ELY-PROUT LAKE
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties, MN
124.2 mi total 0.0 certified 0.0 connecting 95.2 marked 29.0 bare
If the north country reaches its epitome in the lower 48 states, it's in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of northern Minnesota. Wild, rugged, dotted with lakes and craggy hills, Sigurd Olson country -- well, like the beer commercial says, it just doesn't get any better than this. The Appalachian Trail may have its hundred-mile wilderness, but this is the North Country Trail's hundred mile wilderness, wilder by far. The trail only crosses one real road in the entire section, and gets near another toward the end.
For the hiker, the wild aspect is increased by the face that this is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; most recreational use of the area is by watercraft, and few hiking trails penetrate the backcountry. Superior National Forest, the manager of the land, is not big on hiking trails, and, in fact, some years ago abandoned most of the hiking trails in the wilderness. Volunteers, led mostly by the Kekekabic (Kek-uh-kab-ic) Trail Club, have come forward to rescue some of the abandoned trails, notably the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails, which are now under study for inclusion in the NCNST, as described in the last section. It's a daunting task, if for no more reason than getting to the trails to do maintenance sometimes takes multi-day trips, often by canoe; once there, motorized equipment, especially chainsaws, are not allowed, so Kek and Border Route maintainers get very proficient with the two-man crosscut saws usually only seen on the walls of trendy north country restaurants. After one tough winter, maintainers counted 500 trees down on the 38-mile Kekekabic. The Kekekabic Trail Club is always looking for new volunteers; contact them at 1627 W. County Rd. B, Suite B, Roseville MN 55113 (800-818-HIKE).
The Kekekabic and Border Route Trails are one of the few places on the NCNST where permits are needed for entry. Permits are available at many locations, including outfitters and forest service offices in Ely (and Grand Marais, if coming from the east). Permit reservations can also be made at (800) 745-3399. There is a $9.00 fee for the reservation.The permits are designed to control use on popular canoe routes, and getting a permit, at no charge, for using these trails is never a problem. Use of the trails is low; while figures for the Border Route are not available, one year recently the Kekekabic (usually called the "Kek" by those familiar with it) only had 61 permits pulled. Understandably, then, these trails are wild, and while kept open, are not immaculately manicured park trails. They're rough, remote, challenging and some of the wildest and most primitive to be found on the NCNST route. Expect to have to use map and compass, search out faint or missing trail, bushwhack, and ford unbridged streams and wet areas. Do not expect high mileage days, and be prepared for trouble; on a thru-hike, be prepared for a huge supply load. These trails really aren't designed for casual day-hikes, and even accessing the trails can be a problem. Part of the low use on the Kek comes from the fact that an end-to-end hike on the 38 mile trail leaves the hiker over 200 road miles from their car; at a minimum, this makes shuttles a problem. The situation is not a lot better on the longer Border Route. What with everything, these trails aren't for beginners. Good map and compass and backcountry skills are necessary.
