BWCA Entry Points – An Overview
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA or BWCAW), is a wilderness area in the north eastern corner of Minnesota and makes up 1/3 of the Superior National Forest.
The BWCA covers 1,098,000 square miles of land and contains 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails, and over 2,000 designated campsites.
On average, over 150,000 people visit the BWCAW each year. As a result, the U.S. Forest Service instituted a permit system, where each permit specifies which lake and on which day a goup of paddlers can enter.
In total, there are 70 BWCA entry points scattered throughout the wilderness area. The most difficult decision a paddler must make is which entry point!
The list below should give you enough basic information on each BWCA entry point, including a description, the number of daily permits, and whether the lake allows for motorized watercraft or not.
Happy Paddling!
Boundary Waters Entry Points Map
What guide to all 70 BWCA Entry Points would be complete without a map of all 70+ entry points AND all current BWCA Permit Issuing Stations.
Blue flags are Entry Points and orange flags are Permit Issuing Stations. You can double click on any icon to pull up additional information.
Overnight Paddle Entry Permits
Boundary Waters Entry Permits come in three types, Day Paddle, Overnight Paddle, and Day-Use Motor. The focus here is on Overnight Paddle BWCA entry permits, however you should know there are other options.
The permits are broken down four general areas:
- Cook/LaCroix Ranger Station
- Ely/Kawishiwi Ranger Station
- Grand Marais/Gunflint Ranger Station
- Tofte/Tofte Ranger Station
Read More: 30 of the Cleanest and Clearest Lakes in Minnesota
Cook/Lac LaCroix Ranger Station
Entry Point 1 – Trout Lake
Trout Lake holds a special place in our hearts. Kristen’s father grew up on Lake Vermillion and her first trips to the Boundary Waters were to Trout Lake.
The Entry Point starts with a portage from Vermillion Lake. Vermillion Lake is huge, so you will need to get a lift on a motor boat, either from a friend or from an outfitter.
This section of the BWCAW is completely closed off from the main portion, so route options are limited. Most folks choose to base camp, and with Trout’s 48 campsites, its pretty easty!
Daily Permit Quota: 12
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 12 – Little Vermilion Lake (Crane Lake)
Little Vermillion Lake is the western-most BWCA Entry Point. Any farther west and you are in Voyageurs National Park. A great route is to follow the Loon River to the beatiful, and gigantic, Lac La Croix. From there your options are endless.
Daily Permit Quota: 6
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 12A – Lac LaCroix Only
Similar to Little Vermillion above, and the same exacty entry point, however your permit only allows you to travel to Lac La Croix. Given the size of the lake, I’m pretty sure you’ll find plenty to do!
Daily Permit Quota: 6
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Ely/Kawishiwi Ranger Station
Entry Point 4 – Crab Lake and Cummings from Burntside Lake
This is another entry point that we hold dear to our hearts. It was the first trip Kristen and I took together, long before kids were on our minds!
The entry point starts with a gnarly 406 rod (1.27 mile) portage from the southwest corner of Burntside Lake. Usually it is well maintained. We happened to come after a storm and spend a good part of the morning navigating deadfalls.
Like with Trout, you may want to hitch a ride across Burntside Lake. We were young and poor, so paddled, but luckily it was a calm morning. Burnstide would not be a fun crossing if the weather were poor. This section of the BWCAW is completely closed off from the main portion, so route options are limited.
Daily Permit Quota: 3
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 6 – Slim Lake
While we have not paddled out of Slim Lake, we did hike there in the winter of 2023. It is a beatiful spot with a very easty portage from the parking lot to the lake.
Like with Trout and Crab, this section of the BWCAW is completely closed off from the main portion, so route options are limited.
Check out our Complete Guide to Slim Lake Entry Point.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 7 – Big Lake
Big Lake itself has four campsites, along with cabins and outiftters/resorts. This BWCA Entry Point takes you south into Lapond Lake, which is part of the same closed-off section as Crab, Slim, and Trout.
There are some nice routes, but most are short.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 8 – Moose River (south)
This BWCA Entry Point has very limited access with only one permit every other day! It takes three portages before you enter your first lake, Big Moose Lake. It could be a great option if you wanted to enter this smaller section of the BWCAW while avoiding the crowds at Crab and Trout.
Daily Permit Quota: 1 every other day
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 9 – Little Indian Sioux River (south)
Little Indina Sioux River is a good choice if you want to paddle through large expanses of wild rice. You’ll come across the beautiful Sioux Falls. Route options are endless and can include border lakes like Loon Lake, or you can stick to internal lakes and waterways.
