BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
September 15 2024
Entry Point 24 - Fall Lake
Number of Permits per Day: 14
Elevation: 1324 feet
Latitude: 47.9527
Longitude: -91.7213
"This trip will be taking off from Fall Lake up through Newton Falls portage onto Pipestone Bay campsites. 3 day, 2 night trip into the wilderness.
A journey into serenity
Entry Date:
August 22, 2024
Entry Point:
Fall Lake
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
7
Prelude in Ely
Our adventure began as we arrived in Ely around 3 PM a day before our permits allowed us to enter the BWCAW. Ely has it's own small-town charm, a fitting prelude to the untouched wilderness that awaited us. We were excited but also slightly anxious, given that most of us were beginners when it came to camping. We were in good hands with Piragis, the outfitting company we chose for our journey.
At Piragis, the rest of our evening was filled with preparations. The staff were thorough, showing us instructional videos, packing our food, and patiently explaining our meal plan and route options. The gear was laid out in front of us, and they walked us through every detail, from setting up our tents to handling the canoes. The 'oar fitting' session was a fun little moment for some of our novice campers. We left Piragis with a wealth of knowledge, a sense of preparedness, and a nervous excitement for the adventure ahead.
After what felt like several hours of prep, we explored the town a bit. The Piragis retail store, with its array of camping gear and the cozy bookstore was a nice little highlight. A stop at Northwoods Coffee provided us with delicious brews and a chance to savor the last bit of civilization. We turned in early at the Paddle Inn motel, eager for the next day's journey.
Thursday, August 22, 2024: Day 1: Into the Wild
The morning of August 22nd dawned crisp and clear. After a quick breakfast at a local deli, we returned to Piragis for final check-ins. The staff’s last-minute advice and help with setting up our fishing gear were reassuring as we set off for Fall Lake, Entry Point 24. The 15-minute drive felt like the calm before the storm, though in reality, it was the calm before serenity.
The moment our canoes touched the waters of Fall Lake, we were enveloped by the tranquility of the Boundary Waters. The stillness was only interrupted by the haphazard dipping of our paddles and the occasional call of a loon. We portaged into Newton Lake, where the scenery seemed to become even more picturesque—forests of pine and birch framed the water like a painting. The Fall Lake falls is an attraction unto itself.
Our final stretch for the day was a 3+ mile canoe trip up Pipestone Bay. The bay opened up in front of us, a vast expanse of shimmering water under a bright sky. The last stretch of our journey turned out to be more precarious than what we had hoped for, rough waters, cross currents and winds rocked our canoes to a point where we felt the need to immediately find a campsite. Our ultimate destination happened to be campsite 1589, a gem nestled by a sandy beach. The first evening was spent setting up camp, a surprisingly smooth process thanks to some of our more experienced campers in the group. We gathered around the campfire, cooked a satisfying meal, and let the day’s exhaustion carry us into a deep, restful sleep. 
Day 2: Embracing the Wilderness
The second day was all about exploration. After a hearty breakfast, we set out to canoe around Pipestone Bay and Basswood Lake. The lakes were alive with wildlife. We spotted bald eagles soaring majestically overhead, common loons gliding on the water, and lake gulls dotting the sky. Each sighting felt like a gift from the wilderness, a reminder of the untouched beauty of the BWCAW.
A short portage and hike brought us to a pristine white lily pond, its still waters reflecting the sky like a mirror. The peace was indescribable, a perfect fusion of nature’s beauty and our own contentment. A light lunch by the pond kept us energized as we returned to our campsite.
The evening brought with it a gourmet dinner, a pleasant surprise given our remote location. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered around the campfire once more. Stories were shared and laughter echoed through the trees. The night sky, unpolluted by city lights, revealed a tapestry of stars that seemed within arm’s reach. We were able to spot the arm of the milky way, identify a multitude of constellations with ease. 
Day 3: The Great Paddle
Day three was our most ambitious, a 10-mile canoe journey that took us to Basswood Falls near the Canadian border. The route was challenging but rewarding. The thrill of navigating the waters, combined with the stunning vistas that unfolded around every bend, made the effort worthwhile. At times, we unknowingly crossed into Canada, a testament to how far removed we were from everyday life.
By the time we returned to our campsite, exhaustion had set in. But it was the good kind of tired—the kind that comes from a day well spent in nature. We collapsed into our sleeping bags, the sound of the lake lulling us to sleep. 
Day 4: Farewell to the Wilderness
The final day came too soon. We packed up our campsite early, making sure to leave it cleaner than we found it—a small token of gratitude to the land that had given us so much. As we paddled back through the lakes, we came up against headwinds and rough waters that tested our energy levels, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment mixed with a touch of sadness that our adventure was coming to an end.
Our trip to the BWCAW was magical—its serene landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the simple yet profound joy of disconnecting from the outside world had left an indelible mark on us. The night skies, the clear waters, the camaraderie—it was everything we had hoped for and more. Though our fishing efforts were fruitless, it was a small price to pay for the experiences we gained.
As we drove back to Ely, the town that had been our gateway to this wilderness, we couldn’t help but reflect on the journey. The Boundary Waters had given us not just memories, but a deeper connection to nature. We left with a promise to return someday, to once again paddle through its serene waters and lose ourselves in its tranquil embrace. 
