Spirit of the Wilderness

09/03/2026

Here are our updated September hours at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters! 🍂

Sept. 1–7: 6:30am–7pm
Sept. 8–12: 6:30am–6pm
Sept. 13–19: 7am–6pm
Sept. 20–Oct. 10: 8am–5pm
Oct. 11 & on: Hours TBD

Stop in and see us before your next fall adventure! 🛶🍁

09/03/2026

Save on your favorite outdoor brands at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters! 🌲 Shop deals on Columbia and Outdoor Research clothing, footwear, socks, paddles, life jackets, sweatshirts, select camping gear and more during our in-store sale September 3–13th. Be sure to check out the clearance section while you’re here, too!

Our store hours are as follows:
🍂 September Store Hours:
Sept. 1–7: 6:30am–7pm
Sept. 8–12: 6:30am–6pm
Sept. 13–19: 7am–6pm
Sept. 20–Oct. 10: 8am–5pm
Oct. 11 & on: Hours TBD

09/02/2026

Update 9/2/26 - starting 9/8/26 Fall Lake and Mudro entry points will reopen for overnight use again. Please take note that the areas that are burnt would be good to use extra caution. There are unstable trees and stump holes to avoid.

If you have an extra permit you booked as a back up please remember to cancel the permit you will not be using so someone else could possibly get a chance to take a fall trip.

The Superior NF continues to reopen recreation areas temporarily impacted by the July wildfires for public enjoyment.

Starting on September 8, Phase 10 will reopen additional BWCAW
entry points on the Kawishiwi and LaCroix Ranger Districts, and more recreation areas along the Echo Trail.

These locations include BWCAW Entry Points 12-Little Vermilion, 12A-Lac La Croix Only, 13-Herriman Lake Trail, 22-Mudro Lake Restricted, 23-Mudro Lake, and 24-Fall Lake.

Recreation areas include Ed Shave Road and boat launch; Meander Lake picnic area, fishing pier, and backcountry sites; and Fire and Ice Interpretive Trail

Visitors are reminded to watch for wildfire hazards like burnt and unstable hazard trees and stump holes. Public and firefighter safety remains our top priority. Maps and recreation lists related to closures are available at: https://fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

Information on recreation opportunities on the Forest is available:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/recreation

08/28/2026

As fire restrictions begin to lift, it’s a good time for a friendly reminder that campfire safety is still an important part of every wilderness trip. Conditions can change quickly, so always check current restrictions and regulations before heading into the BWCA.

When enjoying a campfire, keep it manageable, never leave it unattended, and have plenty of water nearby. When it’s time to call it a night or leave camp, thoroughly extinguish your fire and make sure it is completely out and cold to the touch.

A little extra care around the campfire helps protect the forests, lakes and campsites we all come here to enjoy. Have fun, be safe, and take care of the wilderness out there!

08/27/2026

8/26/26- the Fall Lake and Beyond day-use motor entry point will be open for use effective Saturday, August 29th. Day-paddlers are also welcome to travel beyond Fall Lake beginning Saturday.

Overnight use of Fall, Newton and Pipestone Lakes is still prohibited.

In addition, the Little Vermillion and Lac LaCroix entry points will be open for day-use motor and paddle beginning Tuesday, September 1st. Overnight use on Little Vermillion, Loon, and Lac LaCroix is still prohibited. Lastly, the Jeanette Lake campground will also re-open beginning Tuesday, September 1st.

Cancellation of BWCAW permits for the following entry points will be extended through Monday, September 7th:

12 Little Vermillion Lake (overnight paddle and motor)
12A Lac LaCroix Only (overnight paddle and motor)
13 Herriman Trail
20 Angleworm Lake
21 Angleworm Trail
22 Mudro Lake – Restricted
23 Mudro Lake
24 Fall Lake (overnight paddle and motor)

Affected visitors will be notified of these cancellations via email.

08/24/2026

8/24/26 - the USFS has lifted the fire ban for the BWCA

08/20/2026

Give our Wilderness Blend Coffee a try! ☕🌲 Now available at BWCAshop.com Bring those cool, misty BWCA mornings around the campfire right to your cup.☕️🛶

Bring that BWCA morning around the fire feeling straight to your door. ☕🌲 Try our Spirit of the Wilderness coffee, available now at BWCAshop.com. A little taste of canoe country, wherever you are.

08/20/2026

Some of the best days start with a paddle in your hand. There’s still plenty of summer left to get out on the water and make a few more Northwoods memories.

Not sure where to paddle next? Stop by Spirit of the Wilderness in Ely! Our knowledgeable crew can help you find a route that fits your trip, answer questions about current conditions, and make sure you have the gear and supplies you need before heading into the BWCA.

There’s a whole lot of wilderness out there waiting to be explored.

08/19/2026

On August 25, 2026, the Superior NF will reopen two additional BWCAW entry points ( #9-Little Indian Sioux River South & #77-S Hegman Lake) along the Echo Trail that were previously closed due to wildfire activity.

On August 25, 2026, the Superior NF will reopen two additional BWCAW entry points ( #9-Little Indian Sioux River South & #77-S Hegman Lake) along the Echo Trail that were previously closed due to wildfire activity.

A variety of BWCAW recreation opportunities and non-Wilderness recreation opportunities exist across the Forest. Public and firefighter safety remains our top priority. Maps and recreation lists related to closures are available at: https://fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts under BWCAW Phased Re-openings. Maps under maps at bottom and other documents under Associated Documents.

Information on recreation opportunities on the Forest is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/recreation

08/19/2026

8/19/26 Quetico Update. Some good news today –

As of Friday, August 21st, Quetico will open the Northwest Quadrant of the park – from Nym lake on the east to Beaverhouse on the west end. The southern boundary will be Sturgeon Lake. I have attached a map of the accessible area:

Quetico will be Re-Opening the following entry points on August 21st, 2026:

-21: Batchewaung
-22: Sue Falls
-31: Cirrus
-32: Quetico

Beaverhouse, Lerome Lake, and Nym Lake parking lots will be open.

Permits can be picked up at Dawson Trail, Atikokan, or Beaverhouse Ranger Stations.

The rest of the park will remain closed for the season to support AFFES fire suppression and monitoring efforts on the east side and southern boundary.