Now Offering: The Way of the Wilderness II + Forest Walk.
This mid September trip is now open due to waitlist for the MBS Journey and the cancellation of the Way of the Wilderness Journey earlier in the season for the fire closure. This great route takes us over two short portages and allows us to base camp with options for day tripping paddling and/or hiking a section of the POW WOW Trail. Our planned route on this ultimate summer adventure is the perfect balance of challenging terrain and iconic scenery through Boundary Waters Wilderness.
Learn the ways of the wilderness and fall into a rhythm with nature. This journey is open to women only please. Created for both the seasoned backcountry traveler looking to hone their skills and for the beginning adventurer who comes with a positive attitude, ready to learn and have fun. Bring your camera, a sense of adventure and a positive attitude.
Dates
September 15-19, 2026 5 Days, 4 Nights
Logistics
Maximum group size is 5. (2 Openings Remains) Travel out of Ely, MN Accommodations are Backcountry Base-Camp Style Tenting, Shared Space
Cost
Price $895. A non-refundable deposit of $150 secures your space on this journey. The balance is due 7 days after making deposit. Personal checks are the preferred method of payment of the balance. Credit card payments outside of the initial deposit will have an additional 3% charge. Cost includes all meals, experienced wilderness guide, group equipment, permits and all instructional sessions while on trail. A packing list and additional information will be provided upon confirmation.
Details: Following is a tentative itinerary. The woods are unpredictable so find ease in flexibility. Subject to change with permit availability, campsite availability, weather, group energy, etc.
Day 1: Meet in Ely, MN at 2pm Kawishiwi Ranger Station. Travel to forest campground and set up camp. Practice portaging, use of gear and packing along with a safety briefing and review of wilderness travel ethics using best practices. Dinner and Rest.
Day 2: Break camp, have breakfast and travel to entry point. Enter the Wilderness. Paddle, portage, and explore to an open BWCA campsite. Lunch, camp set up, collect firewood and water, time for exploring, relaxing, dinner, rest.
Day 3: Options to Explore further into the BWCA wilderness or day trip Hike the POW WOW Trail to a lunch spot and back. We allow for plenty of time to take pictures, soak in the sights, smells and sounds of the forest. We may even spot an animal or two.
Day 4: Wake and breakfast. Many options to day trip, rest, swim, fish, hike the shoreline or explore the lake.
Day 5: Wake, pack camp and Breakfast. Paddle and portage back to the parking lot. Arrive @ 3pm. Goodbyes and Farewells.
Participants are responsible for travel to and from Ely, MN and subsequent campground and entry point near Ely. Carpooling may be an option. The trip ends the afternoon we exit the BWCA. An extra night in Ely before or after your trip to have dinner, visit the quaint shops, find your souvenirs, hike the Kiwishiwi Falls Trail, or support the International Wolf Center or Bear Center can enhance your Northwoods experience. Please see FAQ’s for more helpful information or email Melissa at guidingspiritjourneys@gmail.com
To join this Journey, click the button below to pay the deposit and reserve your spot. Please feel free to email Melissa with any questions or to set up a payment plan.