A true loop that never repeats water, circling from deep, clear Snowbank through Disappointment and Ensign. Grade-A clarity and lake trout in the deep basins.
- Grade-A Snowbank clarity
- A loop — no backtracking
- Lake trout water
The route
Lakes on the route are colored by water-quality grade; the entry point is ringed in dark. Toggle the portage layer to see the carries.
The water you'll paddle
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snowbank Lake | Lake | A | 15.1 ft |
| 2 | Disappointment Lake | Lake | B | 13.5 ft |
| 3 | Parent Lake | Lake | A | 18 ft |
| 4 | Ensign Lake | Lake | B | 10 ft |
Every Boundary Waters lake is under Minnesota's statewide mercury advisory — see eating your catch.
Notable portages near this route
| Portage | Rods | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Vera Ensign | 151 | 0.47 |
| Trident Ensign | 112 | 0.35 |
| Birch Frog | 104 | 0.33 |
| Snowbank Trail | 82 | 0.26 |
| Frog Trident | 74 | 0.23 |
Named portages within ~3 km of the route. Source: OpenStreetMap contributors. Carry a detailed paddling map for the full portage sequence.
Where to stay for the Snowbank Lake Loop
Base your trip in Ely — outfitters, cabins, and lodging near the Snowbank Lake.
Top-rated places to stay near Ely
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Frequently Asked Questions
It's rated intermediate and typically takes 3–5 days covering roughly ~22 miles. A true loop that never repeats water, circling from deep, clear Snowbank through Disappointment and Ensign. Grade-A clarity and lake trout in the deep basins.
At Entry Point 27 (Snowbank Lake), which releases 8 permits per day. Reserve it through Recreation.gov during the May–September quota season.
The lakes on this route — Snowbank Lake, Disappointment Lake, Parent Lake, Ensign Lake — carry our A–F water-quality grades, shown below. Remember that every Boundary Waters lake is under Minnesota's statewide mercury fish-consumption advisory regardless of clarity.