Crab Lake – Entry Point 4
BWCAW Driving Directions
There are two launches to access the Crab Lake entry point.
1. Access via Wolf Lake Road (Canoers utilizing a motorboat tow must use this location)
Driving distance: 10 miles (17 minutes)
Notes: This is the most typical launch area for those paddling to the Crab Lake entry point portage. For canoers utilizing a motorboat tow to or from the Crab Lake entry point portage, this is the location where the towboat picks you up or drops you off. This option may be better when paddling 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 BWCAW) 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 larger overflow parking area. 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, drive past the first “public access” sign).
Turn right and go .2 miles to a small parking area at Burntside Lake. There is limited space for turning a trailer at this access point.
2. Access via Van Vac Road
Driving distance: 7 miles (14 minutes)
Notes: There is about a three mile paddle across Burntside Lake (outside the BWCAW) 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.
Transcribe or take a screenshot of driving directions before leaving the shop due to spotty cell service.