United States Department of Agriculture BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS TRIP PLANNING GUIDE

our BWCAW dventure tarts ere... Photo courtesy of Ann Schwaller

reat glaciers carved the the Superior National Forest in  its primitive character and made physical features of what northeastern Minnesota. Over a part of the National Wilderness G is today known as the 1,098,000 acres in size, it extends Preservation System in 1964 with Boundary Waters Canoe Area nearly 150 miles along the subsequent legislation in 1978. Wilderness (BWCAW) by scraping and International Boundary adjacent Designated wilderness offers gouging rock. The glaciers left behind to Voyageurs National Park and solitude, freedom, primitive rugged cliffs and crags, rocky shores, Canada’s Quetico and La Verendrye recreation, challenge, risk, and sandy beaches and thousands of Provincial Parks. The BWCAW personal connection with nature. lakes and streams, interspersed with contains over 1,200 miles of canoe The BWCAW allows visitors to canoe, islands and surrounded by forest. routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 portage and camp in the spirit of The BWCAW is a unique area designated campsites. This area those travelers that came before located in the northern third of was set aside in 1926 to preserve them centuries ago.

Smart and Safe Wilderness Travel . . . 8 Protecting Your Natural Resources . . 18 What’s Inside Camping and Fire ...... 10 Special Uses ...... 21 Plan your BWCAW Trip ...... 2 Winter Wilderness Travel ...... 11 Volunteering ...... 22 Wilderness Permits: the Basics ...... 3 BWCAW Entry Point Map ...... 12 Your User Fees at Work ...... 22 Leave No Trace Principles ...... 5 BWCAW Entry Points ...... 14 Sample Trip Itinerary ...... 23 BWCA Wilderness Rules & Regulations 6 BWCAW Past and Present ...... 16 Permit Issuing Stations ...... 24 Plan Your BWCAW Trip uccessful wilderness trips don’t just Recreation Alternatives in the and water pumps with no fees. Rustic happen. They are the result of Superior National Forest campgrounds are available first come, Scareful planning. Please use this Backcountry Campsites first served year-round. Each campsite trip planning guide to get started. There are 254 backcountry campsites has a picnic table, fireplace, tent pad and However, we suggest that you also use outside the wilderness that offer remote parking. Reservations may be made for guidebooks and maps found in book- paddling, camping and fishing. Here some fee campgrounds by calling (877) stores, local libraries, online and at you can experience solitude without 444-6777 or at: www.recreation.gov outdoor equipment stores. The expertise reservations, fees or permits and still Resorts & Private Campgrounds of outfitters and guides can also be used have a fire grate and latrine. Visitors Near the Forest are a variety of private when planning a BWCAW trip (see page 24). must follow the same Leave No Trace resorts and campgrounds that suit the As you begin to plan your trip, ask principles listed on page 5. For a list of needs of visitors looking for a trip near yourself about the type of experience canoe routes with backcountry campsites the wilderness rather than in it. See you seek. Would your needs for solitude go to: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_ tourism information on page 24. or your quest for the elusive lake trout DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5302434.pdf Day Trips into the BWCAW best be met inside the BWCAW, or would Forest Campgrounds Non-motorized day trips by canoe, kayak, camping in areas of the Forest adjacent The Forest has 23 developed campgrounds standup paddleboard or hiking require to the BWCAW better suit the needs of open from mid-May to mid-September. a Self Issued permit available at entry your group? The BWCAW is only one of Campground facilities vary from flush point kiosks. No reservations or fees are many recreation alternatives on the toilets and showers at fee campgrounds, required for non-motorized day trips. See Superior National Forest. to “rustic” campgrounds with vault toilets page 3 for details.