Daily Permit Quota: 1 every other day
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 14 – Little Indian Sioux River (north)
Little Indian Sioux River North is just on the opposide side of the Echo Trail as Entry Point 9, Little Indian Sioux River South. This route gives you access to the smaller lakes south of Lac La Croix, as well as Lac La Croix itself.
Daily Permit Quota: 6
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 16 – Moose/Portage River (north)
Moose River Entry Point starts off on the Moose River and leads you into Nina Moose Lake. From there you can head straight up to Lac La Croix or stick to the smaller lakes to the south.
Daily Permit Quota: 5
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 19 – Stuart River
Stuart River Entry Point starts just north of Big Lake. It starts with a gruelling 480 rod (1.5 mile) portage to the Stuart River. Then your only option is to wind up that river for miles until you get to Stuart Lake. There is one campside about halfway up on White Feather Lake if you don’t feel like you can make it (and are lucky that it is open).
This entry point is not for the meak.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 20 – Angleworm Lake
Angleworm Lake has one of the hardest, and longest, portages in the BWCA. We’ve hiked in in the winter and wouldn’t wish it on our worst enemy. The portage is a gnarly 640 rods (2 miles), with a lot of elevation gain.
A friendly beaver dammed up the river about halfway through, so get ready to get wet!
Check out our Complete Guide to Angleworm Lake Entry Point.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 77 – South Hegman Lake
Hello Pictographs! South Hegman Lake is right by the infamous Angleworm. The best part are the pictographs on North Hegman Lake. Then it is either a long portage into Angleworm or a portage across to Little Bass Lake.
Check out our Complete Guide to South Hegman Lake Entry Point.
Daily Permit Quota: 2/1 every other day (avg. 1.5 per day)
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 22 – Mudro Lake (restricted–no camping on Horse Lake)
Mudro Lake is a great option as it can take you right into the Basswood Lake area. While this particular permit does not allow camping on Horse Lake, if you are going through to Basswood, then you will not have a problem.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 23 – Mudro Lake
Similar to Entry Point 22, but you can stay on Horse Lake. This is nice if you want to avoid the large expanses of open water on Basswood Lake. Both BWCA entry points start at the same parking lot.
Daily Permit Quota: 5
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 24 – Fall Lake
Fall Lake Entry Point is about as close to Ely as you can get. Shagawa Lake is connected to Fall Lake via the Shagawa River, which passes right next to Winton. This is a popular entry point with access to Basswood to the NW or Ella Hall to the NE, althought the latter has some nasty portages!
Daily Permit Quota: 14
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 25 – Moose Lake
Moose Lake Entry Point is a monster, with 27 daily permits. It is very popular with the Boy Scouts, which have a camp on Moose. This entry point opens up some great trips through large, but narrower lakes, like Newfound Lake, Ensign Lake, Sucker Lake, and Birch Lake.
Williams and Hall, Canoe Country Outfitters, and LaTourell’s Moose Lake Outfitters are all based on Moose.
Daily Permit Quota: 27
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 26 – Wood Lake
Wood Lake is accessed via a 180 rod portage from Fernberg Road. It is a good entry point for exploring the smaller lakes south of Basswood or for Basswood Lake itself.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 27 – Snowbank Lake
Snowbank is one of the lakes that straddles the BWCAW just outside of Ely, MN. It is large with easy access. It opens up some great routes either up towards Kekekabic Lake or through the heart of the BWCA (our favorite area), NE of Alice Lake.
Daily Permit Quota: 8
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 28 – Snowbank Lake Only
Similar to Entry Point 27 above, however you are only allowed access to Snowbank Lake.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 29 – North Kawishiwi River
This entry point starts outide of the BWCA. You’ll need to paddle Ojibway Lake and Triangle Lake before you can portage into the Kawishiwi River. This is close to Lake One, which can be a busy area in the summer.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 30 – Lake One
Lake One is a popular entry point as it provides access to the Numbered Lakes Route. It can be very busy. I’ve heard some funny nicknames for this route that I’ll leave out of this article. If you want a campsite on Lakes One or Two, you need to get on the water VERY EARLY in the summer.
All that being said, you can push through the numbered lakes and get to Alice Lake and beyond, which is a real treat.
