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 BWCAW. This launch has a large paved parking lot. The Crab Lake BWCAW entry point sign is at the start of the portage and not at the 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 BWCAW. This launch has a small gravel parking area near the lake, and a large overflow parking area for long-term parking. The Crab Lake BWCAW entry point sign is at the start of the portage and not at the parking lot.
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.