Overview
Bear Lake Loop is the best accessible trail near Ely that doesn't require a BWCA permit. The 4.5-mile circuit through boreal forest and along the shore of a quiet backcountry lake sits close enough to town to serve as an evening or early morning hike, yet far enough into the forest to feel genuinely removed from the Ely outfitter district. The terrain is easy to moderate: 250 feet of gain spread across rolling glacial topography with no sustained climbs. The trail is most rewarding for wildlife and lake scenery, not dramatic elevation views.
Ely is the primary gateway to the western and central BWCA, and Superior National Forest surrounds the town on three sides. Most visitors who come to Ely are here for a BWCA canoe trip. Bear Lake Loop gives non-paddlers, early arrivals, and those with a partial day a quality forest experience without the permit logistics.
The Route
Trailhead to north shore (Miles 0 to 1.5). The trail begins on a well-worn dirt path that climbs gently through stands of white birch and balsam fir before leveling into a mixed spruce-fir-cedar section. This early stretch passes through a boreal forest type common throughout the Ely area: dark, cool, fragrant with fir and spruce. The occasional boardwalk section crosses boggy ground, and these wet areas are where moose tracks frequently appear in the soft mud. At about 1.5 miles, the trail reaches the northern shoreline of Bear Lake.
North and east shore (Miles 1.5 to 2.5). The trail follows the shoreline east and south. The lake is clear and calm on most mornings, with reflections of the surrounding spruce forest. A small flat rock overlooks the water about 2 miles in, a natural stopping point. On the east end of the lake, a marshy bay with cattails and sedge grass edges the trail. This is the most likely moose viewing location on the loop, particularly at dawn. The shallow water and emergent vegetation are classic moose foraging habitat.
South and west loop back (Miles 2.5 to 4.5). The trail swings south and west of the lake, climbing slightly over a low ridge before descending through old birch and aspen to the western shore. This section is quieter and sees less foot traffic than the lake-edge portions. The path can be faint in spots after leaf fall in October: a downloaded map is useful. The loop closes back at the trailhead junction, then a short walk returns to the parking area.
Wildlife
This trail and the surrounding corridor represent some of the most accessible moose habitat in the Superior National Forest outside the BWCA itself. Moose (Alces alces) reach their highest Minnesota densities in the lake and bog country of the Ely area. They favor shallow lake edges, marshy bays, and stands of willow and birch for browsing. The boggy section along the trail's eastern reach provides exactly this habitat.
Wolves are present throughout the Ely corridor. The chance of a sighting is low, but evening and early morning listeners sometimes hear howling from the ridge above the lake. Bald eagles nest along the lake's southern shore and are commonly seen circling above the water. Common loons use the lake in summer. Black bears range through the forest: store food in your vehicle or a canister if you're stopping for a long break. The USFS does not prescribe specific encounter responses for wildlife in this corridor: review official guidance from the Minnesota DNR and USFS Superior National Forest before your trip.
Dispersed Camping
The forest around Bear Lake allows dispersed camping consistent with USFS regulations: at least 200 feet from water and trail, leave no trace, and pack all waste out. The area is outside the BWCA camping quota system. Bear canisters are strongly recommended for food storage. Our bear canister guide covers what's required for BWCA versus dispersed camping on the surrounding forest.
Practical Tips
Carry water from the trailhead. Many hikers carry 1 to 2 liters for this distance. Water sources are available along the route for filtering, but treat all surface water before drinking.
The trail is open to dogs. Keep them leashed near the lake shoreline and marshy areas where moose may be present. A surprised moose is not a safe moose: leashed dogs are less likely to trigger a charge than dogs running loose toward wildlife.
Cell service is absent from the trailhead. Download a trail map offline before leaving Ely. The drive from Ely on CR-110 is straightforward: about 5 miles north on a paved county road to the signed trailhead.
This loop pairs well with a visit to Ely's outfitters and a canoe day trip on one of the area's nearby lakes. If you're new to the BWCA permit process, our national forest camping permit guide explains how quota-based wilderness permits work. And before any outing in this corridor, check conditions before you go for current fire, trail, and road status. Practice Leave No Trace throughout the loop: pack out all waste, stay on the established trail to protect the boggy shoreline vegetation, and give wildlife the distance they need.
Getting There
From Ely, take County Road 110 north approximately 5 miles. The trailhead is signed on the right side of the road with a small gravel parking area. No services are available at the trailhead. Ely has gas stations, grocery stores, outfitters, and restaurants less than 10 minutes away.