Do It / Ely Day Trip

Here's a day-trip idea in the Ely area. You can do it from Duluth, but you'll need to get up early. Write yourself a free day-use permit for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at the Lake One landing where the Fernberg Road (County Highway 18) ends east of Ely. Paddle the North Kawishiwi River about 16 miles back to the Garden Lake Bridge on the Fernberg Road. You'll make seven portages along the way, including one of about 2/3 mile. You'll sleep well that night.