More BWCAW entry points reopen as phased wildfire recovery continues

More BWCAW entry points reopen Tuesday as wildfire restrictions ease

Additional Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points will reopen Tuesday, Aug. 4, as the U.S. Forest Service continues a phased return to public access following weeks of wildfire-related closures across northern Minnesota.

Beginning Tuesday, all water access entry points on the Gunflint and Tofte ranger districts will reopen, along with overnight motor permits for Saganaga and Seagull lakes.

The reopening marks Phase 4 of the Superior National Forest’s gradual reopening plan after wildfires forced widespread closures throughout the BWCAW in mid-July.

Many of the wildfires have increased in containment with the help of recent precipitation. As of Monday, the Little Knife Fire, which originated in Canada and crossed into the U.S. near the end of the Gunflint Trail, reached 90% containment. This week, management of the fire transitioned from the National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) back to the Superior National Forest.

Forest Service officials said they continue to evaluate current and forecasted fire activity, available firefighting resources, and suppression progress before reopening additional recreation areas.

Forest

A portion of the BWCAW remains closed surrounding the Little Knife Fire, near South Arm Knife Lake.

BWCAW Phase 4 reopening | Superior National Forest

Over the past few weeks, the Forest Service has implemented a phased reopening process to portions of the wilderness. Phase 1, which began July 27, reopened select areas in Cook County for day use. Phase 2 expanded day and overnight access in central and eastern portions of the BWCAW. Phase 3 followed, with the reopening of additional day and overnight entry points across Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties.

Despite expanded access, some portions of the wilderness remain closed on the western edges of the BWCAW due to ongoing wildfire activity and suppression operations.

Permit reservations remain canceled through Aug. 4 for areas affected by the Bear Trap, Sioux and Thumb fires.

Forest Service officials said three entry points in the western BWCAW will remain closed for the remainder of the 2026 quota permit season. Overnight permits for Entry Point 14 (Little Indian Sioux River North), Entry Point 15 (Sioux-Hustler Trail), Entry Point 11 (Blandin Trail), and Entry Point 19 (Stuart River) have been canceled through Sept. 30.

According to the Forest Service, those areas were directly impacted by wildfire and will require maintenance and rehabilitation before they can safely reopen to visitors.

The Forest Service said it will continue to use a phased approach to reopen additional areas as conditions allow, while balancing public access with firefighter safety and ongoing suppression efforts.

The Forest Service also announced another round of reopenings beginning Wednesday, Aug. 5, as Phase 5 expands overnight access to additional entry points on the Kawishiwi and LaCroix ranger districts, including the Trout Lake Unit and several entry points off the Fernberg Road. However, permit reservations for entry points not included in the reopening will remain canceled through Aug. 10 due to ongoing wildfire activity and suppression efforts associated with the Bear Trap, Sioux, and Thumb fires.

Officials are encouraging anyone planning a Boundary Waters trip to prepare carefully before entering newly reopened areas. Visitors should have a travel plan, monitor current weather and fire conditions, carry multiple forms of communication, and be prepared to be self-sufficient in the remote wilderness.

Kalli Hawkins August 4, 2026