Accept the Wilderness Stewardship Challenge Accepting the wilderness challenge comes process is necessary in order to protect that may impact the integrity of the with great responsibility. Wilderness the BWCAW and to provide a quality wilderness area or put lives in danger. recreation inside the BWCAW requires wilderness experience. Permits are always It is your responsibility to acquire and careful planning, preparation and required to enter the BWCAW (see page 3). maintain necessary skills for primitive involves some risk. Wilderness travel Wilderness visitors face inherent risk travel by foot, canoe or other non- offers great personal freedom, but also of adverse weather conditions, isolation, mechanical means. requires self-reliance and good judgement. physical hazards and lack of rapid If you lack the appropriate skills for The visitor must have knowledge of communications. Search and rescue remote backcountry travel, consider the entry points and routes; and some takes longer in the wilderness than in an using a professional guide (see page 24). research may be needed to gather this urban setting. Be prepared! Prevent the You are responsible for your own information. Each step in the planning need for a search and rescue operation safety and that of your group. Before You Leave Home Check current Minnesota Department of • Sleeping bag and tent Natural Resources fishing, hunting and Trip Itinerary • Water filter or purifier watercraft regulations before your trip Always leave a trip itinerary with • First aid including: someone before leaving home! See kit and necessary • Canoe, kayak, standup paddleboard sample trip itinerary on page 23. and watercraft registrations medications • Fishing licenses and trout stamps Bring survival gear to prevent • Weather radio • Fishing limits and possession of fish becoming injured or lost: • Hunting seasons • Map • Extra food • Watercraft lights • Compass • Warm clothing • Rain gear • Whistle For more information, contact the MN Department of Natural Resources: • Signaling mirror • Nylon cord 888-646-6367 • Fire starter • Folding knife www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations • Water proof pouch • Emergency blanket

BOUNDARY WATERS 2 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS Wilderness Permits: the Basics ermits are required year-round for Pall visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Please use the following information to help you determine which type of permit is appropriate for your group. Quota Permits Quota permits are required for any group entering the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30 if they are camping overnight (whether the group is paddling, motoring or hiking) or if they are visiting during the day using a motorized boat. The quota system regulates how many groups may enter an entry point each day.*

In addition to daily quotas, motorized Photo courtesy of Robert McAdams use is limited by a weekly motor quota. Groups may only enter the BWCAW on Non-Quota Self Issued Permits Special Use Permits the entry date and through the entry Self Issued permits are required year- Outfitters and guides leading groups point specified on the permit. Permits round for all non-motorized day use into the BWCAW must obtain a special may only be picked up the day before visitors, for any motorized day use use permit and must follow all the same or on the date specified on the permit. into Little Vermilion Lake, and for all rules and regulations (see page 21). Permits may not be transferred to overnight visitors entering the BWCAW someone not listed on the permit. between October 1 and April 30. The User Fees Reservations are recommended since Self Issued forms are available at any User fees are charged for all overnight there is a limited number of quota Superior National Forest Office and at visitors to the BWCAW between May 1 permits available for each entry point. entry point kiosks. No quota is applied Quota permits are issued only and September 30. There are no user fees to this use, so no BWCAW Visitor Self Issued Permit 99500 TRIP LEADER COPY for day use visitors. Fees are as follows: at Forest Service permit issuing reservations are

THIS PERMIT IS VALID FOR: stations and cooperating businesses May 1 - September 30 ● NON-MOTOR DAY USE* October 1 - April 30 needed. Please fill out User Fees Per Person Per Trip ● ALL LEGAL USE under a Cooperator Agreement. *Except Day Use Motor for entry point #12 Little Vermilion Lake and beyond. the form carefully Adult ...... $16.00 All BWCAW visitors must have a completedRemove permit “Tripin their Leader possession Copy” andwhen keep in the Boundary Waters (one permit per group). with you at all times. Leave “Official Use Copy” in entry point box. First Come, First Served Name______and review the rules Youth (0-17) ...... $8.00 Address ______ZIP______All permits for all entry points will be Phone Number (_____)______on the back of the Interagency Senior/ Entry Point Name or Number ______

Access Card Holders ...... $8.00 Please Circle: permit with your released on a first come, first served Method of Travel: Canoe Kayak Foot Motorboat Paddle Board Dogsled Ski Snowshoe Other______Youth Access Card Holders ...... $4.00 basis beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central Number of People: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 & Watercraft: 1 2 3 4 entire group. Carry Overnight Trip Date Day Trip : Entry Single ONLY 10/1-4/30 ______, ______, __ the top copy of the Time on the last Wednesday in January ______Entry Date______, ______, ______Exit Date______through www.recreation.gov or through permit with you at “Wilderness itself is the