CAMPING: Once past Snowbank Lake and into the BWCAW, trailside camping is only permitted at approved sites. Several trailside campsites have been cleared on the Kek, and a few on the Border Route. There is no fee. Fireless camping, for one night only, is permitted if farther than 100 feet from trail or water. BEARS: This is bear country, and bear precautions are usually taken at campsites. However, most of the problem bears -- and there are a few -- tend to be around the busier canoe campsites, not on the hiking trail. Get an update on problem bears, and bear precautions, when you pull your permit. MAPS: The maps in this guide are inadequate for hiking the BWCAW trails, given the remoteness of the countryside. Rather than USGS topographic maps, the use of the privately-developed McKenzie Maps, (McKenzie Products, 8479 S. Frye Road, Minong, WI 54859 (800)749-2113) is highly recommended. They are available from McKenzie, or in most of the outfitting stores in Ely or Grand Marais. These maps do show the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails, show most of the information given on topos, but in a simplified format, are updated more frequently than the topos, and best of all, are printed on waterproof, fold and tear resistant paper. RODS: If kilometers don't make much sense to Americans, then rods are even worse. Portage trails in the BWCAW are measured in rods, however, and over the years this has become convention to the point of using the measurements as names for the portages. A rod is 16 2/3 feet, (32 rods are pretty close to 1/10 mile). Rods aren't used here. MAILDROPS/SERVICES: There are no places for regular maildrops or hiker services in the 172 miles between Ely and Grand Marais, which is 48 miles into the next section. (The Border Route joins the Superior Hiking Trail far from civilization.) The only possibilities for maildrops are at one of the lodges along the Gunflint Trail (CR12), and prior arrangements are needed to use them. The KTA recommends Gunflint Lodge, address given below. Others are available; For more information see below or contact the Gunflint Trail Association, P.O. Box 205, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (800) 338-6932. MORE INFORMATION. There's lots of information available about the BWCAW, but most of it refers to canoeing, naturally. For general information, Superior National Forest, 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth MN 55080-1102 (218) 626-4300. Better information on the Kekekabic Trail is in a guide published by the Kekekabic Trail Club at the above address, and is also available from McKenzie. This guide is highly recommended, and purchase helps support trail clearing efforts on the Kek. Things are slimmer on the Border Route; a guide published by the Minnesota Rovers is reportedly out of print, though the route information is reportedly still good, and the information here is largely from it. However, this guide does not include the extensive interpretive information from the Border Route guide, so if a copy can be scrounged somewhere, grab it.
ELY, MN 55731 (Pop. 4820). Is there another town anywhere in the country, perhaps the world, whose mere name rings more of backcountry promise, that stirs the blood and sets the hands itching for wilderness? Ely is the traditional jumping off-point for the BWCAW, and there probably isn't another more backcountry-oriented town in the country. Most of it is geared toward canoeing, of course, but that's not out of line very much with hikers. Among other things, Ely is probably the best town on the North Country Trail for hiking and backcountry supplies, available at a number of outfitters (avoid those huge Duluth packs, without waist belts, though; they're for carrying light, but bulky objects over short portages). MOTELS: Many, among them, Motel Ely, (218) 365-3237, Four Star Motel, (218) 365-3142, Westgate, (218) 365-4513, Northwoods, (218) 365-3140. Motels can be full on summer weekends. RESTAURANTS: Again, many, ranging from fast food (Hardees, McDonalds) through family to fancy. GROCERIES: Large, full-service supermarket, plus convenience stores. Specialized backpacking foods (freeze-dried, etc.) available at several outfitters, most located on Sheridan Street. Even the supermarkets are better equipped in this respect than most. OUTFITTERS: Several sporting goods/outfitter stores, mostly oriented toward the canoe trade, though the hiker will find much that's useful; this is one of the few places along the trail where the hiker will find Bleuet gas cartridges, for example. ALSO: Hardware, department store, laundromat, drug store, doctor, dentist, hospital, and, gift and other touristy stores. Most of the stores, etc., are located on Sheridan St. west of the SR1/SR169 intersection, where this discription picks up. MORE INFORMATION: Ely Chamber of Commerce, 1600 E. Sheridan St. Ely, MN 55731 (800) 777-7281.
0.0 [0.0] INTERSECTION OF SR1 AND SR169
Enough preparation -- let's head for the back country. The first problem in walking the BWCAW trails is getting to them! It's a 21-mile roadwalk to One Lake, where the Kekekabic Trail picks up. Working out a trail through this area is one of the problems that have to be confronted in the Arrowhead project; for now, the roadwalk starts east on SR169.
1.0 [1.0] PASS INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER
A Forest Service contact station is located at the Wolf Center, where you can get backcountry permits. Hours are 9-5. The Wolf Center is worth a visit, anyway.
2.7 [1.7] SR169 ENDS; CONTINUE EAST ON FERNBERG RD.
SR169 ends at the village of Winton; limited services available. The route continues east on Fernberg Rd. After another 3.6 miles, pass intersection to CR551; a campground is located two miles north.
