The Snowbank and Disappointment Lakes Loop is a 23.5-mile wilderness backpacking route through Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The loop crosses rugged glacially-carved terrain, connecting a series of clear lakes through dense boreal forest. Most BWCA routes require a canoe; this one can be hiked entirely on foot, which makes it an unusual way to see the wilderness without a watercraft.
The scenery is classic North Woods: tall white pines, rocky outcroppings, quiet lakes, and loons calling across the water. With 60 designated campsites along the route, backpackers have plenty of flexibility in planning daily mileage. The trail is best suited to intermediate and advanced backpackers comfortable with wilderness navigation, since the route includes rocky, root-covered terrain and can be hard to follow in places.
Expect solitude, especially on weekdays and outside peak summer months. The BWCA enforces strict entry quotas, so you will rarely encounter crowds. This is a leave-no-trace wilderness area with no facilities, so plan for complete self-sufficiency.
A BWCA overnight permit is required year-round and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. Entry Point 27 (Snowbank Lake) is the designated entry point for this loop. Permits are distributed on a quota system with limited daily entries.
Reservations open on the last Wednesday of January at 9:00 AM Central Time for the entire calendar year. Popular dates (July-August weekends) sell out within hours. Permits cost $16 for up to 9 people, plus a $6 reservation fee per permit.
Key regulations: - Maximum group size: 9 people - Camp only at designated campsites (marked with fire grates and latrines) - No cans or bottles (except fuel canisters and personal care items under 32 oz) - All trash must be packed out - Human waste: Use designated latrines or dig cat holes 150+ feet from water - Campfires allowed only in established fire grates at campsites - Bear-resistant food storage required: Use bear canisters or hang food at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks - No soap in lakes or streams (even biodegradable soap)
Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM. Motorized equipment and wheeled vehicles (including game carts and wheelbarrows) are prohibited.
Mid-June through September has the most reliable conditions. May and early June bring peak blackfly and mosquito populations; carry a headnet and expect relentless bugs. By late June, insect pressure drops off considerably.
July and August bring warm swimming weather and stable conditions, but they are also the busiest months, and weekend permits are extremely competitive. Water levels usually drop in late summer, which can make some shallow connecting streams between lakes harder to negotiate.
September into early October is a superb time to backpack here. Fall colors peak in late September, the bugs are gone, temperatures are crisp, and permits are readily available. Nights can drop below freezing, so bring warm insulation. Most campsites stay snow-free through mid-October.
Winter (November-April) is possible but requires advanced skills. Snow depths exceed 3 feet, temperatures drop well below zero, ice-covered lakes complicate navigation, and many trail sections disappear under snow.
Spring thaw (April-May) brings flooding, thick mud, and hazardous ice. It is the least favorable season.
Water is abundant throughout the route. The BWCA's lakes and streams give you unlimited access, but all water must be treated. The water looks clean, but beaver activity means giardia is present throughout the region.
Filter or purify everything. Most backpackers use filters or chemical treatment. In winter, you must melt snow, since the lakes freeze solid.
No resupply is possible on-trail. The nearest town is Ely, Minnesota, about 20 miles from the Snowbank Lake trailhead. Ely has full services, including grocery stores, outdoor shops, and restaurants. Stock up before heading in; there is nowhere to resupply during the loop.
Plan for 3-4 days of food depending on your pace. No mail drops are available.
Bears are common in the BWCA. Black bears are habituated to campsites and will investigate food storage. Proper bear-resistant storage is not optional: bears have learned to find poorly hung food and will destroy packs to get it. Use bear canisters or the PCT method (hang at least 10 feet high, 4 feet from the trunk). Never store food in your tent.
Moose encounters are possible, especially near wetlands. Give them wide berth. They are unpredictable and can be aggressive, particularly cows with calves.
Weather can change fast. Severe thunderstorms develop quickly in summer, bringing dangerous lightning, high winds, and heavy rain. Watch the sky and get to lower ground if storms approach. The exposed lakeshores and ridgelines give no lightning protection.
Navigation requires attention. The trail is marked but not heavily maintained. Expect blowdowns, overgrown sections, and faint tread in places. Bring a detailed map and compass or GPS; the Superior National Forest BWCA maps are excellent. Cell service is nonexistent, so do not rely on your phone.
Rocky terrain with exposed roots and glacial erratics makes ankle injuries common. Wear supportive boots and watch your footing, especially with a heavy pack.
Hypothermia is a risk even in summer. Falling in a lake or getting soaked by rain with temperatures in the 50s-60s can bring it on quickly. Pack rain gear and extra insulation.
From Ely, Minnesota, drive east on State Highway 169 for approximately 18 miles. Turn left (north) onto County Road 4 (Snowbank Lake Road) and continue for about 4 miles to the Snowbank Lake entry point parking area.
The road is paved until the final section near the trailhead, where it becomes well-maintained gravel. Any vehicle can reach the trailhead in summer. Winter access requires high clearance and possibly 4WD depending on snow conditions.
The closest airport is Duluth International (DLH), approximately 120 miles south, with rental cars available. Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) is 250 miles south with more flight options.
No commercial shuttle services specifically serve this trailhead, but Ely-area outfitters may provide transportation for a fee. If you are doing a point-to-point hike rather than the loop, coordinate a vehicle shuttle in advance.
Parking is free at the entry point, but the lot is small and can fill during peak season. Arrive early or consider starting your hike on a weekday.
Start your hike early in the day, especially if entering on a weekend. Other permit holders may claim the most desirable campsites along Snowbank Lake by early afternoon.
Campsite selection strategy: on day one, consider pushing past the first cluster of sites on Snowbank Lake to find more secluded options. The sites near Disappointment Lake tend to be quieter, and many backpackers prefer the smaller lakes deeper in the loop.
Bring a camp chair or sit pad. Most campsites have fire rings but little natural seating, and the rocky ground is not comfortable to lounge on.
A lightweight tarp or rain fly can save your trip if multi-day rain sets in. A dry space to cook and relax makes a big difference.
Pack extra fuel. Campfires are allowed but not guaranteed; wet conditions or burn bans may prevent fires, so do not count on fire for cooking.
Insect protection: in May and June, a bug shelter or screened tent vestibule is worth the weight. Permethrin-treated clothing helps considerably.
Fishing is excellent if you have a Minnesota fishing license. Lake trout, northern pike, and walleye are abundant, and a lightweight rod can provide fresh meals and entertainment.
Leave detailed trip plans with someone at home. There is no cell service and little traffic, so self-rescue matters in an emergency. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it.
The Superior National Forest website has the most current information on conditions, fire restrictions, and closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior
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