Andrea Breitung hiked this trail in 2020
The Snowbank Lake Trail is a 24-mile loop in northern Minnesota. The trail is mostly within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It features beaver dam crossings, stunning views of Snowbank Lake, and the potential for additional miles.
Region: Great Lakes / Midwest (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota)
Distance: 24 miles (2-3 days)
Physical Difficulty: Easy
- Rocky and rooty terrain
- Beaver dam crossings
- A few steep but short climbs and descents
Logistical Difficulty: Moderate
- Most of the route is unmarked
- Permit required
- Remote trailhead with possible shuttle options
Season: Late Spring, Late Summer, Early Fall
Total Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Hiking the Snowbank Lake Trail
The Snowbank Lake Trail in Minnesota is a great option for intermediate backpackers. The footpath circles Snowbank Lake and passes smaller lakes and ponds. Five miles in the south are shared with the Kekekabic Trail.
After completing the Superior Hiking Trail in sections, I was ready for more of a challenge. In September 2020, my friend and I backpacked this loop to celebrate her birthday. We didn’t find a guidebook and weren’t sure what we were getting into.
We hoped for solitude and we were not disappointed. While we heard occasional boat traffic, we passed only one or two other parties on foot each day. We had scenic campsites to ourselves and awoke to the eerie calls of loons each morning.
We followed the trail clockwise, starting with rocky terrain that humbled us. Recent rain made for slippery footing and each of us found ourselves on the ground at one point. As we continued, the trail rewarded us with panoramic views of Snowbank Lake and surrounding areas.
We definitely had to pay attention. Most of the trail was not marked and the footpath completely disappeared at times due to overgrowth. Cairns and cut logs were welcome sights confirming the correct path. There were also many beaver dam crossings (one almost claimed a shoe).
The southwestern part of the trail was less rocky but had a few fallen trees to navigate. The final miles along the Kekekabic Trail were well-maintained and mostly flat. For additional miles, there are loops to the west as well as a short loop in the south.
Resupply is not an option, as this trail is remote and only accessible by boat or foot. This is a shorter route, so resupply shouldn’t be needed.
Getting to the Snowbank Lake Trail
Nearest City: Ely, Minnesota (21 miles)
Trailhead: Kekekabic Trail West
The Snowbank Lake Trail is a loop. For a clockwise trip, head north from the trailhead. For a counterclockwise trip, head south across the road to begin on the Kekekabic Trail.
The Snowbank Lake / Kekekabic West trailhead (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry point 74) is about 21 miles east of Ely, Minnesota, on US Forest Service roads. You can park overnight at the trailhead and some outfitters in Ely may provide shuttles for a fee.
The nearest airports are Duluth and Minneapolis. Ely is about 115 miles north of Duluth and 250 miles north of Minneapolis. Car rentals are available at both airports; shuttle service between Duluth and Ely may also be an option from local outfitters.
Lodging and camping are available near Ely and Duluth. We drove from Minneapolis the day before our entry date and camped at Bear Head Lake State Park (17 miles west of Ely).
When to Hike the Snowbank Lake Trail
Late spring (May-June) and late summer into early fall (August through September) are the best times to hike this trail.
Spring hikers can expect mud, wet conditions, and some snow well into May. Depending on the year, thaw / refreeze cycles may cause difficult travel on gravel roads.
The trail can be hiked in early summer but mosquitoes may take the joy out of it. Ticks are usually the worst in May and June but may be found anytime the temperatures are above freezing.
Depending on the year, trips in late summer and early fall could be impacted by wildfires.
We began our hike in mid-September 2020. Daytime temperatures reached the mid-50s Fahrenheit and some overnight temperatures dipped just above freezing. Fall colors were starting and bugs were not an issue.
It may be possible to hike later than September, but check the forecast and plan accordingly. Depending on the year, early October may see measurable snow and lakes could already be freezing.
Backpacking this route in winter is not advised due to deep snow and extreme temperatures. Some Forest Service roads and trailheads are not accessible in winter.
