Forest Service plans to reopen BWCAW entry points for overnight permits

The U.S. Forest Service said it expects to reopen overnight permits for select entry points in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on July 30, provided no significant wildfire activity occurs over the weekend.

The announcement came in a Friday morning press release. Forest Service officials said they will make a final decision and announce implementation of the proposal on Monday, July 27.

If approved, overnight access would resume at 37 of the BWCAW’s 103 quota entry points. The locations included in this phase are the same entry points expected to reopen for day use on July 27, and add several entry points in Lake County.

The Forest Service closed public access to the BWCAW on July 14 after a series of lightning-caused wildfires spread across the Superior National Forest. On July 23, officials announced they planned to reopen select entry points for day use only on July 27.

Campfire restrictions remain in effect throughout the BWCAW and the entire Superior National Forest. Charcoal- and wood-fueled stoves and grills remain prohibited, while gas and propane stoves are still allowed.

The Forest Service also encouraged visitors to carefully plan trips and stay informed about changing conditions.

Officials are scheduled to provide an update during a 1 p.m. Friday press conference at the Kawishiwi Ranger District Office. The briefing is expected to include updates on current wildfires, firefighting operations, forest closures and the weather outlook.

The following entry points under consideration for opening include:

• Gunflint Ranger District –
  • 43 Bower Trout Lake
  • 44 Ram Lake
  • 45 Morgan Lake
  • 47 Lizz and Swamp Lakes
  • 48 Meeds Lake
  • 49 Skipper and Portage Lakes
  • 50 Cross River
  • 51 Missing Link Lake
  • 52 Brant Lake
  • 58 South Lake
  • 59 Partridge/South Lake Trail
  • 60 Duncan Lake
  • 61 Daniels Lake
  • 62 Clearwater Lake
  • 64 East Bearskin Lake
  • 66 Crocodile River
  • 68 Pine Lake
  • 69 Little John Lake
  • 70 North Fowl Lake
  • 78 Brule Lake Trail
  • 79 Eagle Mountain Trail
  • 81 Border Route Trail (west)
  • 82 Border Route Trail (center)
  • 83 Border Route Trail (east)
• Kawishiwi Ranger District –
  • 33 Little Gabbro Lake
• LaCroix Ranger District –
  • A Trout Lake (Day Use Motor)
• Tofte Ranger District –
  • 34 Island River
  • 35 Isabella Lake
  • 36 Hog Creek
  • 37 Kawishiwi Lake
  • 38 Sawbill Lake
  • 39 Baker Lake
  • 40 Homer Lake
  • 41 Brule Lake
  • 67 Bog Lake
  • 75 Little Isabella River
  • 84 Snake River

Josh Hinke July 24, 2026