Bwca permits and rules friends of the boundary waters. You cannot enter the bwca legally from anywhere else other than these official entry points. Ely outfitters is located in reference to the ely area entry points into the boundary waters canoe area of northern minnesota. Access is through lake vermilion very large lake with either a 60rod canoe portage or a 180rod portage this portage allows use of portage wheels into trout lake. Quetico entry points bwca boundary waters canoe area.
Bwca entry points and map a boundary waters canoe area. Self issued permits are available from kiosks at bwcaw entry points and forest service offices no reservation required and no recreation fees. The boundary waters canoe area wilderness bwcaw covers 1 million acres with over 1,100 lakes, along the minnesotacanada border. The minnesota dnr assists with fires and other acts of nature such as blowdowns, but daytoday management and trip reservations are managed by the forest service. Therefore, the entry points into the bwcaw surround it, along its edges. Selection of a boundary waters entry point for your canoe trip into the boundary waters canoe area is important.
Permits are required for each designated entry point and a there is a limit on the number of reservations per calendar day that can enter from that point. Boundary waters canoe area wilderness bwcaw canoe trips bwcaw. Moose track adventures is a full boundary waters outfitter in ely, and also provides partial outfitting, shuttles, fly. Boundary waters canoe area wilderness entry points serviced by clearwater bwca outfitters as you read about the specific entry points below there are a few key words we need to define. Deciding which entry point to go in at is tough do you pick an old favorite or somewhere new. Tips on selecting the best bwca entry points for your canoe trip through north country canoe outfitters. The boundary waters canoe area wilderness bwcaw is part of the superior national forest and is administered by the u. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a onestop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. The boundary waters map shows the boundary waters bwcaw and its relationship to canadas quetico provincial park. After some initial hiccups, the site to reserve your boundary waters permits is open and operational, and there are still some permits available. Boundary waters, entry points, bwca home bwca bulletin board boundary waters chat email. Complete list of entry points for the boundary waters canoe area wilderness.
Boundary waters outfitters is one of ely minnesotas premier boundary waters outfitters having outfitted groups into the bwca wilderness since 1939. Portages in the bwca are paths that connect two lakes. A beginners guide to paddling the boundary waters canoe area. Permits are required yearround for all day and overnight visitors to the boundary waters canoe area wilderness. Boundary waters entry points ely outfittersely outfitters. If an entry point has a low quota 14 parties per day, dispersal happens relatively quickly. Canoeists familiar with the boundary waters and the quetico park know that the most strategic starting point for their canoe trip is to enter the bwca from moose lake.
Whether it is transportation to and from the airport to crane lake, transport to a boundary waters entry point in a van shuttle, or a boat shuttle or tow, andersons canoe outfitters can get you there. A watery wilderness that offers thousands of families, individuals and groups, an experience akin to visiting the grand canyon, yellowstone or yosemite. The boundary waters is one of the crown jewels of the american landscape. In addition, more canadian and minnesota canoe country routes are available from moose lake than anywhere else in the ely area.
Timber trail lodge and boundary waters outfitters are a full service canoe trip outfitter with direct boundary waters access. Many adventurous types seek the boundary waters up here in ely, minnesota. Boundary waters outfitters will guide you through the entire trip planning process and make all your permit reservations for you. The boundary waters canoe area wilderness bwcaw is a roadless and unmotorized area. The boundary waters canoe area wilderness bwcaw is a. Permits do not reserve a campsite, but rather grant access to a particular entry point. The farther out they travel, the fewer other parties they will encounter. Contact hard water sports for your next adventure 6521774 main access roads from east to west connecting visitors to the park. Certainly bwca entry points allow motor boat entry.
Boundary waters canoe shuttle services bwcaw transport. These entry points must be used to enter the boundary waters canoe area wilderness. Each route may have several different entry and exit point possibilities. Boundary waters canoe area wilderness bwcaw the boundary waters canoe area wilderness bwcaw is part of the superior national forest and is administered by the u. You must begin your trip at the designated entry point on your permit. The boundary waters canoe area wilderness and quetico provincial park have specific entry points also called access points.
