Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Reservations)

Site features

• Angleworm Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access Angleworm Lake with a 640 rod portage. Some trip options with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Angleworm Lake Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 12 mile loop trail. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Baker Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a boat landing at Baker Lake with a 10 rod portage into Peterson lake to reach the first campsite. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Big Moose Lake Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 2 miles to Big Moose Lake. No loop options. If paddling use entry point #8. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Blandin Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. Winter route to Lamb Lake 2.4miles. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Bog Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 232-rod portage into the lake. Bog Lake has four campsites, and does not provide access to other lakes. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station at 218-663-7280.

• Border Route Trail (center) (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 53 mile hiking trail. Shorter options available For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

• Border Route Trail (east) (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 53 mile hiking trail. Shorter options available. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

• Border Route Trail (west) (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 53 mile hiking trail. Shorter options available. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

• Bower Trout Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 72-rod portage from small parking area into Bower Trout. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at 218-387-1750.

• Brant Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Round Lake with two 85-rod portages to Brant Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Brule Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. The access is a boat landing at Brule Lake. Large lake with many campsites. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Brule Lake ONLY (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. The access is a boat landing at Brule Lake. Large lake with many campsites. Must camp all nights on Brule Lake (day trips to other lakes are permitted). For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station at 218-663-7280.

• Brule Lake Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. Trailhead is on Forest Road 326, one third of a mile south of the Brule Lake parking lot. Park at Brule Lake. Total trail distance 7 miles. Connects with Brule Lake Trail; access to Eagle Mountain. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Clearwater Lake (dm)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 10 h.p. motor limit. No motors allowed (use or possession) west of Three Mile Island. For more information, please contact the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at 218-387-1750.

• Clearwater Lake (op,om)

  Method of travel is paddle or motor. 10 h.p. maximum. Access is boat launch on Clearwater Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Crab Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access from Burntside Lake with a 360-rod portage to Crab Lake. For more information, please contact the LaCroix Ranger Station in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Crocodile River (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Can access Crocodile Lake from Crocodile River or East Bearskin. Must spend all nights on Crocodile Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Cross Bay Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is through the Cross River with a 50 and a 40-rod portage to Ham Lake and a 24 rod portage to Cross Bay Lake. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Daniels Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is from West Bearskin Lake with a 60-rod portage to Daniels Lake and a 665-rod portage to Rose Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Duncan Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is from West Bearskin Lake with a 70-rod portage to Duncan Lake and an 80-rod portage to Rose. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Eagle Mountain Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. The trail is 3.5 miles to the top (one way). Provides access to Brule lake Trail. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• East Bearskin (dm)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. No motors on Alder or Canoe Lakes. For more information, please contact the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at 218-387-1750.

• East Bearskin (op,om)

  Method of travel is paddle or motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. Motors allowed on East Bearskin Lake only. No motors on Alder or Canoe Lakes. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Fall Lake (op,om)

  Method of travel is paddle or motor. Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit (25 h.p. maximum). Access to Basswood for motors or paddlers. Portage wheels are allowed on Fall, Newton, Pipestone portages. Contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Fall Lake ONLY (dm)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. Valid only on Fall Lake, not Newton or Basswood. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Fall Lake and Beyond (dm,dc)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. Valid on Fall, Newton, and Basswood Lakes (except the paddle only area of Basswood). For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• From Big Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access LaPond Lake with a 160 rod portage from Big Lake. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561

• From Canada

  Use only when trip originates in Canada, then passes into the BWCAW.