6.3 [3.6] CONTINUE EAST ON FERNBERG RD.
20.0 [13.7] PASS SNOWBANK LAKE RD.
A new trailhead for the Kekekabic Trail is being constructed about 1.5 miles east on Snowbank Lake Rd. However, for the present, the trailhead is 0.7 miles farther south, still on Fernberg Rd., which bends to the south shortly after this intersection.
20.7 [0.7] WEST TRAILHEAD FOR KEKEKABIC TRAIL
The Kekekabic Trail Club recommends planning four to six days to hike the 38-mile Kek. The first 1.5 miles is easy, but soon a beaver dam is crossed, and the trail climbs to the top of a ridge, beginning a series of climbs and descents as the trail rounds the south shore of Snowbank Lake. The trail passes the south end of the lake, crosses a boardwalk, and after another half mile, enters the BWCAW; permits are needed after this point. About 0.4 mile further, a loop trail leaves to the south. After about another 0.3 mile, a side trail leads north about 0.3 mile to a campground at Parent Lake.
25.9 [5.2] SIDE TRAIL TO PARENT LAKE CG
After about .7 miles, the loop trail from the south rejoins. The trail swings to the northeast, and closes the shore of Disapointment Lake after about 2.4 miles; after about another 0.4 miles, a cairn is passed that marks a side trail running north along the east side of Disappointment Lake; there are campsites about half a mile north. After about another 0.5 miles, reach a side trail that runs a short distance south to a campsite at Drumstick Lake.
29.2 [3.3] SIDE TRAIL TO DRUMSTICK LAKE CG
About a mile east of the Drumstick Lake campsite, there is a cairn marking the junction of the Old Pine Trail, heading to the south. The next half mile is tough going through a wet area; south of Lulu Lake the Kek uses a beaver dam to cross a stream. The trail angles more to the northeast past the shores of Medas Lake, with Moiyaka Lake to the north. The divide between the two narrows, and finally a connecting stream is crossed. A side trail just west of the crossing leads to a campsite on Moiyaka Lake; just past the crossing, the Old Pines Trail crosses; a campsite lies just to the south on Medas Lake.
31.6 [2.4] PASS OLD PINES TRAIL JUNCTION
To the east of the Old Pine Trail junction about 0.7 mile, the Kek crosses an intermittent stream, a beaver dam, and grassy lowlands. About 1.4 mile farther, the Thomas Lake portage is crossed, with rapids just to the northwest. This stream must be forded. A campsite is nearby, just east of the stream crossing.
33.7 [2.1] PASS THOMAS LAKE PORTAGE
The next 4.0 miles are relatively easy, through spruce forest lowlands, then rising to follow a small lake. The trail then turns to the east, descends through a wet area, passes the end of Strup Lake, and about 0.3 farther crosses a portage between Strup and Kekekabic Lakes. A spur trail to a campsite on Strup Lake is located about 0.1 mile east of the portage trail.
38.5 [4.8] SIDE TRAIL TO STRUP LAKE CAMPSITE
About 0.2 mile past the side trail to the Strup Lake Campsite, a small stream is crossed. The Kek turns to the northeast again, and gets hillier; the next 2.0 miles are up and down through old growth white pine. Then, at the top of a low peak, the trail bends back to the southeast for about a mile, still up and down, then finally back to the northeast. Finally, after about another mile, the trail bends back to the northeast again and reaches the Harness Lake Campsite, on a rocky ledge overlooking the lake.
42.6 [4.1] PASS HARNESS LAKE CAMPSITE
The trail descends from the campsite, and crosses a beaver dam. The Kekekabic Trail Guide reports that the trail can be hard to pick up on the far side. The trail continues east along the feet of a large hill to the south, crosses a wet area at Bushwah Lake, then climbs to a high point and overlook east of Travois Lake, about a mile from the Beaver Dam. Past the overlook, the trail bends back to the northeast and continues with sharp ups and downs for the next two miles, until it descends to the portage between Mueller and Agamok Lakes. The portage bypasses the gorge of the Agamok River, with several waterfalls. This river is crossed on a KTA-built footbridge. A campsite is located just east of the bridge, on a side trail to the south.
