Information
Landmark: Bass Lake TrailCity: Ely
Country: USA Minnesota
Continent: North America
Bass Lake Trail, Ely, USA Minnesota, North America
Overview
Bass Lake Trail lies deep within Superior National Forest roughly 6 miles north of Ely Minnesota off scenic Echo Trail aka County Road 116.
Trailhead signage is pretty obvious and offers ample parking spaces alongside somewhat informative displays orienting hikers toward area's natural historical significance.
This trail lies in a forested region heavily sculpted by ancient glacial forces and tectonic activity offering utterly classic rugged North Woods hiking experience.
Bass Lake Loop option spans roughly 5.6 miles circling Bass Lake through dense pine forest and rocky ridges alongside lakeshore viewpoints.
Two primary loops exist within trail system offering unique exploration around Bass Lake and Dry Lake.
Bass Lake's surrounding landscape is traversed by trail traveling through hardwood forest.
Terrain proves moderately challenging featuring soft forest floor and exposed roots alongside rocky outcrops with gentle elevation changes unfolding gradually.
Bass & Dry Lake Loop spans around 6.5 miles extending Bass Lake loop with a detour towards scenic Dry Falls via Dry Lake.
Rugged terrain and steeper climbs are added in this section rewarding hikers with spectacular views and a chance to visit small waterfall where Dry Lake empties into Bass Lake.
Both routes are marked albeit not heavily maintained so hikers should prep for rough patches and gnarly obstacles at junctions naturally.
Trails offer diverse experience showcasing varied topography and ecological richness of region with wildly differing terrain and ambiguous landscape features.
Trail winds through ancient Vermilion Fault zone creating dramatic rock formations and altering drainage patterns of surrounding lakes quite significantly nearby.
Exposed bedrock comprises ancient granite formations and volcanic rocks eerily dating back hundreds of millions of obscure years.
Bass Lake has quite an intriguing past with a natural basin breach occurring in 1925 that caused water level dropping drastically by about 55 feet altering shoreline and surrounding habitat greatly.
This event enriches hiking experience deeply with some fairly obscure historical context as part of interpretive story shared at trailhead.
Dry Falls stands as quite picturesque waterfall on outflow of rather serene Dry Lake accessible by fairly short winding trail.
Hikers often rest in this spot surrounded by lush vegetation and enjoy soothing sound of cascading water nearby very quietly.
Mature northern forest swallows the trail whole beneath dense canopy of conifers like red pine and balsam fir rich with scent.
Hardwoods like sugar maple and aspen provide spectacular autumn color changes while paper birch turns golden quite rapidly in fall.
Ferns and wildflowers and mosses thrive beneath trees alongside blueberry bushes.
Attentive hikers frequently encounter wildlife sightings especially in areas teeming with lush vegetation and unspoiled natural habitats.
Red squirrels dart haphazardly among trees near lake edges where deer frequently graze and birdwatchers spot warblers and woodpeckers occasionally.
Remoteness of this area allows wolves and black bears inhabiting surrounding dense forest with rare occasional encounters happening very quietly underground.
Bass Lake Trailhead offers a fairly large parking lot and kiosks displaying maps and safety tips amidst interpretive panels detailing natural history.
Backcountry camping's allowed with three super primitive campsites situated somewhat near Bass Lake and also Dry Lake or Low Lake.
Sites provide minimal facilities typically just a fire pit and cleared spot operating on a first-come basis with no reservations available.
Hikers must adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles and pack out every morsel of waste respecting quiet hours normally.
Hikers should be prepared with sanitation supplies and follow proper waste disposal protocols thoroughly along this quite rugged trail.
Hikers must reckon with moderately tough terrain featuring jagged ridges and steep sections notably around Dry Falls.
Trekking poles are crucial for balance on rough terrain and proper hiking boots offer extremely good traction quite effectively.
Mosquitoes and black flies swarm near lakes and wetlands during spring and summer so insect repellent becomes utterly necessary then.
