotans to understand that this is a true wilderness experience. There are no modern amenities such as electricity, running water (other than the lake), showers, or on-site staff. Campers are fully responsible for packing in all their supplies, packing out all their waste ("pack it in, pack it out"), and adhering to strict BWCAW regulations, including food storage (bear-proofing methods are essential, as "few trees for hanging food packs" may exist in the recovering burn area).

Mirror Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail, despite its primitive nature and the challenging trail leading to it, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a truly rewarding destination for adventurous Minnesotans.

• Stunning Views and Sunrises: A significant highlight noted by a reviewer is the "Great views" and "sunrises" from the campsite. Being positioned on Mirror Lake allows for picturesque vistas, especially during the morning light reflecting off the often-calm water, creating a truly memorable experience.
• Easy Water Access: Despite being a hike-in site, Mirror Lake Campsite offers "easy water access." This is a crucial feature for filtering drinking water, cooling off, or simply enjoying the tranquil lakeside environment.
• Remote Wilderness Immersion: The challenging nature of the Powwow Trail and the campsite's location deep within the BWCAW ensure a highly remote and undisturbed wilderness experience. This is a major draw for Minnesotans seeking solitude, disconnection from urban life, and an authentic encounter with nature.
• Post-Fire Environment Observation: The Powwow Trail offers a unique opportunity to witness a forest in the process of recovering from a natural wildfire (the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire). While it means less shade and potentially limited firewood, it provides a powerful educational experience and a chance to observe the resilience of nature firsthand.
• Challenging Backpacking Adventure: For experienced backpackers, the Powwow Trail itself is a highlight. Its rugged terrain, occasional obscure tread, and numerous wetland crossings (including beaver dams) present a genuine test of skill and endurance, making the arrival at Mirror Lake Campsite all the more rewarding.
• Abundant Flat Tent Spots: The campsite is noted for having "plenty of flat spots and room for 6+ tents." This indicates it's a spacious site capable of accommodating a group comfortably, which is a valuable feature in backcountry settings.
• Boundary Waters Experience: Being within the BWCAW means access to a federally protected wilderness area, guaranteeing pristine conditions, limited human impact, and a true sense of wildness that is increasingly rare. This appeals directly to Minnesotans who cherish the BWCAW's unique status.

While the trail demands preparedness and adaptability, the rewards of Mirror Lake Campsite – its views, quietude, and profound connection to the wild – make it a highly desirable destination for the adventurous and self-reliant.

Mirror Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), which is managed by the Superior National Forest, specifically the Tofte Ranger District for this section of the trail. For all inquiries related to permits, trail conditions, and regulations, it's essential to contact the managing authority.

Address:Ely, MN 55731, USA (This is the general town associated with the BWCAW entry point area, not a direct address for the campsite itself, which is deep in the wilderness.)

Managing Ranger District Contact (Tofte Ranger District):Phone: (218) 663-8060 or (218) 663-8063 (These numbers are for the Tofte Ranger District, which oversees the Powwow Trail area.)

Superior National Forest General Information:Phone: (218) 626-4300 (General information for the Superior National Forest.)

BWCAW Permit Information and Reservations:For overnight travel in the BWCAW from May 1st to September 30th, a permit is required and must be reserved in advance through:

www.recreation.gov

Official Trail Information:Detailed information about the Powwow Trail, including its current conditions, maps, and specific rules, is best found on the USDA Forest Service website and through the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC), a volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the trail:

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/superior/recreation/recarea/?recid=41654

www.boundarywaterstrails.org/powwow-trail-guide

It is crucial for Minnesotans planning a trip to Mirror Lake Campsite to check these resources frequently for the most up-to-date information on trail closures, fire restrictions, and any changes in BWCAW regulations, especially considering the dynamic post-fire environment of the Powwow Trail. Given the site's remoteness, thorough planning and preparation are paramount.

Mirror Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail is an ideal destination for Minnesotans who are seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to the challenging yet immensely rewarding experiences of true wilderness backpacking. It perfectly encapsulates the rugged beauty and remote tranquility that defines a significant portion of our state's cherished natural heritage.

Firstly, its location within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) makes it inherently suitable for locals seeking an authentic backcountry adventure. The BWCAW is a national treasure, and experiencing it from a hike-in campsite like Mirror Lake offers a profound connection to its untouched landscapes, free from the noise and crowds of more accessible areas. For Minnesotans who prioritize solitude and a deep immersion in nature, this is a prime opportunity.

Secondly, the demanding nature of the Powwow Trail itself is a significant draw for the prepared local adventurer. While challenging due to its post-fire environment and rugged terrain, it offers a unique opportunity to witness forest regeneration firsthand and to test one's navigational and endurance skills. For Minnesotans who view physical challenge as part of the reward, the journey to Mirror Lake Campsite enhances the overall experience, making the stunning views and tranquil lakeside setting all the more earned and appreciated. The promise of "Great views, sunrises, fires, and easy water access" after a challenging hike is a powerful motivator for our adventurous residents.

Furthermore, the primitive facilities at the campsite reinforce the self-reliant ethos of true wilderness camping. The requirement for permits, the emphasis on Leave No Trace principles, and the need to carry in all supplies and pack out all waste, align with the responsible outdoor ethic often found among Minnesotans. This commitment ensures the preservation of these pristine areas for future generations.

In conclusion, Mirror Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail is not for every camper, but it is exceptionally suited for Minnesotans who are well-equipped, prepared for physical exertion, and deeply committed to experiencing the wilderness in its purest form. It's an opportunity to truly disconnect, reconnect with nature, and create indelible memories amidst the unparalleled beauty and serene solitude of Minnesota's iconic Boundary Waters.

Mirror Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

Ely, MN 55731, USA