46.5 [3.9] PASS AGAMOK LAKE CAMPSITE
The trail crosses a wet area and climbs sharply over the next mile, entering Cook County, then descends gently to a campsite at the northeast corner of Gabimichigami Lake, Minnesota's deepest lake at 209 feet. The last bit into the campsite is difficult going.
49.0 [2.5] PASS GABIMICHIGAMI LAKE CAMPSITE
The trail makes a sharp turn to the northeast just after leaving the campsite, then bends back to the southeast. After 1.0 mile is crosses a small stream and continues through a low area, and after about another 0.2 mile reaches a tiny campsite near the tip of Howard Lake.
50.4 [1.4] PASS HOWARD LAKE CAMPSITE
The trail skirts the northeast side of the lake, heading southeast, with easy ups and downs. After about 0.7 mile, the trail turns east north of Chip Lake, and continues east, jogging to the north to make a tricky crossing across the narrows of Seahorse Lake. The trail continues on east, making another tricky crossing, this time of the Chub River, after another 0.5 mile, skirts the south side of Warclub Lake, and makes another tricky crossing just west of Fay Lake. Two portage trails are passed in the next half mile About 0.2 miles past the second portage, the Glee Lake - Bingshick Lake portage trail is followed for about 0.1 mile; then the trail skirts the north side of Bingshink Lake. Two campsites are located at Bingshink Lake, perhaps the most popular on the Kekekabic, one just west of the Bingshick Lake - Honker Lake portage trail, and the other just east of it.
55.2 [4.8] PASS BINGSHINK LAKE - HONKER LAKE PORTAGE
About a mile east of the portage, the BWCAW is left, entering a buffer area to either side of the Gunflint Trail; the BWCAW is re-entered further east. Since a permit is not needed, the section between here and the road makes for an interesting dayhike, passing a couple of old mine shafts, one near the trail as it reaches Mine Lake, the other about 0.6 miles from the Gunflint. There are also some nice lake views, and this section is easy. In the last 0.4 mile, the Kekekabic Trail descends to its eastern trailhead on the Gunflint Trail. There is a small parking area.
58.7 [3.5] TURN NORTH ON GUNFLINT TRAIL
The Gunflint Trail is a paved highway leading 46.4 miles southeast to Grand Marais. It's followed north for 0.1 mile, past a trailhead parking area for the Magnetic Rock Trail. The trailhead for the Border Route Trail is about 200 feet farther north on the Gunflint Trail.
58.8 [1.0] TURN EAST ON BORDER ROUTE TRAIL
THE BORDER ROUTE trail was constructed in the late '70s by the Minnesota Rovers Outing Club with the cooperation of the US Forest Service, the Minnesota DNR, and various volunteer and private groups. Like the Kekekabic, it's a rugged, remote trail, not for beginners. Although reasonably marked in the western, non-BWCAW section, permanent trail markers are not permitted in the BWCAW, so trail maintainers get by with blue flagging tape. The western section is maintained by several of the lodges in the Gunflint/Loon Lake areas, along with volunteer assistance, and, since the Border Route here is part of a network of cross country ski trails, it's usually in pretty good shape. East of the Crab Lake Trail junction, it's in the BWCAW; maintenance is totally by volunteer groups: the Minnesota Rovers, the Kekekabic Trail Association and the Minnesota Wilderness Trail Association. but the trail is also reportedly in pretty good shape. However, east of the Arrowhead Trail, it's reported to not be in good shape. As mentioned above, in 1987 the Minnesota Rovers published: The Border Route Trail: A Trail Guide and Map, which is adequate to follow the trail -- but it's believed to be out of print. Never the less, checking with the Minnesota Rovers, PO Box 14133, Dinkytown Station, Minneapolis MN 55414 (612) 822-0569 may find that it's back in print. Failing that, McKenzie Maps, which show the trail, are recommended. The discussion here is based on the 1987 guide and more recent hiker reports.