Daily Permit Quota: 13
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 31 – Farm Lake
Farm Lake is just outside of Ely and provides access to the Kawishiwi River system and the Little Gabbro/Gabbro routes.
Moose Track Adventures and Boundary Waters Outfitters are both based on Farm Lake.
Daily Permit Quota: 3
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 32 – South Kawishiwi River
Entry Point 32 starts a group of entry points that are on the southern border of the BWCA. They all access the Kawishiwi River system and/or the area around Gabbro Lake. There are nice routes starting to the East at Hog Creek (Entry Point 36) and ending to the west, or in reverse. You would need a ride between entrypoints.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 84 – Snake River
Located on the souther border of the BWCA, there is a 160 rod portage to Snake River and a couple of additional smaller portages before you reach Bald Eagle Lake. You can also follow the Isabella River east for a nice trip.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 33 – Little Gabbro Lake
Not far from the South Kawishiwi River entry point is Little Gabbro Lake. It is accessed via a 200 rod portage. Most folks either go up the river or east into Gabbro.
Daily Permit Quota: 2/1 every other day (avg. 1.5 per day)
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 75 – Little Isabella River
Similar to entry points 84 and 67, Little Isabella River is on the souther edge of the wilderness. You’ll start paddling up the Little Isabella River and then will go right or left on Mitawan Creek depending on your destination.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Tofte/Tofte Ranger Station
Entry Point 34 – Island River
Island River is futher east, and proivdes access to Isabella Lake and the Isabella River system. Because route options are limited, most folks tend to day camp on Isabella Lake.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 35 – Isabella Lake
Isabella Lake is accessed via a short 35-rod portage. It is a great lake for camping and offers some fun day trips to the east and west.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 36 – Hog Creek
Hog Creek is a fun entry point if you have little kids. The route winds down hog creek into Perent lake (there are a couple of portages on the river).
You can read about our recent trip on this blog post.
Or you can read our Complete Guide to Hog Creek Entry Point.
Daily Permit Quota: 4
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 37 – Kawishiwi Lake
Kawishiwi Lake is our favorite BWCA Entry Point when traveling with kids. We love the small lakes and that it provides access to the heart of the BWCA. We’ll push hard to hit Malberg Lake on Day 1, and then expore from there for the rest of our trip.
Many folks stick to the area around Lake Polly or Malberg, which is fun too!
You can read about our recent trips here or here.
Or you can read our Complete Guide to Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point.
Daily Permit Quota: 7
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 38 – Sawbill Lake
Sawbill Lake is a great entrypoint. We love it because it is on the south side of the BWCA, which means a shorter drive from our home in the Twin Cities. It is also home ot Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, which runs a large rustic campground on the lake (i.e. no sleeping in the entry point parking lot!)
You can read our Complete Guide to Sawbill Lake Entry Point.
Daily Permit Quota: 11
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 39 – Baker Lake
Just a hair further east of Sawbill is Baker Lake. This entry point dumps you into the Temperence River system. There is a nice loop up to Cherokee, back down Sawbill, and through Burnt back to the Temperence River.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 67 – Bog Lake
Bog Lake is a small lake that is cut off from much of the rest of the BWCA. Your only option is to stay there or paddle up Mitawan Creek towards Quadga or Rice Lake.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Grand Marais/Grand Marais Ranger Station
Entry Point 40 – Homer Lake
Most of Homer Lake lies outside of the BWCA. Exit via the west side of Homer which gives you the option to go down to Pipe Lake, Up to Brule Lake, or west on the Vern River.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 41 – Brule Lake
Brule Lake is a beast known for white caps even with a slight breeze. That beign said, it opens up a ton of trip options on the eastern side of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It is also a nice lake to set up camp and day trip from.
Daily Permit Quota: 7
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 43 – Bower Trout Lake
There is a nice trek out to Swan Lake from Brower Trout Lake and back that many do in a couple of days. You can also keep heading west towards Brule or north towards Little Trout Lake.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 44 – Ram Lake
Just up the road from Brower Trout is Ram Lake. Ram and Brower open up some of the same routes, with Ram better for heading north up through Vista Lake (where unfortunately you’ll run into folks from EP 45 below).
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 45 – Morgan Lake
Another lightly traveled entry point, Morgan Lake dumps right into Vista. Then you go north to Horseshoe Lake or west to Gaskin and Winchell Lakes.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 47 – Lizz and Swamp Lakes
Entry Point 47 is unique in that it starts in Poplar Lake, which is 100% outside of the BWCA. You take the shoreline east to the poplar creek which goes into Swamp Lake (no campsites) or west to Lizz Lake. Then its off to Caribou Lake and beyond.