Trip Leader Signature: ______Date:______

I agree to abide by all laws, and regulations (see reverse) which apply to the BWCA Wilderness and will all times and place the reservation center at: be responsible to see that everyone in our group does likewise. U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE: 2018-535-354 basis of all our civilization. 877-444-6777. the duplicate copy in the box I wonder if we have enough Visitors will see available entry points at the entry point or drop it off at the and dates, and make a reservation nearest Forest Service office when you reverence for life to concede instantly for the permit that best meets return. to wilderness the right to their needs. A $6.00 non-refundable live on?” reservation fee is charged for each “It is in the wild places, — Margaret (Mardy) Murie permit reserved. The entry point, entry where the edge of the earth date, group leader and alternates cannot meets the corners of the sky, be changed after the reservation is complete. The exit date, issuing station the human spirit is fed.” and group size may be changed. — Art Wolfe

*Some exclusions apply

SUPERIOR 3 NATIONAL FOREST Overnight User Fee issuing station will be listed on your Non-Reserved confirmation email. You may want to Permits Deposit confirm dates, hours and location ahead Walk-up permits for When making advanced reservations, of time. You may change your issuing any entry point with you will be charged a minimum of 2 station through your recreation.gov available quota may adult overnight user fees. You will also account. be obtained the day have the option to pay for the entire before or on the date group as well as changing the group Picking Up A Permit of entry. User fees size within a one day window prior to Permits can only be picked up the day apply, and the $6 your entry date. If cancelled outside the before or the day of entry. Please check reservation fee will 2-day window, the card holder will be with your desired permit pick-up location be charged. to confirm their office hours. Remember fully refunded. If cancelled within the Payment 2-day window, $32.00 for 2 adults is to bring a photo ID when you pick up Credit retained and additional payments will be your permit. cards are refunded. The Forest Service will retain Reserved Permits the preferred the entire payment if the group is a no Permits may only be picked up the method of show. A new confirmation will be emailed day before or on the date of entry from payment each time a change is made. Adjustments a permit issuing station by a group at all permit to group sizes will be made at the permit leader or alternate listed on the permit. stations. Cooperating issuing station as needed. Alternates cannot be added after a businesses cannot accept cash Permit Issuing Station permit is reserved. Listing alternates or checks for user fees. All Interagency When reserving gives your Senior and Access Passes must be a permit, group options presented for validation when picking up the default if the group permit or discount will not be honored. issuing station leader must Cooperating businesses may charge up to will be the miss the trip. $2.00 to issue an overnight permit. Forest Service Remember to (FS) Office bring a photo responsible ID with you. “To be whole. To be complete. for that entry The person Wildness reminds us what point. You signing the it means to be human, may choose a permit must be cooperating with the group what we are connected to business the entire trip. rather than what we are as a permit If your group separate from.” size changes, issuing station. Courtesy Superior National Forest Collection — Terry Tempest Williams Businesses additional user are often open earlier and later than FS fees will be collected or a refund will be stations. See the list of permit issuing credited to the credit card used to pay for stations on page 24 of this brochure. the reservation. Hours and contact information of the

Permit Reservations Contact Recreation.gov to make your BWCAW permit reservation. Permits may be reserved online or by phone. RESERVATION LINE WEBSITE 877-444-6777 Toll-Free RESERVATIONS 877-833-6777 TTY Relay Service www.recreation.gov 606-515-6777 International

BOUNDARY WATERS 4 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS Leave No Trace Principles The Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor ethics form the framework of the BWCAW Rules and Regulations:

he BWCAW is legendary in its litter and disturbance to vegetation and wildlands has an influence. Destruction richness and complexity. It exerts soil, wildlife and other recreating visitors can be prevented if visitors are better Tan ageless draw upon people are indicators of the need to protect informed about low impact techniques. who seek adventure, refreshment and these wild and serene waters and forests, To insure the continued existence of the exhilaration of outdoor recreation. and their inhabitants. the places and wildlife that inspire us, But, as these wildlands host more and There are far more of us pushing our we must educate ourselves and adopt more visitors, our collective mark on outdoor activities to greater extremes and the skills and ethics that enable us to the environment has become apparent into the remotest parts of the natural Leave No Trace. For more information on — and more damaging. Water pollution, world everyday. Our mere presence in becoming LNT savvy, visit: www.lnt.org