The trail heads northeast from the trailhead, along the edge of a swampy area, passing by ponds and layered granite slabs. After 1.7 miles, Magnetic Rock is reached. This 40-foot rock will make your compass go crazy (and, note that this isn't the only place in the BWCAW where a compass is not to be trusted).
60.5 [1.7] PASS MAGNETIC ROCK
There are several confusing paths in the Magnetic Rock area. The Border Route turns south just west of the rock, jogs around a bit, then turns southwest, crossing an old railroad grade after about a mile. The trail then turns northwest for about half a mile, then back to the southeast, reaching a woods road that leads east about a mile to Borderland Lodge, the first of several lodges in the Gunflint/Loon Lake areas that might be used as maildrops with prior arrangements. (Borderland Lodge, 855 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604-9707, (218) 388-2233 (800) 451-1667).
62.3 [1.8] CROSS BORDERLAND LODGE RD.
The Border Route continues east for about another 0.8 miles, reaching another woods road. The trail turns south on this road, using the bridge to cross the Cross River, then leaves the road, bending back to the west for about 0.6 mile along a low ridge above the river, reaching a viewpoint before turning back to the southeast, and crossing Cross River Rd. after about another 0.5 mile. The trail continues southeast for another 0.9 miles, reaching the woods road that leads to several lodges. The first is about half a mile to the east: Gunflint Lodge, 750 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604-9706, 218-388-2294 -- 800-328-3325, e-mail - gunflint@gunflint.com. A little farther is Gunflint Pines, 755 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604-9706, (218) 388-4454; 800-533-5814; fax 218-388-4454; e-mail - gunflintpines@boreal.org. About a mile farther to the east is Heston's Country Store & Cabins, 840 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604-9706 (218) 388-2243; (800) 338-7230. There is a small camp store here.
64.3 [2.0] CROSS GUNFLINT LODGE RD.
Watch out for intersecting ski trails in this area (the lodges have local maps). The trail continues east for about 0.4 mile to a nice view, then turns southeast. After another 0.9 mile, reach the spur trail to Loon Lake Landing.
65.6 [1.3] TURN SOUTHEAST ON LOON LAKE LANDING SPUR TRAIL
The Border Route is marked to the east along the divide between Gunflint and Loon Lakes, but a 3/4 mile section of private land blocks the complete passage, and, at last report, hiking across it was still not permitted. For the latest information, contact the USFS Gunflint Ranger District, PO Box 780, Grand Marais MN 55604 (218) 387-1750. The only legal alternative at this time is to roadwalk on the Gunflint Trail around the south side of Loon Lake, but it's about the same distance. The bypass follows the Loon Lake Landing Spur Trail 0.3 miles to the southeast, until reaching the landing, where there's a good campsite. The access road from the landing runs to the west for about 0.2 mile, then turns south and reaches the Gunflint Trail after 0.1 mile.
66.2 [0.6] TURN EAST ON GUNFLINT TRAIL
The bypass roadwalk on the Gunflint Trail goes east for 4.3 miles, then turns north near the east end of Loon Lake for about 0.2 miles to Loon Lake Lodge, another place where it might be possible to arrange a maildrop, and the only lodge directly on the route given here: Loon Lake Lodge, 710 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604-9705; (218) 388-2232; 800-552-6351.
70.7 [4.5] TURN NORTH ON CRAB LAKE TRAIL
The road leads past Loon Lake Lodge, and soon ends at the trailhead for the Crab Lake Trail. This trail goes northeast from the shore of loon lake, climbs over a low ridge, and follows the south shore of Crab Lake to the northeast. At the east end of Crab Lake, a side trail, the Cutoff Trail, heads to the north; this trail junction marks entering the BWCAW again, where permits are required. The hiker might wish to follow the Cutoff Trail north about 0.3 miles, then back to the west on the Border Route for about 0.7 miles to Bridal Veil Falls, where there is a campsite. (The Border Route is marked west of the falls to near the private land area, but is reportedly in very poor condition.) The Crab Lake Trail continues northeast for about another mile to join the Border Route about 1.6 miles east of Bridal Veil Falls.