Daily Permit Quota: 3
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 48 – Meeds Lake
Meeds Lake entry point starts with a grueling 320 rod portage into Meeds Lake. It shares a lot of the same paddling as the previous entry points, just with much harder start!
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 49 – Skipper and Portage Lakes
Skipper and Portage Lakes EP starts with a grueling 290 rod portage into Rush Lake. The nice part is you can follow Rush Lake down to Long Island Lake, which we’ve heard is a nice rout that is not overcrowded.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 50 – Cross Bay Lake
Cross Bay Lake entry point starts on the Cross River and heads to Ham Lake, all of which is outside of the BWCA in the Superior National Forest. After a couple of Portages you’ll be in Cross Bay Lake and have a ton of great paddling ahead of you.
Daily Permit Quota: 3
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 51 – Missing Link Lake
Missing Link Lake starts right by Tuscacora Outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail on Round Lake. After a quick paddle across the lake, you have a 137 rod portage into Missing Link lake. Then you have two options, 110 rods to Snipe Lake or 362 rods to Tuscacora Lake. Ouch!
Daily Permit Quota: 5
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 52 – Brant Lake
Entry Point 52 is also on Round Lake and is served by Tuscacora Outfitters. There are three portages, the longest at 76 rods, that take you from Round Lake, through Edit Lake, and into Brant Lake where you’ll find the first campsites.
Then its over to Gillis Lake or up through a dizzing array of smaller lakes to the NW. Plenty of canoe tripping opportunties!
Daily Permit Quota: 4
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 54 – Seagull Lake
Seagull Lake is huge, with the eastern portion outside of the BWCA and open to motors, which allows for a tow into the BWCA. No motors are allowed west of Three Mile Island. You could easily spend your trip exploring Sea Gull Lake or head West into Alpine and Jasper. Another option is to head north through Red Rock up into Saganaga Lake.
Seagull Lake is home to Seagull Outfitters.
Daily Permit Quota: 8
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 54A – Seagull Lake Only
See Entry Point K below in the motorized section.
Daily Permit Quota: 0 (no permits)
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 55 – Saganaga Lake
Saganaga Lake Entry Point is at the very tip of the Gunflint Trail. It is far as one can go via road before the wilderness takes over. Saganaga is a HUGE boder lake with tones of opportunties for fishing and camping.
If big water isn’t your thing, you can also head east on the Granite River route, which takes you down the Granite River through a series of lakes all the way to Gunflint Lake! We love this route. It is relatively quiet and the smallmouth bass fishing is superb at the base of all of the waterfalls.
You can read about one of our trips here.
Saganaga is home to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.
Daily Permit Quota: 15
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
55A – Saganaga Lake Only
See Entry Point J below.
Daily Permit Quota: 0 (No permits)
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 57 – Magnetic Lake
Magnetic Lake is right next to the infamous Gunflint Lake. This is my favorite entry point for bringing newbies to the BWCA. Its a true wilderness area and the route up the Granite River is excellent. Guests love the portaging around waterfalls, great campsites, and abundant fishing.
You can read about one of our trips here.
Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters is based here.
Daily Permit Quota: 3
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 58 – South Lake
South Lake EP is not for the faint of heart. It starts with a 10 mile paddle across Gunflint Lake, followed by two short portages. While 10 miles doesn’t seem like a lot, Gunflint is notoriously choppy and it can feel like an eternity. It is usually easy paddling going east at the start of your trip. Coming back into the prevailing NW wind is the challenge!
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 60 – Duncan Lake
The Moss, Duncan, Daniels trifecta is a well known ice fishing area. All three are close together and the fishing is good. Duncan starts with a small portage into Duncan lake. Then you can head to Rose via the stairs to the amazing Rose Lake Overlook.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 61 – Daniels Lake
Daniels is an easy entry point, but a bit of a dead end. Your only option is to take the portage at the north end west to Rose Lake or east to Watap. Daniels splits the portage in half, so each way you are only taking part. The total portage between Rose and Watap is 282 rods.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 62 – Clearwater Lake
Clearwater is a realtively large lake with great access to Caribou Lake, Watap Lake, and the long thin lakes on the east side of the BWCA. Part of Clearwater allows motors.