Complete listing of boundary waters canoe area entry points, canoe only, and motorized. This is the third most popular entry in the bwca, which makes it a busy one. To see this portage in the opposite direction and additonal details from mudro creek to the entry point parking lot, visit the bwca entry point 23 to mudro creek portage page. On the western edge, ely is a popular jumping off point for boundary waters adventuresand a worthy vacation destination on its own. Timber trail lodge your premier ely minnesota resort and. Access is from lake vermilion via a 60rod canoe portage or a 180rod portage which allows the use of portage wheels. Boundary waters trip in late may 2016 to iron lake via ep 16. Certainly bwca entry points allow motor boat entry, but most are designated for nonmotor access.
Below is important entry permit information and to the right is a map of all the bwca entry points we utilize. Boundary waters map with entry points the boundary waters bwca map illustrates where river point outfitting co. Reservations are recommended and can only be made for a quota permit. In july of 2017, i drove up to ely, minnesota along with my father and sister to begin our first epic boundary waters. Certainly bwca entry points allow motor boat entry, but most are designated for nonmotor access and require a portage of watercraft and gear from the parking area to the landing. Boundary waters canoe area wilderness bwcaw and quetico provincial park canoe camping information including entry permits, entry points, rules and regulations.
There are a variety of comfortable campsites from rocky points to sand beaches, there is walleye and smallmouth fishing, and the blueberry picking is fantastic in late july or early august. Bwca, bwcaw, boundary waters canoe area entry point information. Simply put, moose lake has the best boundary waters entry points near ely, mn. A beginners guide to paddling the boundary waters canoe. Moose lake has the best bwca entry points for your boundary waters or quetico canoe trip because you dont start with a car trip or long portage from the parking lot. When starting from heavy use entry points with large quotas 1427 parties per day, it will probably take a few days of traveling before the crowd thins out. The boundary waters canoe area has specified entry points for entry by watercraft or. With the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus covid19, we know that there are many questions to ponder regarding a wilderness canoe trip. There are about 70 designated entry points spread out along the perimeter of the boundary waters. Boundary waters map showing the boundary waters canoe area bwca entry points near ely, minnesota. Pristine fishing in the bwca of northern minnesota youtube.
If you choose one of these routes we will customize it to fit your parties needs for a memorable northwoods vacation. Therefore, the entry points into the bwcaw surround it, along. Bwca entry point 64 as i mentioned in a previous post, i had been looking keenly at entry point 64. Canoe outfitters are standing by to help you with your permit and entry points, all you need to do is complete our request. Since 1978 and the passage of the bwca wilderness act, these lands have been designated an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. The us forest service manages the bwcaw and requires all users be properly permitted for entry into the wilderness. Map of bwca entry points and quetico entry points off the. The boundary waters entry points map is a great tool to find the bwca entry point that is best for you. Interactive map of the bwca and quetico with campsites, portages, and a route time and distance calculator.
Plan your first trip using this fourday beginnerfriendly itinerary. Bwca entry points minnesota whitewater rafting and climbing. This is a popular entry point for anglers looking for walleye. Boundary waters canoe area wilderness entry points serviced by clearwater bwca outfitters. Some have very low quotas with just 14 permits allowed daily each usfs permit allows for a maximum of 9 persons. Moderate bwac canoe trips gunflint northwoods outfitters. What you need to know about permits, entry points, campsites, and more. Each entry point has a parking lot, a kiosk, and some allow you to immediately put in and start paddling, while others portage. Entry points bwca entry points boundary waters outfitters. The boundary waters canoe area has specified entry points for entry by watercraft or hiking. In 2018, we observed the 40th anniversary of the boundary waters canoe area wilderness act pl 95495. The route name is a bit of a misnomer, as in fact it is a series of small to medium sized lakes all connected with pretty waterfalls and rapids. Other entry points have higher quotas of 14 to 27 permits allowed daily.
A quota entry permit is required for overnight bwcaw camping trips that launch from may 1 through september 30. The health and safety of our guests and staff is always of paramount importance to us. As you read about the specific entry points below there are a few key words we need to define. Find your way to your bwca entry point with ease by shopping mckenzie maps at piragis northwoods company. This entry point number is available for overnight paddle or overnight motor use. Bwca entry points bwca entry points with entry numbers that we use along the gunflint trail. Permits are required yearround for all visitors to the boundary waters canoe area wilderness. We continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds. Aug 10, 2017 since my buddy and i decided to move our canoe trip entry point elsewhere and away from the forest fire burnt areas, i have been pouring over my national geographic bwca maps.