73.6 [2.9] TURN EAST ON BORDER ROUTE
From this point, the Border Route is flagged, but does not have permanent markings, except for an occasional sign. A spur trail leads northeast from this trail junction to South Lake; a bushwhack along the north shore will lead to the historic "Height of Land" portage on the old voyageur canoe route. The trail continues along the top of a ridge until near Topper Lake, then descends sharply until reaching the South Lake - Topper Lake portage trail.
75.1 [1.5] CROSS SOUTH LAKE - TOPPER LAKE PORTAGE TRAIL
Past the portage trail, the Border Route starts to climb again. Near the east end of the lake, there is a short side trail to a campsite. After about 0.3 mile, reach a trail junction with a spur trail that leads back out to the Gunflint Trail near Mayhew Lake. After another 0.6 mile, a side trail leads south to a nice campsite overlooking Sock Lake.
76.6 [1.5] PASS SIDE TRAIL TO SOCK LAKE CAMPSITE
Continuing east, after a distance the trail descends to a low area near well-named Mucker Lake. There is a difficult crossing at the stream on the northwest corner of the lake. The trail climbs up slightly from the lake, crosses a meadow, and crosses an old logging road. The road leads northwest to South Lake, and south to a campsite on Hoat Lake, to the south, and on west to the Mayhew Lake access trail. The Border Route continues east, climbing steadily for another 1.1 mile until reaching the South Lake Trail.
78.9 [2.3] CROSS SOUTH LAKE TRAIL
The South Lake Trail leads south four miles to the Gunflint Trail, and north to the east end of South Lake. There are campsites to the south along Partridge Lake. The Border Route becomes narrow and twisty with tricky footing as it continues to the east, bending northeast toward Rose Lake. After about 2.1 miles, a side trail leads south to a campsite at the east end of Partridge Lake. Just past the side trail, reach the west cliffs of Rose Lake, among the most spectacular views in the state. There are four excellent viewpoints in a short distance. The trail runs along the top of the cliffs for a ways, heads across a ridge, then comes out to them again for more viewpoints, then makes a tricky descent to the southeast past a small pond, then switchbacks up a hill before descending to Stairway Portage.
83.5 [4.6] CROSS STAIRWAY PORTAGE
Stairway Portage was built by the CCC in the 1930s. It's 28 steps down to Duncan Lake on the south, and 91 down to Rose Lake on the north. The trail follows the portage for a short distance, then turns to the east, crosses a bridge, and climbs up rock outcroppings, past the junction with a side trail that leads south to Duncan Lake and continues east, climbing to an overlook.The trail heads into the woods and trail forks; the south fork is a shortcut bypassing a climb to an outstanding overlook. After a short distance, the trail descends and the shortcut rejoins. Continuing east, the trail follows the crest of a ridge, then angles down steeply to another overlook, switches back, continuing to descend to near the shore of Rose Lake, where there is a campsite 2.1 miles from Stairway Portage. At the end of the lake, the trail joins the Long Portage between Rose and Rove Lakes; when the Arrowhead relo takes effect, this will be the northernmost point of the NCNST. The Long Portage heads southeast; after 2.8 more miles, a side trail leads south along Daniels Lake, then turns east to Clear-water Lake, reaching Clearwater Lodge after 2.9 miles. This is the last lodge that might be used as a maildrop with prior arrangement, the closest to halfway between Ely and Grand Marais, but somewhat farther from the trail than others. (Clearwater Canoe Outfitters & Lodge, 355 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604; (218) 388-2254; (800) 527-0554).
88.4 [4.9] PASS SIDE TRAIL TO CLEARWATER LODGE
The Border Route continues east along the portage to Rove Lake. Just before reaching the lake, the trail turns east and follows the south shore to the portage between Rove and Clearwater Lakes. The trail turns south on the portage trail and climbs to the top of the hill, where it leave the portage trail and turns to the east.
