From Ely, head northeast on Highway 169 for just shy of 13 miles to the Wood Lake entry point which is on the north side of the road. You'll pass the Fall Lake Campground on your way in case you need a place to stay the night before your trip.
The small parking area has no restrooms. There is a restroom just down the road at the Tofte Lake access though.
The portage down to Wood Lake is just over a half mile (180 rods), but it is otherwise easy. There are limited views of Wood Lake from the canoe landing. You must paddle out through the marshy south arm of the lake to get to more open water.
There is only one route option from Wood Lake and that is portaging to Hula Lake and then Good Lake. Once at Good Lake you can head to Basswood Lake via two different routes from Good Lake. The only other direction is to Indiana Lake. You could make your way to Wind Lake and even Moose Lake if you decide to head that way.
Exploring the Entry Point
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The sign for the turnoff to Wood Lake along the Fernberg Trail.
This is a non-descript parking lot with no restroom. The parking lot is located along the north side of the Fernberg Trail.
The bulletin board for the Wood Lake entry point. The portage to Wood Lake is just to your right.
The beginning of the 180 rod portage leading down to Wood Lake. A well maintained portage.
Portage from the parking lot down to Wood Lake. There was a lot of blowdown along the trail because of a wind storm that occurred on July 21, 2016. This is two years after that storm. (See this portage in both directions here.)
The landing at Wood Lake is at the lakes marshy south end. You weave your way through the marsh for a short ways to get out into the open water of the lake.
Now that you've reached the shore of the lake, visit:WOOD LAKE
