BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
November 04 2025
Entry Point 27 - Snowbank Lake
Snowbank Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (25 HP max). This entry point is supported by Kawishiwi Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 24 miles. Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. Many trip options for paddlers. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 8
Elevation: 1191 feet
Latitude: 47.9716
Longitude: -91.4326
Snowbank Lake - 27
Number of Permits per Day: 8
Elevation: 1191 feet
Latitude: 47.9716
Longitude: -91.4326
Snowbank Lake - 27
Not a dissapointment
by Mehoff131
Trip Report
Entry Date:
June 13, 2013
Entry Point:
Snowbank Lake
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
9
Trip Introduction:
Day 1
Set off on Snowbank with 3 adult leaders and 6 boys ( 14-16 y.o.) for four
days of fun. As we were paddling across to the portage we spoke with two
different groups on their way out. Fishing reports were that the walleye
were tough to find but the smallmouth was well worth it. Our only portage
that day was the 140rd connecting Snowbank to Disappointment. This was
a very easy 140 rods with dry ground and a failrly level walk. All 4 of our
boats made it with only 2 trips each in about 45 mins. As we headed off we
came up with splitting into two groups to search for our F.O.B. many of the
spots we had scouted had already been taken but we found one that would
work (look for my campsite review). When we got unloaded we noticed
quite a few problems. 4-5 fish carcasses were in the water and on shore
right in the landing area. A lot of shredded tinfoil in and around the fire
grate. Fruit cups tucked behind a bush. And fruit peals near one of the tent
sites. After cleaning up after the last group ( I'm convinced it was one group
that we spoke to on our way out with mostly 20 something's and an older
gentleman that should have known better) we had lunch and set up camp.
That evening 2 of use tried our had At fishing in our little bay while a few
others fished right from shore. Smallmouths were very active hitting on a
black and gray 2" floating Rapala. Many of them we eating size but we
released all of them. After dinner we settled down for a quiet nights sleep.
Day 2
Waking up is hard to do when it's sooo quiet. After eating and doing some
dishes we decided to visit Cattyman Falls. With 3 canoes each with 3
people we headed out. All four portages we fairly easy without the gear.
The only issue was both sides of Jitterbug lake. Very muddy landings with
only narrow entries but good news was we didn't have much equipment
with us. We stopped on Adventure lake to have lunch before getting to our
destination. Arriving at the falls we waited for two other groups to have their
turn then made our way to the landing. The water was moving pretty good
so getting near was not gonna happen. But we all went swimming where
the water dumps into the lake. We all layed down on the rocks with the nice
cold water running over our shoulders and heads. After a good hour at the
BW spa we made our way back to camp for a late dinner.
Day 3
With only rain showers during the night. I woke up with a mission. I had
fishing to do! Several of use spent the majority of the afternoon looking for
walleye's with nothing to show. Jigs, spinners, Rapalas, and just an old
fashion hook and bobber were all a goose egg. Others in our group took a
hike to Disappointment Mountain. The hiking trail connected to the back of
our site so they set forth. Along the trail they found Pink lady slippers and
some ticks ( one boy said he found 17 on his legs ) but there was no
distinct peak or view to see once near the top so they headed back down.
So three of use went back to working the small bays with Rapalas looking
for more bronze. While fishing we watched a female moose swiming in
open water out to an island. As the day grew so did the winds speed. By
late afternoon we had white caps and thunder in the distance. A good size
storm was passing just south and east of us giving us a reprieve from the
worst of it. After a short down poor we made dinner and started to pack
what we could for an early start the next day.
Day 4
Woke up to mist and chilly temps so we broke camp, ate breakfast, then
headed out. As soon as we reached the portage to Snowbank the rain
materialized. This was only a minor rain lasting until we finished loading up
our canoes on the other side. With calm winds and the hope of phones,
gadgets, and gaming consoles in their hearts the boys sang the entire way
back to the canoe landing. While at the landing we spoke with some groups
leaving, swapping stories and comparing fishing. Another group of Boy
Scouts from Ohio was preparing to head out for the first time. We gave
them some tips and pointed them out the "best sites". After their outfitter left
they discovered they had left their maps, licenses, and permit on the dash
of the van. Scouts helping Scouts we drove as far as we needed to to get a
cell signal and called the outfitter to return. I just hope the rest of their trip
went a lot smoother!
