Ely Outfitting Company

The Forest Service has proposed re-opening a large area of the BWCAW to overnight trips starting July 30, barring no significant wildfire activity this weekend. They anticipate announcing a final decision on this proposal on Monday. The reopened area comprises about 39% of the BWCAW and is an excellent start.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/newsroom/releases/access-proposal-boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-phase-2

BWCAW overnight camping permit cancellations for all entry points have been extended by the USFS through Wednesday, July 29th. This update also announced a very limited opening of portions of the eastern BWCAW for day use (not camping) starting on Monday, July 27. Full official details are here:

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Great review from Randy... "All the staff we worked with at Ely Outfitting were knowledgeable, helpful, efficient, friendly, and well informed about conditions in the BWCA. Their assistance with trip planning and equipment made logistics very straightforward, and the equipment we rented was all in fine condition. We stayed in one of the spotless bunkhouses the night before going in to the BWCA, which made for a good, easy start the next morning. It was an excellent experience and we would work with them again!"

BWCAW permit cancellations for all entry points have been extended by the USFS through Friday, July 24th for all permit types.

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Great review from Landahl-Mitra... "Super helpful, informative and organized. We will definitely go back to them."

★★★★★ New Review for Ely Outfitting Company by Landahl-Mitra "Super helpful, informative and organized. We will definitely go back to them."

Great review from Eichinger... "The team at Ely Outfitting is always the BEST. We have used them many many times. They are our go to whenever we are bringing a new group to the BWCA, they do such an amazing job introducing the BWCA experience with map discussion, fishing suggestions, and great gear! Thanks always to Jason and his amazing team. Hoping we will be back in August for our second trip."

★★★★★ New Review for Ely Outfitting Company by Eichinger "The team at Ely Outfitting is always the BEST. We have used them many many times. They are our go to whenever we are bringing a new group to the BWCA, they do such an amazing job introducing the BWCA experience with map discussion, fishing suggestions, and great gear! Thanks always to Jason and his...

Great review from Randy... "My first trip with Ely Outfitting Company was in 2010. My family was interested in just a day trip and Jason was our guide for what turned out to be a fantastic day. Fast forward. It's 2026 now and a lot has changed. All for the better. EOC has grown bigger, has a different address, a separate retail store, bunkhouses, parking in back, and more. But the dedication to service is still just as personal as it was years ago. Everyone on staff all have that same desire for each of us to have an awesome Boundary Waters experience. I've been back with other family members and self guided them on first time trips and all have nothing but cheers for EOC and the whole Boundary Waters experience."

BWCAW permit cancellations for all entry points have been extended by the USFS through Monday, July 20th for all permit types.

BWCAW permit cancellations for all entry points have been extended to Sunday, July 19th for all permit types.

We received this notice from the USFS: We will be extending BWCAW permit cancellations into Saturday, July 18th for all permit types. Permit cancellations for Saturday, July 18th will begin Wednesday, July 15th. Moving forward we will make daily assessments on the ability to open portions of the BWCAW. When possible, we will provide four days’ notice if future cancellations are needed so the public can plan accordingly.