Ely Outfitting Company

06/07/2026

Great review from Shannon... "Our guide, Bob, was absolutely amazing. He was very patient as we learned how to steer, carry the canoe, etc. He was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and always made us feel like we were in capable and safe hands. We had the most wonderful and memorable experience on the Boundary Waters. We stayed in the bunkhouse, which was quite comfortable, and the employees at the front desk were all so friendly. I highly recommend Ely Outfitting Co."

"Our guide, Bob, was absolutely amazing. He was very patient as we learned how to steer, carry the canoe, etc. He was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and always made us feel like we were in capable and safe hands. We had the most wonderful and memorable experience on the Boundary Waters. We....

06/07/2026

Wildfire Updates for June 7, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

BIRCH BAY FIRE: The Birch Bay Fire was declared 100% contained yesterday evening and command was transferred to the local fire organization this morning. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire area. No additional updates will be posted on this fire unless conditions change.

TIGER FIRE AND LOON FIRE UPDATE: An afternoon fire detection flight yesterday (June 6, 2026) discovered two new wildfires on the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, both located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Fire personnel flew over the fires to assess fire activity and to develop suppression strategies with a focus on public and firefighter safety. Both fires appear to have started in pine stand k***s and were observed moving downslope with moderate spreading. The cause of these fires has been determined to be lightning from thunderstorms that moved through the area on June 4, 2026.

The Tiger Fire is estimated at 1 acre in size and located between Tiger Bay and Boulder Bay on the east end of Lac La Croix approximately 22 miles east of Crane Lake MN, near the Canadian border. The threats from this fire include the safety of wilderness visitors in the immediate area, 2-4 wilderness campsites, and the nearby Lac La Croix Administrative Site, a historic Forest Service site with Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built structures.

The Loon Fire (originally called Shell) is estimated at 5 acres in size and located east of East Loon Bay on Loon Lake approximately 11 miles east of Crane Lake, MN. The threats from this fire include the safety of wilderness visitors in the immediate area, 2-4 wilderness campsites, and a portion of the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trail.

The initial suppression strategy prioritized using the large chinook helicopter to make water drops on the Tiger Fire to reduce fire intensity and stop the fire from spreading. Four firefighters and gear were transported to the fire yesterday evening using a Forest Service DeHavilland Beaver float plane. The crew confirmed that the fire was smoldering and creeping following the helicopter bucket work. Firefighters will develop options for direct extinguishment of the fire today while planning for firefighter safety due to heavy dead and downed trees and the presence of fire affected hazard trees. Six additional firefighters will be assigned to the fire today.

On the Loon Fire a similar suppression strategy will be used this morning with the large helicopter to make water bucket drops to slow fire spread and reduce intensity. Late yesterday the last observation on this fire noted that east-southeast winds were moving the fire towards Loon Lake. Ten firefighters will be transported to this fire this morning to assess the situation and develop options for direct extinguishment. Fire weakened trees and heavy dead and downed trees within the fire area are both safety concerns that fire crews will need to evaluate as risks to how they approach the suppression strategy.

IMPORTANT: A few BWCAW campsites near these two fires may be temporarily closed for public and firefighter safety. The Public is asked to STAY OUT of the fire areas for public and firefighter safety. Unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights threaten firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression efforts and are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.


📷: USDA Forest Service photo of the Tiger Fire taken shortly after detection on June 6, 2026 before water drops were conducted.

06/06/2026

A campfire ban began today in the BWCAW. If you are planning a trip in the near future, be sure to pack your camping stove and fuel. We have stoves available to rent, and fuel for sale in our shop.

06/06/2026

Great review from Justin... "Amazing experience! Our guide, Dave Freeman was a 10/10. He adapted to our changing needs and desires, was always incredibly knowledgeable and great conversation. Every staff member we met was friendly, helpful and had a smile on. Facilities were spotless. The equipment was almost all new or like new, and we were well packed and supplied for our 4 night trip. Couldn’t recommend more!"

"Amazing experience! Our guide, Dave Freeman was a 10/10. He adapted to our changing needs and desires, was always incredibly knowledgeable and great conversation. Every staff member we met was friendly, helpful and had a smile on. Facilities were spotless. The equipment was almost all new or like n...

06/06/2026

Great review from Ronald... "Great outfitters,very organized and knowledgeable.
Easy reservation,pickup and drop off."

"Great outfitters,very organized and knowledgeable. Easy reservation,pickup and drop off."

06/06/2026

Great review from Matthew... "Ely Outfitters did a bang-up job answering all our questions before the trip, providing advice, prepping us, and orienting us. Friendly folks, great gear, great service. Highly recommended."

"Ely Outfitters did a bang-up job answering all our questions before the trip, providing advice, prepping us, and orienting us. Friendly folks, great gear, great service. Highly recommended."

06/02/2026

Great review from Duncan... "Provides absolutely everything you'd want from an outfitter. Professional, knowledgable, friendly, highly responsive to any and all questions! This year marked my fifth trip traveling to the BWCA through Ely Outfitting, and I'd readily partner with them for 5 more. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned camper, they will have everything you need and ensure you have the best experience possible!"

"Provides absolutely everything you'd want from an outfitter. Professional, knowledgable, friendly, highly responsive to any and all questions! This year marked my fifth trip traveling to the BWCA through Ely Outfitting, and I'd readily partner with them for 5 more. Whether it's your first time or y...

06/02/2026

Great review from Tim... "I can’t say enough good things about Ely Outfitting Company. They set us up with everything we needed including the food. They know what they are doing and are happy to help you out. It was an awesome experience and I have to say the food was amazing!"

"I can’t say enough good things about Ely Outfitting Company. They set us up with everything we needed including the food. They know what they are doing and are happy to help you out. It was an awesome experience and I have to say the food was amazing!"

06/01/2026

Great review from Chris... "Always a pleasure to do business with. Highly recommend for complete outfitting to just a night in the bunkhouse. Very nice staff and bunkhouses. Rental equipment is great too."

"Always a pleasure to do business with. Highly recommend for complete outfitting to just a night in the bunkhouse. Very nice staff and bunkhouses. Rental equipment is great too."

05/31/2026

We have some news to share about changes to Minnesota Fishing Licenses. As the DNR transitions data to a new electronic licensing system, fishing license sales will be paused and anglers may fish without a license from 12 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 8. Anglers will begin using the new electronic licensing system on June 9.

You'll find the details from the MN DNR here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2026/05/26/minnesota-dnrs-new-transformative-electronic-licensing-system-will-launch-june-9

Photo by Joseph Goldstein