It is home to Clearwater Outfitters.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 64 – East Bearskin Lake
Much of East Bearskin Lake lies outside of the BWCA. You can head south to Crocodile lake, which is a dead end, or east to Alder, Crystal, and beyond.
It is home to Bearskin Wilderness Outfitters.
Daily Permit Quota: 3
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle or Motor
Entry Point 66 – Crocodile River
This entry point does not offer much for longer trips. That being said, if you’re looking for a weekend trip or some time relaxing on a beautiful BWCAW lake, then its a great option.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 68 – Pine Lake
Entry Points 68, 69, and 70 are right on top of each other. Pine Lake starts on McFarland Lake. Then it is a short portage over to Pine Lake and beyond.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 69 – John Lake
Entry Points 68, 69, and 70 are right on top of each other. Entry Point 69 starts on Little John Lake and takes you up the Royal River where you can go north to East Pike Lake or east to South Fowl Lake.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 70 – North Fowl Lake
Entry Points 68, 69, and 70 are right on top of each other. Hard to see how this differs much from John Lake above. Same options and target is clearly South Fowl Lake and the Pigeon River.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 71 – From CANADA
Lots of options coming from the Canadian side. Most US visitors start from one of the EPs and head north into Quetico, not the other way around.
Daily Permit Quota: 3
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Entry Point 80 – Larch Creek
Larch Creek is another great way to enter the Granite River Route. It takes you up the creek ot Larch Lake, and then to Clove. Again, this is one of our favorite routes for introducing new folks to the BWCA.
Daily Permit Quota: 1
Permit Type: Overnight Paddle Only
Day-Use Motor Permits ONLY
Cook/Lac LaCroix Ranger Station
Entry Point A – Trout Lake
Day use of a motor on Trout. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Ely/Kawishiwi Ranger Station
Entry Point C – Fall Lake Only
Day use of a motor on Fall Lake. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing. Limited to Fall Lake Only
Daily Permit Quota: Varies by week
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Entry Point D – Fall Lake and Beyond
Day use of a motor on Fall Lake. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing. Can access Fall, Newton, & Basswood.
Daily Permit Quota: Varies by week
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Entry Point F – Moose Lake Chain Only
Similar to Entry Point 25 and Entry Point G,, however this allows the use of a motor only on Moose Lake.
Daily Permit Quota: Varies by week
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Entry Point G – Moose Lake to Prairie Portage
Similar to Entry Point 25, however this allows the use of a motor on Moose up to Pairie Potage Range Station.
Williams and Hall, Canoe Country Outfitters, and LaTourell’s Moose Lake Outfitters are all based on Moose.
Daily Permit Quota: Varies by week
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Entry Point H – Snowbank Lake
Day use of a motor on Snowbank Lake. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Entry Point I – South Farm Lake
Day use of a motor on South Farm Lake. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Grand Marais/Grand Marais Ranger Station
Entry Point J – Saganaga Lake
Day use of a motor on Saganaga Lake. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Entry Point K – Seagull Lake
Day use of a motor on Seagull Lake. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing.
Daily Permit Quota: 2
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Entry Point L – Clearwater Lake
Day use of a motor on Clearwater Lake. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing.
Daily Permit Quota: Varies by week
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
Entry Point M – East Bearskin Lake
Day use of a motor on East Bearskin Lake. Often used for towing canoists or a quick day of fishing.
Daily Permit Quota: Varies by week
Permit Type: Day-use Motor
BWCA Entry Points – Conclusion
There you have it, all 70 BWCA entry points! The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers an unlimited supply of route options.
You can do like we do and visit the same entry points each year, expanding your trip with each passing year. Or you can check out a different entry point each year.
However you do it, please continue to visit this wonderful place and support it for years to come. And please, please, please bring your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors… kids are the future of one of the US’s last bastions of true wilderness.
Teach them to love and fight for it!
Boundary Waters Entry Points – FAQs
What are BWCA entry points?
BWCA entry points are the specific locations from which paddlers can enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Each entry point is alloted a specific number of permits per day that dictates how many canoeing groups can enter at any point in time. Entry points generally have bathrooms, a parking lot, informative signage, and a boat/canoe launch.
Can you bring beer into the Boundary Waters?
No. Aluminum cans and glass bottles are not allowed in the Boundary Waters. Plus, beer is heavy! Most people bring whiskey in reusable plastic bottles or boxed wine if they are looking for a drink.
Are plastic bottles allowed in the BWCA?
Yes, plastic bottles are allowed in the BWCA.
