Pose Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail, Ely, MN

For Minnesota’s seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, the mention of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) often conjures images of canoes gliding across pristine lakes. However, the BWCAW is also home to some of the state's most challenging and rewarding hiking experiences, and the Pose Lake Campsite—located directly on the rugged Powwow Trail—stands out as a highly sought-after destination for backpackers. Situated deep within the Superior National Forest near Ely, MN, this site offers a level of solitude and immersion rarely matched by the more accessible canoe routes.

Campsite #2265, often referred to simply as the Pose Lake Campsite, is not a drive-in or traditional canoe-in campground. It is a designated backpacking site exclusively accessible via the Powwow Trail, one of the BWCAW's most significant and physically demanding hiking loops. The trail, which is roughly 30 miles long, begins at Entry Point #86 near Isabella Lake, though its administrative services are often managed out of the nearby Ely area (MN 55731).

Accessing the Pose Lake Campsite is an undertaking in itself, requiring a multi-mile hike from the trailhead. The Powwow Trail is historically known for its rugged terrain, which was heavily impacted by the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire. While extensive, heroic volunteer efforts have cleared the main path, the trail remains a true wilderness experience marked by frequent blowdowns, beaver dam crossings, and challenging footing. Visitors must follow a spur trail, typically marked by a cairn or signpost, that branches off the main loop to reach the secluded Pose Lake shore.

The remote nature of this site ensures maximum wilderness solitude, appealing to local hikers who prioritize a physical challenge and a deep connection to the natural environment. The demanding accessibility ensures the location maintains an exceptionally low volume of visitors, making it a true, quiet sanctuary in the heart of the North Woods.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the federally protected BWCAW, the services provided at Pose Lake Campsite are deliberately minimal, focusing on resource protection and visitor safety while preserving a primitive experience. No amenities such as drinking water taps, trash receptacles, or firewood stores are available. All visitors must adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash.

Wilderness Latrine: The site includes a basic pit toilet—commonly known as a 'thunderbox'—located a short distance from the primary camping and cooking areas. This is provided to ensure responsible human waste disposal, protecting the fragile lake environment.
Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is installed by the U.S. Forest Service. Campfires are only permitted within this grate. Hikers must collect only dead and downed wood that can be broken by hand, and no live trees or standing dead snags may be cut.
Established Tent Pads/Areas: The campsite provides a limited number of cleared, level areas designated for setting up tents. This design helps minimize vegetation damage and soil erosion that results from repeated use in dispersed camping areas. Reports indicate this site is large enough to accommodate a standard-sized BWCA group.
Natural Water Access: The campsite offers direct access to the clear waters of Pose Lake. Note that all water sourced from the lake or nearby streams must be purified—either by boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment—before consumption.

The Pose Lake Campsite is recognized within the backpacking community not just for its function, but for its unique attributes that make the strenuous journey worthwhile:

Scenic Lake Access: Unlike many remote backpacking sites that are far from water, the Pose Lake Campsite is situated right on the shoreline. It allows for tranquil lake views, easy water collection, and excellent swimming opportunities off the natural rock ledges or shoreline.
Post-Fire Ecological Study: The entire Powwow Trail, including this area, passes through a landscape dramatically affected by the Pagami Creek Fire. The campsite offers a unique perspective on the forest’s long-term recovery—a dynamic ecosystem of regenerating jack pine, young brush, and surviving pockets of old-growth forest, offering a powerful look at the resilience of nature.
Superb Solitude: Due to the rugged nature of the Powwow Trail, this campsite receives far less traffic than the paddling campsites. It is an ideal spot for those seeking true silence, a high likelihood of viewing wildlife, and unparalleled opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights and unpolluted stars.
Reliable Base for Loop Hiking: Being one of only a handful of designated and maintained campsites on the main loop of the Powwow Trail, Pose Lake serves as a critical, high-quality overnight anchor for hikers attempting the full multi-day wilderness circuit.

All operational and permit-related inquiries for the Powwow Trail and Pose Lake Campsite are managed by the U.S. Forest Service through the district office responsible for that section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Address (U.S. Forest Service - Kawishiwi Ranger District):

1393 Highway 169

Ely, MN 55731

Phone (Kawishiwi Ranger District General Information and Permit Pickup):

(218) 365-7600

Note: Overnight stays at the Pose Lake Campsite require a specific BWCAW Quota Permit for Entry Point #86 (Powwow Trail), which must be reserved in advance through the national permit system. The permit must be picked up in-person at a designated Forest Service office prior to the entry date.

The Pose Lake Campsite is perfectly suited for local Minnesota adventurers because it represents a distillation of the state’s wild, independent spirit. It is not for the casual visitor; it is a test of preparation, resilience, and respect for the natural world. For Minnesotans who have grown up with the concept of the BWCAW as a true wilderness, this trail and campsite offer a unique, authentic connection to our heritage that is distinct from the more common paddling routes.

This location is suitable for locals who:

Seek a True Physical Challenge: The Powwow Trail is known for its difficulty, offering a rewarding sense of accomplishment after navigating its rugged, recovering terrain.
Prioritize Silence and Deep Immersion: Unlike motor-permitted areas or high-traffic canoe routes, this hike-in destination guarantees a profound level of quiet, allowing for an intimate experience with the wilderness soundscape.
Value Preservation: By undertaking a low-impact backpacking trip to this site, locals reinforce the value of wilderness preservation and the spirit of self-reliance that the BWCAW was created to protect.

The effort required to reach Pose Lake is directly proportional to the immense satisfaction of camping in one of the most secluded and ecologically dynamic locations in Minnesota, making it a deeply meaningful journey for the prepared local explorer.