There are two main launches to access the Trout Lake entry point. Both require paddling across Lake Vermilion (outside BWCAW) to access the portage to Trout Lake and start of the BWCAW. The Moccasin Point boat launch is the most typical starting point and the one we recommend. The Moccasin Point launch cuts your time paddling on Lake Vermilion in half (from 7 miles to 3.5 miles). During the 2026 Moccasin Point access closure, we recommend the Black Duck Bay access described below.

1. Access via Moccasin Point Public Access – THIS ACCESS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DURING SUMMER 2026 DUE TO MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION
Driving distance: 38 miles (51 minutes)
Notes: Paddle 3.5 miles across Lake Vermilion (outside BWCAW) to access portage to Trout Lake and start of the BWCAW.

Start at Ely Outfitting Company.

Drive west on Hwy 169 for 26 miles. (You will drive 4 miles past the town of Tower.)
Turn right onto Hwy 77 (at the big sign for Fortune Bay Casino).

Go 6 miles.

Turn right to stay on Hwy 77. This becomes Moccasin Point Rd.

Go 5.4 miles to the end of the road to arrive at Moccasin Point State Water Access and parking lot.

3.5 mile paddle to portage to Trout Lake and start of BWCAW. Use the shorter portage into Trout Lake.

2. Access via Black Duck Bay Public Access

Driving distance: 38 miles (51 minutes)
Notes: Paddle 4.8 miles across Lake Vermilion (outside BWCAW) to access portage to Trout Lake and start of the BWCAW.

Start at Ely Outfitting Company.

Drive west on Hwy 169 for 26 miles. (You will drive 4 miles past the town of Tower.)

Turn right onto Hwy 77 (at the big sign for Fortune Bay Casino).

Go 6 miles.

Turn right to stay on Hwy 77. This becomes Moccasin Point Rd.

Go 4.6 miles.

Turn left onto Bradley Road.

Go 0.7 miles.

Turn right into Black Duck Bay Public Access parking lot.

4.8 mile paddle to portage to Trout Lake and start of BWCAW. Use the shorter portage into Trout Lake.

* Note that McKenzie maps show the Moccasin Point access, but they do not show the Black Duck Bay access. Use Your phone’s GPS and online map or another map to view your route between the Black Duck Bay access and the start of the McKenzie map.

3. Access via Mud Creek Road
Driving distance: 20 miles (34 minutes)
Notes: Paddle across Lake Vermilion (outside BWCAW) to access portage to Trout Lake and start of the BWCAW.

Start at Ely Outfitting Company.
Drive west on Hwy 169 for 12.2 miles. .
Turn right onto Mud Creek Road.
Go 7.8 miles.
Parking lot and public boat launch is on your left.
7 mile paddle to portage to Trout Lake and start of BWCAW.

Transcribe or take a screenshot of driving directions before leaving the shop due to spotty cell service.

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