Powwow Trail Conditions
October 15, 2023 and April 1, 2024 - NEW updates arriving in May 2024
These reports are provided as we receive them, and may be out of date or incomplete. This is a wilderness trail, and while this information can serve to help you plan your trip, always keep in mind that the conditions can vary quickly. Note: “Greenzones” are the small sections of unburnt forest. Closed campsites are referred to as “Firegrates”
Even when the trail is clear of treefalls, portions of the trail can be heavily overgrown and take some skill to spot and follow. Download a current GPS track of the Powwow Trail
Trail Summary [ Winter 2024 ]
Fall 2023 crews have reported an easily passable trail. Spotty brushy areas persist, but are not a hinderance to navigation. The snow-damaged Jackpines from the previous winter have been removed from the Football field dispersed camping area, along South Wilder, Wilder Creek, and the length of North Wilder Lake.
The USFS has restored 2 of the 4 remaining closed campsites with newly dug latrines, and removal of hazard trees.
NOW OPEN - Campfire Lake, located on the southwest corner of the trail is the first open campsite on the main loop while hiking clockwise. The Campsite is located directly off the north / west side of the trail. The latrine is directly across from the firegrate on the south side of the trail.
NOW OPEN - South Wilder Lake, located on the northwest corner, high above the lake. The trail passes through the firegrate area. The latrine is located on the north side of the tent pad area.
BWAC recommends that all hikers Download a current GPS track of the Powwow Trail and associated maps for offline use (Gaia GPS App) before attempting a thru-hike. McKenzie maps, and the 2016 USFS map of the trail is inaccurate in many critical areas.
Water Sources [ 6/13/2023 ]
Isabella River crossing
Beaver ponds south of “The Wye”
Pelt Creek beaver pond
Fallen Arch Lake
Seasonal - Flapper Creek
Marathon Lake
Diana creek bridge
Campfire Lake
Quadga Lake via spur trail
Myth / Exploit Lake Creek crossing
Beaver ponds
Superstition Lake
Seasonal - Rock Ledge
Mirror Lake
Beaver pond
Path Lake
Rock of Ages Lake
Lake 3
Stream in Lake 3 greenzone
Lake 3 / Horseshoe Lake portage
North Wilder Lake
North / South Wilder Creek
South Wilder Lake
Variable - Pose Creek
Pose Lake via spur trail
The “Culvert”
Always check the Trail guide for distances to the next water source. Don’t underestimate your time as hiking speeds can average less than 2 mph on the western and northern sections of the trail. Have 2 liters of carrying capacity. Best advice is to always drink up and gather new water at every accessible source.
Problem Spots [ Winter 2024]
As we receive reports of difficult sections of the trail we will report them here. If you hike the trail and encounter other locations, please contact us to let us know so we can add it to the list. The date of the report is listed here as well and we will try to clear these lists as crews work on those sections.
Second Wye west - 10 large treefalls need to be navigated around
Pose Creek to Football field- occasional Jackpines bent into the trail corridor
Superstition Lake Greenzone - brushy trail conditions on the north half-mile.
Campsite Notes [ Winter 2024 ]
Dispersed camping is permitted anywhere on the trail if you follow the BWCAW Regulations for Hikers - 200 feet from the trail and water sources, no campfires outside of firegrates. [closed] campsites do not have latrines, and may have hazard trees near the firegrates.
[open] Isabella River canoe campsite
[closed] Marathon Lake fire ring
[dispersed] Diana Lake Greenzone
[open] Campfire Lake campsite
[open] Quadga Lake campsite via spur trail
[closed] Superstition Lake firegrate
[closed] Mirror Lake firegrate
[open] Path Lake campsite
[open] Rock of Ages campsite
[open] Horseshoe Lake canoe campsite
[open] North Wilder campsite
[open] South Wilder campsite
[dispersed] “Football field” 1/2 mile east of S. Wilder
[dispersed] Pose Creek area
[open] Pose Lake Campsite