Boundary waters entry points in the ely area have different quotas. Entry point 23 mudro lake in the bwca a boundary waters. One permit is required per traveling group and allows up to 9 people and 4 canoes per permit. If you are looking for a less congested bwcaw canoe trip then the nina moose entry point is the perfect place to start your adventure. Both parks operate on a quota system with permits issued on a firstcome, firstserve basis. Located in northern minnesota, the boundary waters canoe area is in our back yard and we know it well. We offer packages for families, fishermen, nonprofit groups, and adventurers who want to experience the boundary waters. Waterproof, topographic, hillshaded, and feature trails, portages, campsites, and more. Even though we are bwca outfitters at the end of the gunflint trail we have paddled all over the canoe country wilderness entering through crane, brule, moose and many other boundary waters entry points. The ely minnesota boundary waters canoe area bwca is home to the largest wilderness east of the rockies, with over a million acres of to explore. Bwca, bwcaw, boundary waters canoe area entry point. There are lots of options for your boundary waters canoe trips. When you pick up your permit at the ranger station or your outfitter you will also watch a video covering the rules. A quota entry permit is required for overnight bwcaw camping trips that launch from may 1.
The bwcaw act of 1978 added more acreage and specific management direction with the purpose to protect, manage, enhance and restore the area. The golive date for all entry points will be january 29, 2020. Check fire restrictions just before starting your trip. Bwac boundary waters entry points along the gunflint trail. The boundary waters canoe area is a wild and pristine backcountry experience. Go to our trip planning page or call 8002236565 to get started. Best bwca entry points begin on moose lake ely, mn. For more information, please contact the lacroix ranger station in cook at 2186660020. We continue to closely monitor the situation as it. Start your trip off with a one mile portage through a beautiful forest of white and red pine, balsams, aspens and some rolling terrain. Dec 18, 2018 the boundary waters canoe area is a wild and pristine backcountry experience.
Read more about our packing and planning strategy for the boundary waters. This is a complete list of quetico provincial parks entry points. If your ideal vacation involves a tent and campfire instead of memory foam mattresses and chic restaurants, then canoeing the boundary waters is your dream come true. Overnight permits are issued on a quota system which regulates how many groups can begin a trip at each entry point, each day. Before you may enter the boundary waters canoe area bwca an entry permit must be reserved. Boundary waters entry permits ely, mn bwca entry point. Quetico park and boundary waters canoe area entry points map. Good entry point for first timers as well as adventurous visitors looking for a challenge. Each day a limited number of parties may enter through that funnel. Reservations for all entry points can be made on a firstcome, firstserved basis starting january 29th at 9. Want to see water falls, head over to iron lake and view curtain falls one of the larger falls in the boundary waters. Mckenzie maps, bwca entry points, quetico, topogaphic. Entry points should be thought of as the small end of a funnel.
Andersons canoe outfitters offers a variety of canoe shuttle services. Every boundary waters visitor needs to carve out some time in one of the tiny nearby towns for a full dose of minnesota charm. Bwcaw entry points boundary waters access point info. One of the hardest things about planning your first boundary waters trip is deciding where to go within the vast preserves 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 11 hiking trails and approximately 2,000. Over 1 million acres in size, the boundary waters contains thousands of lakes full of pristine wilderness fishing. Boundary waters canoe routes boundary waters canoe trip. Within superior national forest in northern minnesota and sharing its northern border with quetico provincial park in ontario, canada, over a million acres are open to exploration. Even more baffling is which combination of lakes, rivers, ponds and portage trails will make up your route. Many of the roads leading up to the entry points are forest roads of packed gravel. Bwca entry points access to paddling in canoe country questions on permits. Jan 24, 2017 none of those entry points are included in our list. The 1964 wilderness act created the national wilderness preservation system that included the bwca. Bwca boundary waters canoe area reservation and permit.
Some are more rugged than others and they all very length with few of them over one mile. Day use permits are selfissuing and may be picked up. Heres a complete list of the boundary waters canoe area entry points. While each area is beautiful we are obviously partial to the entry points on the gunflint trail. Click on the name of the bwca entry point to view maps and entry points details. In july of 2017, i drove up to ely, minnesota along with my father and sister to begin our first epic boundary waters adventure into the north woods. Accessible primarily by canoe, the boundary waters in northern minnesota is one of americas most beautiful and remote adventures.