• From Farm Lake (op,om)

  Method of travel is paddle or motor. Motor use OR possession on South Farm Lake requires an overnight motor permit (25 h.p. maximum). Paddlers access North Kawishiwi from Farm Lake. Contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Herriman Lake Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 15 miles of trail accesses 4 lakes. Loop options. Three campsites accessible from the trail. For more information, please call the La Croix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020

• Hog Creek (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 15-rod portage to Hog Creek leading into Perent Lake. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Homer Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a boat landing at Homer Lake. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Isabella Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 70 rod portage to the lake. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Island River (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Island River has two small portages, which lead to the Isabella River. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• John Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access from Little John Lake with a 10-rod portage to John Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Kawishiwi Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Kawishiwi Lake. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger District in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Kekekabic Trail (east) (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 46 mile trail that continues to the west side trail head. Rolling terrain through several lakes. Minimal use. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Kekekabic Trail (west) /Snowbank (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. Loop option includes 27 miles of the Snowbank Trail, plus the 46 mile Kekekabic Trail that continues to the east side trail head. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Lac LaCroix ONLY (op, om)

  Method of travel is motor or paddle. Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit (unlimited motor h.p.). Enter from Crane Lake. Must camp all nights on Lac LaCroix (day trips to other lakes are permitted). Use only after Entry Point 12 is full.

• Lake One #30F (op)

  This is a restricted Lake One permit. Camping on the Kawishiwi River west of Confusion Lake is NOT allowed.Camping east and south of the Lake One landing IS allowed including Lakes One through Four, Hudson, Insula, and beyond.

• Lake One (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Lake One. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Larch Creek (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access from the canoe landing at Larch Creek. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Little Gabbro Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 200-rod portage from the parking lot to Little Gabbro Lake. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Little Indian Sioux NORTH (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 40-rod portage heading north from the Echo Trail to the river. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Little Indian Sioux SOUTH (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Difficult route. NOTE: Use EP #14 for Little Indian Sioux travel NORTH of the Echo Trail. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Little Isabella River (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 20-rod portage to the Little Isabella River. Several short portages before you reach the Isabella River. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station at 218-663-7280.

• Little Vermilion Lake (op, om)

  Method of travel is motor or paddle. Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit (unlimited motor h.p.). Enter from Crane Lake. NOTE: This is NOT the entry point for Trout Lake (EP#1). Trip options for paddlers with additional portages. On US side, motors are only allowed up to edge of Snow Bay on Lac LaCroix. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK: Lac La Croix Ranger Station is available for the nearby Quetico entry point lakes of Threemile Lake (41), Maligne River (42), McAree Lake (43), and Bottle River (44). For more details, please visit: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/quetico/camping

• Lizz and Swamp Lakes (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access from Poplar Lake by 51-rod portage to Lizz Lake and 100-rod portage to Swamp Lake. NOTE: For entry at Meeds Lake see Entry Point #48. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Magnetic Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access Magnetic Lake and Granite River from Gunflint Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Meeds Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access from Poplar Lake into Meeds Lake with a 220 rod portage. Many options for trips with additional portages. NOTE: For entry at Lizz and Swamp Lakes see Entry Point #47. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Missing Link Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Round Lake with a 142-rod portage to Missing Link. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Moose Lake (op,om)

  Method of travel is paddle or motor. Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit (25 h.p. maximum). Access to Basswood for motors or paddlers. Portage wheels are allowed on Prairie Portage. Contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Moose River SOUTH (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing and three portages to enter Big Moose Lake. NOTE. Use EP #16 for Moose River travel NORTH of the Echo Trail. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Moose-Basswood via Prairie Portage (dm,dc)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. Valid on Moose, Newfound, Sucker and Basswood Lakes (except the paddle only portion of Basswood). Commercial portage service available. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK: Prairie Portage Ranger Station is available for the nearby Quetico entry point lakes of Basswood River (51), Sarah Lake (52), Kahshahpiwi Lake (53), Agnes Lake (61), and Carp Lake (62). For more details, please visit: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/quetico/camping

• Moose-NEWFND-Sucker ONLY (DM,DC)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. Valid only on Moose, Newfound, and Sucker Lakes, not Basswood Lake. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Moose/Portage River NORTH (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 160-rod portage heading north from the Echo Trail to the Moose River. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020

• Morgan Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 320-rod portage to Morgan Lake. No campsites on Morgan Lake- short portages to further lakes for campsites. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Mudro Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Three accesses into Mudro Lake involve portages ranging from 20 to 185 rods. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Mudro Lake RESTRICTED (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Three accesses into Mudro Lake involve portages ranging from 20 to 185 rods. Many trip options with additional portages (Restricted *no camping on Horse Lake for the duration of your trip). For more information, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• North Fowl Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access from Little John, down the Royal River with an 88-rod and a 160-rod portage to get to North Fowl Lake. Border lake between U.S. and Canada. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• North Kawishiwi River (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access the North Kawishiwi River through Ojibway Lake and Triangle Lake utilizing two portages. For more information, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station at 218-365-7561.

