If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hike near Ely, Minnesota, Bass and Dry Lakes Loop delivers plenty of reasons to hit the trail. This 6.7-mile loop winds through a mix of forest and rocky terrain in the Superior National Forest, with multiple vistas across Bass and Dry Lakes and opportunities to get down to the water.
Lu and I hiked the loop during a September weekend trip to Ely. It’s a longer hike with some rugged footing, but the lake view and waterside exploring made it well worth the effort. Here’s what to know before hitting the trail with your dog.
Bass and Dry Lakes Loop at a Glance
Location: Ely, MN
Distance: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 427 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Route Type: Loop
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 hours
Terrain: Rocky, uneven, roots, dirt, and sand
Water Features: Lakes and lake access
Dog Access: Leashed dogs welcome
Best For: Northwoods scenery and dogs who love water
Biggest Consideration: Longer distance and rocky footing
My Experience Hiking Bass and Dry Lakes Loop with Lu
Lu and I spent a weekend in Ely in late September, basing out of Bear Head Lake State Park. This was our second hike of the weekend. We set out for a morning hike but were delayed until noon by a marathon that had Echo Trail closed to traffic.
We hiked the big loop counter-clockwise, following the trail around Bass Lake, Dry Lake, and Little Dry Lake. The trail was rockier than I expected in places, but Lu handled it without any trouble. She loved the lakes and took advantage of every opportunity to get in the water. Between the lake views and the varied terrain, she seemed to think this was a pretty good way to spend an afternoon.
We met one pair of hikers at the first major Bass Lake overlook, then we didn’t see anyone else until we neared the Little Dry Lake. There were quite a few people heading out in the opposite direction as we finished our loop.
What to Know Before You Go
One of the interesting things about this hike is the geology beneath your feet. Part of the trail follows a ridge formed by the Vermilion Fault, which creates some of the overlooks above Bass Lake. You’ll also cross ancient Ely Greenstone, granite, and sandy deposits left behind by an old lake. There’s more to this landscape than just the lakes and forests.
Route and Distance
I tracked our hike using Gaia GPS and recorded 6.68 miles for the full Bass and Dry Lakes Loop.
The Bass Lake Trail system offers several shorter hiking options if you don’t want to tackle the full loop:
- Dry Falls – 1.6 miles round trip
- Dry Lake Loop – 3 miles round trip
- Bass Lake Loop – 5.3 miles round trip
Terrain and Difficulty
The Bass and Dry Lakes Loop crosses a mix of terrain, including dirt, rocks, roots, exposed rockface, loose stones, and sand. Some sections require a little more attention to your footing, especially when hiking with a dog on-leash. While I’d still classify this as a moderate hike, the rocky terrain makes it more challenging than a smooth footpath.
Water Access
While some of the overlooks sit high above the lakes, there are several places where you can reach the water. Lu waded into every body of water she could get to. It may have been the end of September, but it was still warm enough that I was wearing shorts and Lu was happy for a chance to cool off.
Dogs and Leash Requirements
Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be kept on a leash.
Parking and Trailhead Access
The Bass Lake Trailhead is about 10 minutes from Ely on a paved road with a paved parking lot.
From Ely on Hwy-169, you’ll head up County Road 88 (Grant McMahan Boulevard) and turn onto County Road 116 (Echo Trail/Ely-Buycks Road). After about 2.5 miles, you’ll reach the Bass Lake parking area on the right. There are about 25 parking spaces.
A short path leads from the parking lot to a bathroom and a trail map kiosk with basic information about the trail. Note, there is also a backcountry bathroom at the far end of Bass Lake.
Best Time to Hike
Late spring through fall is generally the best time to hike this area, although conditions can vary. If you’re hoping to catch fall colors, late September through early October is a good time to plan a visit. That’s when Lu and I hiked the loop, and the colors were just starting to show at the end of September.
What I’d Bring
Bring good hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, and your usual day-hiking essentials. The trail has several great lake overlooks that make excellent spots to stop for a snack and enjoy the views.
If your pup likes to jump in the water, stash a towel in your car to dry them off once you finish the loop. Lu is a water dog at heart, so I always keep an extra towel in the campervan just for her.
Would I Take My Dog Again?
Absolutely. I loved this hike, and it has all of the good stuff you’d want in a Northwoods hike. There’s a beautiful forest, plenty of lake views, and opportunities for dogs to get in the water. The trail is rugged in some places, and it’s a longer hike, so I’d make sure you and your dogs are comfortable covering the distance and navigating the rocky terrain.
Make a Day of It: Things to Do Near Ely
Additional hiking:
- Trezona Trail – 3.9 miles round trip, easy
- Blackstone Secret, and Ennis Lakes – 4 miles round trip for the biggest loop, moderate
- Kekekabic Trail – 21 miles one way, hard (you can turn it into a shorter out-and-back as needed)
Waterfalls: Kawishiwi Falls is a short, easy 0.8-mile hike to where the falls flow from Garden Lake into Fall Lake.
Local camping: Bear Head Lake State Park is a beautiful campground with hiking trails and lake access. Leashed dogs are welcome in most outdoor areas, with restrictions in buildings and at the swimming beach. We camped at drive-in site 21, and it was fantastic!
Dog-friendly patio: Frisky Otter Pub & Eatery serves everything from breakfast to dinner, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed on the patio. They have their own doggy dinner menu!
A hit of caffeine: Northern Grounds is a women-owned coffee shop and wine bar with a handful of breakfast items, sandwiches, and bakery treats. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but you can get your goodies to-go for a mid-hike snack.
Post-hike beer: Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant is a local brewery with the classic burgers and sandwiches type of food. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but you can get a growler to take home or to your campsite. Try the Blueberry Blonde Ale!
Unique adventure: International Wolf Center is a science-based education center offering interactive wolf presentations. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but it’s a worthwhile stop if you want to learn more about one of the Northwoods’ most iconic animals.
Bass and Dry Lakes Loop is a great way to spend a few hours exploring the Northwoods near Ely. Between the rugged trail, scenic lake overlooks, and opportunities for dogs to get into the water, it’s a hike I’d happily do again. And with plenty of other trails, outdoor adventures, and dog-friendly stops nearby, it’s easy to turn a visit into a full weekend.
Have you visited Ely, Minnesota? What are your favorite dog-friendly trails and activities? Share your inspiration for our next trip in the comments!