Mirror Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

- Ely, MN 55731

For Minnesota's dedicated outdoors enthusiasts, the call of the deep wilderness is best answered on foot. The Mirror Lake Campsite on the legendary Powwow Trail represents the ultimate destination for backpackers seeking solitude, stunning views, and a true test of Northwoods resilience. Unlike car-camping sites, this is a remote backcountry gem, accessible only after a challenging trek into the heart of the Superior National Forest, just outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The Mirror Lake Campsite is not a typical developed campground; it is a designated tent site along the Powwow Trail, one of the most rugged and rewarding hiking loops in the state. The campsite is part of the overall Powwow Trail system, which begins near the Isabella Lake Entry Point (EP 86) and loops through the forest. This area was significantly impacted by the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire, leading to years of trail closure and restoration. Today, thanks to extensive volunteer efforts, the trail and its campsites, including Mirror Lake, are open to intrepid hikers, though the landscape remains a mix of fire-scarred forest and revitalized green zones.

The unique location of the Mirror Lake Campsite is highly prized. It is situated well above the lake’s water line, offering beautiful, elevated views that are especially spectacular at sunrise. Backpackers who commit to the demanding hike are rewarded with a classic Minnesota wilderness experience: quiet isolation, easy access to a pristine lake for water filtering, and a fire grate location perfect for enjoying an evening under the stars. The distance required to reach the site—approximately 13 miles in if traveling the popular clockwise route from the trailhead—ensures that only dedicated hikers make the journey, guaranteeing a high level of peace and seclusion.

As a backcountry site, users must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all food, water filtration equipment, and supplies, and committing to strict Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash. This commitment is what preserves the wild character of Mirror Lake for all who visit.

The Mirror Lake Campsite is a remote destination located within the vast expanse of the Superior National Forest, accessible via the Powwow Trail.

General Location: Ely, MN 55731, USA

Trailhead Access (Entry Point 86): The journey begins at the Powwow Trailhead, which shares a parking lot with the Isabella Lake canoe entry point. This location is significantly east of the town of Ely, requiring a substantial drive on paved and then unpaved Forest Service Roads.

Key Distance: The campsite is deep inside the loop. Backpackers often report that it is approximately 13 miles from the Powwow Trailhead when hiking the initial loop in a clockwise direction (heading west first). This distance typically requires a full day, or even two, of challenging hiking, especially considering the trail conditions left by the fire—which include rocky footing and the navigation of blowdowns or restored sections.

Accessibility: This site is strictly foot-access only. No vehicles, RVs, or trailers are allowed beyond the trailhead parking lot. The trail itself is renowned for being rugged and difficult, even for experienced hikers, which is part of its allure for those seeking a true wilderness challenge.

The Powwow Trail and its campsites adhere to backcountry standards, offering only the most essential facilities to minimize impact on the environment. Users must prepare for a fully primitive camping experience.

• Fire Grate: A single, provided fire grate is available for contained campfires (subject to fire restrictions, which are common in the Northwoods).
• Latrine: A rustic pit latrine is typically available near the designated campsite for human waste disposal.
• Tent Pads/Areas: The site is described as having at least three reasonably flat tent pads or areas, crucial for setting up camp on the uneven terrain.
• Water Access: Easy, direct access to Mirror Lake provides a reliable, though untreated, water source. All water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• No Potable Water: No wells, pumps, or potable water sources are available.
• No Garbage Pick-up: All campers must strictly adhere to the "pack it in, pack it out" rule for all waste and trash.
• No Electricity or Wi-Fi: The campsite is completely off-grid, ensuring a total disconnect from modern life.

The Mirror Lake Campsite is beloved by those who have earned the right to stay there, offering unique wilderness attributes unmatched by roadside sites.

• Spectacular Views and Sunrises: The campsite is situated on a high bank or ridge above the lake, providing dramatic, open sightlines across Mirror Lake. This orientation makes it an exceptional location for morning sunrises over the water.
• True Wilderness Seclusion: The required 13-mile-plus hike ensures a very low volume of visitors. The experience is one of profound quiet, disturbed only by the sounds of the surrounding forest.
• Ideal Base for Hiking: Positioned roughly at the midpoint of the popular western half of the Powwow Trail loop, it makes an excellent overnight stop or a two-night base for day-hike exploration of the area.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Being so deep in the Superior National Forest, the site is a prime spot for observing local wildlife, including loons, moose, deer, and various bird species. Strong bear awareness and proper food storage (bear canisters or hanging) are mandatory.
• High Above the Lake: The elevation gives the site a comfortable, breezy feel and offers protection from moisture and potential shoreline bugs.

The Powwow Trail and its campsites are managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest. It is critical to check current trail conditions, fire restrictions, and permit requirements before beginning the hike.

Managing Ranger District:

Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest

Address: 1393 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Note: The Mirror Lake Campsite requires a valid permit (either a BWCAW day permit or a specific overnight Powwow Trail permit, depending on current regulations and area of entry). Always contact the Ranger District for the most up-to-date information regarding permits, reservations, and trail status, especially after any severe weather events.

The Mirror Lake Campsite is tailor-made for Minnesotans who have outgrown the roadside campgrounds and are searching for a genuine wilderness backpacking challenge. It offers a powerful sense of accomplishment—the reward of pitching a tent in a breathtaking spot that relatively few people ever reach.

The fact that the Powwow Trail has been largely restored through local volunteer passion and perseverance makes camping at Mirror Lake feel like participating in a piece of Minnesota's conservation story. It is a place to test your gear, test your endurance, and reconnect with the wild beauty of the Northwoods that defines our state. The site’s isolation is its greatest asset, providing a profound level of tranquility that simply cannot be found closer to civilization. If your idea of a perfect Minnesota night involves the sound of wind in the pines, a clear view of the stars, and the satisfaction of a challenging hike well-done, then planning a trip to the Mirror Lake Campsite should be your next great adventure.

Mirror Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

Ely, MN 55731, USA