Hikers should lug sufficient water or possess some means of filtering murky water from dubious natural sources or purifying it somehow.
Cell phone coverage tends be spotty or nonexistent along a significant stretch of trail and carrying printed map or offline GPS proves prudent.
Weather changes rapidly in northern Minnesota so packing layered clothing and rain gear seems pretty prudent under such wildly unpredictable conditions.
Trails get super muddy in spring with snow melting rapidly and seasonal runoff swelling around Dry Falls quite dramatically.
Forest greening up rapidly now and wildlife bursts into frenzied activity under warm sunshine very suddenly.
Summer months see hordes of hikers trekking outdoors yet mosquitoes and black flies can be pretty intense so proper protection becomes very necessary.
Forest canopy overhead offers respite somewhat from blistering sun.
Fall foliage unfurls a kaleidoscope of crimson and amber hues across forest vistas and serene lake views enticing nature enthusiasts and shutterbugs.
Trails remain unmaintained during winter months largely due to lack of resources and harsh weather conditions prevailing there.
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing requires local knowledge and meticulous preparation nearby under certain conditions quite frequently.
Bass Lake Trail attracts day hikers and backpackers seeking solitude relatively close to Ely amidst remarkably pristine natural beauty.
Moderate length and wonky loop configuration make it pretty accessible for a super fun half day escapade or full day odyssey.
Hikers report trail as pretty peaceful with opportunities frequently arising to pause at scenic overlooks and soak up forest sounds quietly.
Many find highlight in balance between rugged landscape and readily accessible natural beauty affording chance to experience Boundary Waters region sans lengthy paddling or trekking.
Bass Lake Trail provides a deeply immersive hiking experience amidst forest surroundings with lake vistas and intriguing geological natural features abound tranquilly.
Situated near Ely it becomes a premier pick for hikers wanting moderately taxing trails that yield diverse landscapes and serene isolation deep within Minnesota's North Woods.
Hikers depart with profound reverence for rugged landscape and stunning natural beauty after trekking lakeshore or camping under lofty pines nearby Dry Falls.
Trailhead signage is pretty obvious and offers ample parking spaces alongside somewhat informative displays orienting hikers toward area's natural historical significance.
This trail lies in a forested region heavily sculpted by ancient glacial forces and tectonic activity offering utterly classic rugged North Woods hiking experience.
Bass Lake Loop option spans roughly 5.6 miles circling Bass Lake through dense pine forest and rocky ridges alongside lakeshore viewpoints.
Two primary loops exist within trail system offering unique exploration around Bass Lake and Dry Lake.
Bass Lake's surrounding landscape is traversed by trail traveling through hardwood forest.
Terrain proves moderately challenging featuring soft forest floor and exposed roots alongside rocky outcrops with gentle elevation changes unfolding gradually.
Bass & Dry Lake Loop spans around 6.5 miles extending Bass Lake loop with a detour towards scenic Dry Falls via Dry Lake.
Rugged terrain and steeper climbs are added in this section rewarding hikers with spectacular views and a chance to visit small waterfall where Dry Lake empties into Bass Lake.
Both routes are marked albeit not heavily maintained so hikers should prep for rough patches and gnarly obstacles at junctions naturally.
Trails offer diverse experience showcasing varied topography and ecological richness of region with wildly differing terrain and ambiguous landscape features.
Trail winds through ancient Vermilion Fault zone creating dramatic rock formations and altering drainage patterns of surrounding lakes quite significantly nearby.
Exposed bedrock comprises ancient granite formations and volcanic rocks eerily dating back hundreds of millions of obscure years.
Bass Lake has quite an intriguing past with a natural basin breach occurring in 1925 that caused water level dropping drastically by about 55 feet altering shoreline and surrounding habitat greatly.
This event enriches hiking experience deeply with some fairly obscure historical context as part of interpretive story shared at trailhead.