• Norway Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 8 miles of hiking trail or 2 mile option. No loop options. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Partridge Lake Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking only (if paddling, use entry #60). 4 mile hike. No parking available. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Pine Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access through McFarland Lake with a 2-rod portage. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Pow Wow Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 30 mile loop trail. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Ram Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 97-rod portage from the parking area. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Saganaga Lake (dm,dc)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. No motors allowed (use or possession) west of American Point. Access to Canada. For more information, please contact the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at 218-387-1750.

• Saganaga Lake (op,om)

  Method of travel is paddle or motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. No motors (use or possession) west of American Point. Access to Canada (the Crownland and Quetico Park). Large lake with many campsites and easy access. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK: Cache Bay Ranger Station is available for the nearby Quetico entry point lakes of Knife Lake (71), Man Chain Lakes (72), Falls Chain Lakes (73), and Boundary Point, Saganagons Lake (74). For more details, please visit: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/quetico/campingl

• Saganaga Lake ONLY (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Must camp ALL nights on Saganaga Lake (day trips to other lakes are permitted). Large lake with many campsites and easy access. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Sawbill Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Sawbill Lake. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Seagull Lake (dm)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 10 h.p. motor limit. No motors allowed (use or possession) west of Three Mile Island. For more information, please contact the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at 218-387-1750.

• Seagull Lake (op,om)

  Method of travel is paddle or motor. 10 h.p. motor limit. No motors (use or possession) west of Three Mile Island. Large lake with several campsites. Landing at Seagull lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Seagull Lake ONLY (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a boat landing at Seagull Lake. Must camp ALL nights on Seagull (day trips to other lakes are permitted). Large lake with several campsites. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Sioux-Hustler Trail (oh)

  Method of travel is hiking. 25 mile loop. Primitive trail is not well-maintained. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Skipper & Portage Lakes (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access from Poplar Lake (320-rod portage) or Iron Lake (230-rod portage). For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Slim Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 90 rod portage to Slim Lake. Portages to three additional lakes. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Snake River (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 160-rod portage to the river and several short portages before reaching Bald Eagle Lake. Another trip option is a 141-rod portage to the Isabella River. For more information, please contact the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

• Snowbank Lake (dm)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Snowbank Lake (op,om)

  Method of travel is paddle or motor. Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit (25 h.p. maximum). Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. For more information, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station at 218-365-7561.

• Snowbank Lake RESTRICTED (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a boat landing at Snowbank Lake. Must camp ALL NIGHTS on Snowbank Lake. (paddle day trips to other lakes are permitted) For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• South Farm Lake (dm)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• South Hegman Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is an 80-rod portage to South Hegman. Trip options with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• South Kawishiwi River (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 140-rod portage to the river. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• South Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is from Gunflint Lake with a 10-mile paddle and two short portages to South Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.

• Stuart River (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 480 rod portage to the Stuart River. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

• Trout Lake (dm)

  Method of travel is day use motor. 25 h.p. motor maximum. Access is from Lake Vermilion via a 180-rod portage suitable for portage wheels. Commercial portage service available. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District at in Cook 218-666-0020.

• Trout Lake (op,om)

  Method of travel is motor or paddle. 25 h.p. motor maximum. Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit. Access is from Vermilion Lake via a 60-rod canoe portage or a 180-rod portage, which allows the use of portage wheels. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

• Wood Lake (op)

  Method of travel is paddle. Access to Wood Lake is a 180 rod portage. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.