Report
Day 1 Set off on Snowbank with 3 adult leaders and 6 boys ( 14-16 y.o.) for four days of fun. As we were paddling across to the portage we spoke with two different groups on their way out. Fishing reports were that the walleye were tough to find but the smallmouth was well worth it. Our only portage that day was the 140rd connecting Snowbank to Disappointment. This was a very easy 140 rods with dry ground and a failrly level walk. All 4 of our boats made it with only 2 trips each in about 45 mins. As we headed off we came up with splitting into two groups to search for our F.O.B. many of the spots we had scouted had already been taken but we found one that would work (look for my campsite review). When we got unloaded we noticed quite a few problems. 4-5 fish carcasses were in the water and on shore right in the landing area. A lot of shredded tinfoil in and around the fire grate. Fruit cups tucked behind a bush. And fruit peals near one of the tent sites. After cleaning up after the last group ( I'm convinced it was one group that we spoke to on our way out with mostly 20 something's and an older gentleman that should have known better) we had lunch and set up camp. That evening 2 of use tried our had At fishing in our little bay while a few others fished right from shore. Smallmouths were very active hitting on a black and gray 2" floating Rapala. Many of them we eating size but we released all of them. After dinner we settled down for a quiet nights sleep. Day 2 Waking up is hard to do when it's sooo quiet. After eating and doing some dishes we decided to visit Cattyman Falls. With 3 canoes each with 3 people we headed out. All four portages we fairly easy without the gear. The only issue was both sides of Jitterbug lake. Very muddy landings with only narrow entries but good news was we didn't have much equipment with us. We stopped on Adventure lake to have lunch before getting to our destination. Arriving at the falls we waited for two other groups to have their turn then made our way to the landing. The water was moving pretty good so getting near was not gonna happen. But we all went swimming where the water dumps into the lake. We all layed down on the rocks with the nice cold water running over our shoulders and heads. After a good hour at the BW spa we made our way back to camp for a late dinner. Day 3 With only rain showers during the night. I woke up with a mission. I had fishing to do! Several of use spent the majority of the afternoon looking for walleye's with nothing to show. Jigs, spinners, Rapalas, and just an old fashion hook and bobber were all a goose egg. Others in our group took a hike to Disappointment Mountain. The hiking trail connected to the back of our site so they set forth. Along the trail they found Pink lady slippers and some ticks ( one boy said he found 17 on his legs ) but there was no distinct peak or view to see once near the top so they headed back down. So three of use went back to working the small bays with Rapalas looking for more bronze. While fishing we watched a female moose swiming in open water out to an island. As the day grew so did the winds speed. By late afternoon we had white caps and thunder in the distance. A good size storm was passing just south and east of us giving us a reprieve from the worst of it. After a short down poor we made dinner and started to pack what we could for an early start the next day. Day 4 Woke up to mist and chilly temps so we broke camp, ate breakfast, then headed out. As soon as we reached the portage to Snowbank the rain materialized. This was only a minor rain lasting until we finished loading up our canoes on the other side. With calm winds and the hope of phones, gadgets, and gaming consoles in their hearts the boys sang the entire way back to the canoe landing. While at the landing we spoke with some groups leaving, swapping stories and comparing fishing. Another group of Boy Scouts from Ohio was preparing to head out for the first time. We gave them some tips and pointed them out the "best sites". After their outfitter left they discovered they had left their maps, licenses, and permit on the dash of the van. Scouts helping Scouts we drove as far as we needed to to get a cell signal and called the outfitter to return. I just hope the rest of their trip went a lot smoother!
discuss this trip report (2 comments) - last post on June 22, 2013