Set out on a 2-hour sunset cruise from Timber Trail Lodge to Kawishiwi Falls on Garden Lake. Experience the magic of northern Minnesota’s wilderness as vibrant skies and tranquil waters form the perfect evening escape.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families and seniors; requires ability to board boat safely.
Wildlife
History
Kawishiwi means 'the river that flows swiftly' in the Ojibwe language, reflecting local indigenous connections to the land.
Conservation
Timber Trail Lodge supports low-impact boating and educates guests on preserving the lake’s fragile ecosystem.
Timber Trail Lodge
Set out on a 2-hour sunset cruise from Timber Trail Lodge to Kawishiwi Falls on Garden Lake. Experience the magic of northern Minnesota’s wilderness as vibrant skies and tranquil waters form the perfect evening escape.
Timber Trail Lodge in Ely, Minnesota offers guided trips, courses, and motorboat excursions focused on Boundary Waters skills, fishing, and paddling.
The lodge operates custom half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day guided fishing trips aboard a 19 ft. motorboat, with beverages and snacks included. Instructional courses cover canoe fishing techniques, BWCA paddling and navigating, campcraft, fish cleaning, and backcountry meal preparation. A hands-on “Boat and Electric Introduction” provides complimentary instruction on motor and electric systems and Farm Lake navigation.
Trips range from short experiences like a two-hour Sunset Cruise to Kawishiwi Falls on Garden Lake to multi-skill BWCA courses such as Boundary Waters Canoeing Potluck and Boundary Waters Fishing Potluck. Timber Trail Lodge emphasizes safety, wilderness navigation, and practical skills including portaging, map reading, wind assessment, and paddling technique. Instruction suits beginners seeking confidence and experienced paddlers refining advanced skills.
The lodge presents its offerings as structured experiences that combine expert guidance with local knowledge of Ely and the BWCA waterways. Each trip description communicates clear objectives: skill-building, personalized fishing strategy, or scenic exploration. Visitors can expect tailored trip times for custom outings and practical amenities during guided motorboat trips.
Timber Trail Lodge maintains a focus on educating guests for independent, responsible exploration of the Boundary Waters. The lodge’s combination of hands-on courses, guided motorboat fishing trips, and scenic excursions supports visitors who want both instruction and memorable outdoor experiences.
Programs prioritize safety, practical instruction, and real-world practice to prepare guests for independent trips in the BWCA and Farm Lake navigation skills.
Location
Ely, Minnesota
Gateway to the Boundary Waters
Tours Offered
12 trips
Guided courses and custom trips
Motorboat
19 ft motorboat
Used for custom fishing trips
Signature Experience
Sunset Cruise to Kawishiwi Falls
2-hour cruise on Garden Lake
Book a custom fishing trip, paddling course, or sunset cruise — expert-led outings designed for learning, safety, and lasting memories.
Dress for Changing Temperatures
Evenings on the lake can cool quickly after sunset—bring layering options.
Arrive Early for Check-in
Timely arrival at Timber Trail Lodge ensures a smooth boarding process before the cruise departs.
Bring a Camera with Zoom
Capture details of wildlife and the falls from the boat with a zoom lens or binoculars.
Mind the Boat’s Quiet Pace
Keep noise levels low to increase chances of spotting wildlife along Garden Lake’s shores.
Warm Layered Clothing
Layering helps maintain comfort through temperature swings around sunset.
fall|spring|summer
Binoculars
Good for viewing wildlife from a distance during the cruise.
Waterproof Jacket
Protects from unexpected rain or lake spray during the cruise.
spring|fall
Camera
Captures the stunning scenery and changing light of sunset on the lake.