Snowbank Lake Trail Terrain
The northern part of the trail is rocky and where you will encounter more strenuous climbs. The southern section is more forgiving and meanders through forested terrain. The trail crosses wetlands and over multiple beaver dams. There may be occasional fallen trees to navigate.
Snowbank Lake Trail Permits
Permits are required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Overnight trips beginning May 1 to September 30 require quota permits. Quota permits have a fee and are sold first-come, first-served. They go on sale the third Wednesday of January each year.
Before reserving a quota permit, you’ll need a recreation.gov account and know where you will pick up your permit. Here is a list of permit issue stations. I recommend a station in Ely, but be sure to confirm hours as some may be closed on weekends.
To reserve a quote permit, go to the BWCAW webpage and click the “Explore available permits” button in the “Available Permits” section.
Choose “Overnight Hike” in the filter dropdown, and the date you plan to start.
Scroll to the “Kekekabic Trail (west) /Snowbank (OH)” item. Choose your start date in the grid, click the “Book Now” button, and complete your reservation.
Overnight trips in the off-season (October 1 to April 30) require a free, self-issued permit. Complete the form at the trailhead kiosk, leave a copy in the dropbox, and carry the other copy with you.
Snowbank Lake Trail Logistics: Camping, Land Management, Navigation
Camping: Campsites are first-come, first-served and do not need to be shared with other parties. If a site is already occupied, backpackers may be willing to share. To minimize impact, a maximum of nine people can stay at campsites in the BWCAW. Campsite spurs are sometimes marked with a cairn and/or a wooden marker. When looking at maps of the Snowbank Lake loop, please note that some campsites may only be accessible by water. Follow LNT principles by trying to stay in established campsites, but if needed, dispersed / stealth camping is allowed for hikers (see page 7).
Land Management: Most of this trail passes through a wilderness area on US Forest Service land. There are no amenities at the trailhead. The trail is only accessible by foot or boat and chainsaws are not allowed in the BWCAW, so fallen trees may not be immediately removed after a storm. A short section in the south along the Kekekabic Trail passes through private property. Be sure to stay on trail through this section.
Route Finding: I recommend a GPS track or map and compass. Except for the shared portion with the Kekekabic Trail, the footpath is not marked, can disappear due to overgrowth, and crosses multiple beaver dams. Be aware that the trail intersects with portages (which may or may not show up on certain maps) as well as other loops to the east and in the south.
Adding Miles: There are connecting loops for additional mileage options. Loops to the east navigate around Disappointment Lake or continue up Disappointment Mountain. There is also a short loop to Becoosin and Benezie Lakes near where the Snowbank Lake Trail meets the Kekekabic in the southeast.
Special Gear
I recommend a bug net, treated clothing, or other repellent. Ticks and an obnoxious number of mosquitos will be present, especially in late spring and early summer.
In recent summers, the Superior National Forest has issued orders requiring bear-proof containers. These orders are posted to their website and Facebook page when they’re required, so keep tabs before you head out.
Know Before You Go
Though it isn’t the most physically challenging route, I don’t necessarily recommended this route for beginners. The trail is mostly unmarked and disappears at times. There may be fallen trees to navigate if there have been recent storms.
Since permits are required for trips from May 1 to September 30, it also requires advance planning, though you don’t need to reserve campsites.
If hiking in the shoulder seasons, be sure to check the forecast; snow may be present well into May and lakes may start freezing over as early as October.
Bear-proof containers may be required if there has been increased black bear activity. Check the Superior National Forest website and Facebook page for updates.
Snowbank Lake Trail Resources
Snowbank Lake Trail Permits at recreation.gov
Friends of the Boundary Waters
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Snowbank Lake Trail and Backcountry Sites
Maps
Andrea Breitung lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is an avid year-round hiker, biker, and camper (yes, even in winter). She started backpacking in 2019 and more recently began dabbling in bikepacking. When she’s not outside, she’s reading, snuggling her dogs, and consuming unhealthy amounts of chocolate.