Dry Falls stands as quite picturesque waterfall on outflow of rather serene Dry Lake accessible by fairly short winding trail.
Hikers often rest in this spot surrounded by lush vegetation and enjoy soothing sound of cascading water nearby very quietly.
Mature northern forest swallows the trail whole beneath dense canopy of conifers like red pine and balsam fir rich with scent.
Hardwoods like sugar maple and aspen provide spectacular autumn color changes while paper birch turns golden quite rapidly in fall.
Ferns and wildflowers and mosses thrive beneath trees alongside blueberry bushes.
Attentive hikers frequently encounter wildlife sightings especially in areas teeming with lush vegetation and unspoiled natural habitats.
Red squirrels dart haphazardly among trees near lake edges where deer frequently graze and birdwatchers spot warblers and woodpeckers occasionally.
Remoteness of this area allows wolves and black bears inhabiting surrounding dense forest with rare occasional encounters happening very quietly underground.
Bass Lake Trailhead offers a fairly large parking lot and kiosks displaying maps and safety tips amidst interpretive panels detailing natural history.
Backcountry camping's allowed with three super primitive campsites situated somewhat near Bass Lake and also Dry Lake or Low Lake.
Sites provide minimal facilities typically just a fire pit and cleared spot operating on a first-come basis with no reservations available.
Hikers must adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles and pack out every morsel of waste respecting quiet hours normally.
Hikers should be prepared with sanitation supplies and follow proper waste disposal protocols thoroughly along this quite rugged trail.
Hikers must reckon with moderately tough terrain featuring jagged ridges and steep sections notably around Dry Falls.
Trekking poles are crucial for balance on rough terrain and proper hiking boots offer extremely good traction quite effectively.
Mosquitoes and black flies swarm near lakes and wetlands during spring and summer so insect repellent becomes utterly necessary then.
Hikers should lug sufficient water or possess some means of filtering murky water from dubious natural sources or purifying it somehow.
Cell phone coverage tends be spotty or nonexistent along a significant stretch of trail and carrying printed map or offline GPS proves prudent.
Weather changes rapidly in northern Minnesota so packing layered clothing and rain gear seems pretty prudent under such wildly unpredictable conditions.
Trails get super muddy in spring with snow melting rapidly and seasonal runoff swelling around Dry Falls quite dramatically.
Forest greening up rapidly now and wildlife bursts into frenzied activity under warm sunshine very suddenly.
Summer months see hordes of hikers trekking outdoors yet mosquitoes and black flies can be pretty intense so proper protection becomes very necessary.
Forest canopy overhead offers respite somewhat from blistering sun.
Fall foliage unfurls a kaleidoscope of crimson and amber hues across forest vistas and serene lake views enticing nature enthusiasts and shutterbugs.
Trails remain unmaintained during winter months largely due to lack of resources and harsh weather conditions prevailing there.
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing requires local knowledge and meticulous preparation nearby under certain conditions quite frequently.
Bass Lake Trail attracts day hikers and backpackers seeking solitude relatively close to Ely amidst remarkably pristine natural beauty.
Moderate length and wonky loop configuration make it pretty accessible for a super fun half day escapade or full day odyssey.
Hikers report trail as pretty peaceful with opportunities frequently arising to pause at scenic overlooks and soak up forest sounds quietly.
Many find highlight in balance between rugged landscape and readily accessible natural beauty affording chance to experience Boundary Waters region sans lengthy paddling or trekking.
Bass Lake Trail provides a deeply immersive hiking experience amidst forest surroundings with lake vistas and intriguing geological natural features abound tranquilly.
Situated near Ely it becomes a premier pick for hikers wanting moderately taxing trails that yield diverse landscapes and serene isolation deep within Minnesota's North Woods.
Hikers depart with profound reverence for rugged landscape and stunning natural beauty after trekking lakeshore or camping under lofty pines nearby Dry Falls.
