BWCA Flatwater Canoe Routes · #9
South Farm Lake to Newton Lake Loop (Entry Point 11, Wood Lake)
Minnesota, USA
This loop, starting from the less-used Wood Lake entry, offers a good balance of accessibility and low-density camping. You'll paddle through a series of lakes including South Farm, Newton, Hula, and Flipper Lake. The portages are generally short and well-maintained, suitable for less experienced paddlers. The route provides a good mix of smaller, intimate lakes and slightly larger bodies of water, offering varied scenery. Wildlife viewing is common, particularly for deer, eagles, and various waterfowl. Nearest town is Ely, a short drive away. This makes it a great option for a shorter multi-day trip, perhaps 3-4 days. While not entirely free of other groups, it sees less traffic than the main Ely entry points. Wind can be a factor on larger lakes, but there are always sheltered bays. It's a great 'starter' route for those wanting a taste of BWCA multi-day travel without extreme challenges.
Full profile in progress
We're building out complete profiles for every pick on every list — weather windows, wildlife, key attractions, and permit logistics. This entry is next in the queue. In the meantime, the ranked note above is our short answer for why it made the list.
South Farm Lake to Newton Lake Loop (Entry Point 11, Wood Lake) — frequently asked questions
- Is South Farm Lake to Newton Lake Loop (Entry Point 11, Wood Lake) worth the trip?
- We rank it #9 in BWCA Flatwater Canoe Routes. This loop, starting from the less-used Wood Lake entry, offers a good balance of accessibility and low-density camping. You'll paddle through a series of lakes including South Farm, Newton, Hula, and Flipper Lake.