91.1 [1.7]LEAVE ROVE LAKE - CLEARWATER LAKE PORTAGE TRAIL
The trail turns northeasterly; after about 1.5 mile, a viewpoint of Watap Lake is passed. The trail follows a ridge east for about 2.0 mile, then descends in a wide switchback, reaching the portage trail between Clearwater and Mountain Lakes.
95.6 [4.5] CROSS MOUNTAIN LAKE - CLEARWATER LAKE PORTAGE TRAIL
The trail climbs northeasterly to an overlook, follows a ridge easterly for about 0.6 mile, then turns southeasterly and descends to a campsite near the east end of Clearwater Lake. Just east of the campsite, the trail joins the 0.6 mile portage trail between Clearwater and West Pike Lakes.
98.3 [2.7] PASS WEST END OF WEST PIKE LAKE
The trail follows the lakeshore easterly for a distance, crosses the portage trail between West Pike and Geogebic Lakes, then turns back to the west and crosses it again. The trail circles the shore of Geogebic Lake, passing a campsite. At the south end of the lake, it turns southeasterly, climbs a ridge, and follows the ridge northeasterly for about a mile to an overlook. The trail then turns south, descends the ridge, then turns to the east and joins another ridge, then turns southeast, then east, until reaching the portage between West Pike and Pine Lake.
104.4 [6.1] CROSS WEST PIKE LAKE - PINE LAKE PORTAGE
The trail climbs back to the top of the densely wooded ridge and continues easterly, after 3.3 miles reaching the East Pike Lake - McFarland Lake portage.
107.7 [3.3] JOIN EAST PIKE LAKE - MCFARLAND LAKE PORTAGE
The trail follows the portage northward for about 0.2 miles, turns to follow the shore of the lake, then climbs the ridge again. After 3.4 miles, an overlook is passed. The trail turns south and descends, reaching a private road after .8 miles. Turn east and use the bridge separating McFarland and Little John Lakes, pass the public water access, and continue, reaching the Arrowhead Trail parking area.
111.9 [4.2] PASS ARROWHEAD TRAIL PARKING AREA
This is outside the BWCAW, and no permit is needed, but the trail east from here is reportedly in poor shape; if local knowledge concurs (check with the Gunflint Ranger District office), you might wish to follow the Arrowhead Trail south, then the Rengo Lake road east to the trailhead for the Superior Hiking trail. From the parking area, the trail heads southeast in a gradual climb to an overlook, then follows a ridge eastward. After 1.7 miles, the trail descends, intersecting an ATV trail, then turns northeastward and climbs again for 0.4 miles to another overlook. The trail then turns southeastward and descends to the Pigeon River. There is a small campsite near the bottom of the hill. The trail follows the river south, sometimes wet and hard to follow, cutting away from it in a shortcut over a ridge at one point, then descending to cross the Stump River on a tricky crossing.
118.0 [6.1] CROSS STUMP RIVER
The trail is obscure and muddy south of here. After 1.3 miles, cross Pigeon Brook; a campsite is nearby. After another 0.6 miles, a side trail leads southeast for 1.0 mile to a parking area near Otter Lake.
119.6 [1.6] PASS OTTER LAKE SIDE TRAIL
The Border Route turns back to the east, then turns to the north, ascends a ridge, and follows it easterly past several viewpoints, winding around a fair amount as it continues east to the Swamp River. Past the last lookout, which is on a short spur trail to the east, the trail turns south and follows above the Swamp River, then turns southeast to join it, continuing south to Rengo/Otter Lake/Swamp Lake Road. (It has several local names.) The trail uses the road bridge to cross the Swamp River. A campsite is nearby.
124.2 [4.6] REACH RENGO/OTTER LAKE/SWAMP LAKE ROAD
Description of this segment ends at this point. The trailhead for the Superior Hiking Trail is to the southeast of the Swamp River Bridge. Grand Marais, MN, the next supply point, is 48.2 miles south and southwest along the Superior Hiking Trail.