BWCAW Driving Directions
There are two typical launches to access the Crab Lake entry point.
1. Access via Van Vac Road
Driving distance: 7 miles (14 minutes)
Notes: There is about a three mile paddle across Burntside Lake (outside the BWCA) from this launch to the Crab Lake portage and start of the BWCA. This launch has a large paved parking lot.
Start at Ely Outfitting Company.
Drive west on Hwy 169 for 3.4 miles.
Turn right onto Hwy 88/Grant McMahan Blvd.
Go 2.3 miles.
Turn left onto Rd 404/Van Vac Rd.
Go 1.1 miles.
Turn right at Burntside Lake Public Access.
2. Access via Wolf Lake Road
Driving distance: 10 miles (17 minutes)
Notes: This option may be better on windy days because it is more sheltered from a west wind, and there are more islands to provide protection from wind. There is about a 4 mile paddle across Burntside Lake (outside the BWCA) from this launch to the Crab Lake portage and start of the BWCA. This launch has a small gravel parking area near the lake, and a large overflow parking area for long-term parking.
Start at Ely Outfitting Company.
Drive west on Hwy 169 for 7.3 miles.
Turn right on Rd 404/Wolf Lake Rd.
Go 2.2 miles to Public Water Access/Rd 3319 (at 1.6 miles, pass the first “public access” parking where the road turns to dirt).
Go .2 miles to a small parking area.
Transcribe or take a screenshot of driving directions before leaving the shop due to spotty cell service.