Plan Ahead & Prepare Using a Hammock? products (tampons and pads), should • Know area rules and always be packed out. Use thick-barked Use the trunk: regulations. trees with a trunk never hang Leave What You Find • Prepare for extreme diameter of at least 8" straps from • Do not take cultural or historical branches weather. artifacts or structures. • Use a map and compass. • Do not introduce or transport non- Use 1" • Reduce litter from the source — native plants, live bait or animals. wide (or greater) Do not use birch repackage food into reusable plastic flat straps. Never trees: you’ll • Do not take rocks, plants and other bags or containers and remove excess use rope harm the bark natural objects such as antlers. packaging. Unwrap snack foods at home and bag them in bulk. Hang your hammock over already impacted Disposing of Propane Cylinders ground or a durable surface. • Contact your local liquid Minimize Campfire Impacts propane (LP) supplier for • Select thick-barked trees that have a information on refilling • Use a lightweight stove for cooking. trunk diameter of at least 8 inches. and recycling empty LP • When fires are permitted, use an estab- • Do not use birch trees for hammocks. It cylinders. lished fire grate and keep fires small. harms the bark. • To prevent waste, consider • Burn all wood and coals to ash, and • Hang from flat straps which are 1" or a stove that uses refillable liquid fuel greater in width or manufactured for canisters. make sure the fire is completely out. hammock use. Never use rope even if it Be Considerate of Other Visitors • Even after forest fires, came with the hammock. • Take breaks away from trails, you may see an • Only use the trunk of the tree, do not portages and other visitors. ample supply of hang straps from branches. Never • Do not take campsites for day use. burned wood remove branches from a live or dead • Let nature’s sounds prevail — avoid near your standing tree! loud voices and noises. site. Collect • Protect vegetation by hanging your firewood hammock in a place that has already Preserve the Night Sky been impacted or has a durable surface away from • The BWCAW has an exceptional such as bedrock below. campsites to quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment worth prevent enlarging and Dispose of Waste Properly protecting for visitors and wildlife. defacing the area and depriving the soil • Pack out all trash, leftover food and • Help protect the outstanding night sky of nutrients. Take only what you need. litter. by only using the light you need while • Deposit human or dog waste in the camping. Travel & Camp on latrines. • Learn more about the International Dark Durable Surfaces • Wash yourself and dishes with Sky Association and how you can protect • Durable surfaces include estab- biodegradable soap at least 200 feet the night sky at home: www.darksky.org lished trails and campsites, rock, from streams or lakes. gravel, dry grasses or snow. • Burning trash in firegrates pollutes Respect Wildlife • Keep campsites small — stay in area and is illegal. • Do not follow or approach wildlife. where vegetation is absent and don’t • Personal waste items such as • Never feed animals. It can damage their enlarge the campsites. cigarettes, cotton swabs, grease, wipes, health and alters wild behaviors. • Walk in single file in the middle of the paper towels, bandages, diapers, • Protect wildlife. Store rations properly. trail even when the trail is muddy. condoms, plastic baggies and female • Use lead-free tackle.

SUPERIOR 5 NATIONAL FOREST BWCA Wilderness Rules & Regulations The following are enforceable Forest Service regulations (maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail). Drone Free Zone or more back from the water’s • Fires are allowed within the steel fire • Drone operation is edge. When finished, fill hole grates at designated campsites or as prohibited in the and cover with needles and specifically approved on your visitor’s BWCA Wilderness. leaves. permit. • Violations punishable • Bathe and wash dishes under federal law at least 200 feet from lakes Executive Order 10092 and streams. and 36 CFR 261.18(a). • All soaps pollute water including soaps labeled Travel Permits “biodegradable.” Always remember the • You must enter the BWCAW at the visitors that come after you and the • If you build entry point and on the entry date water they will drink. a fire, burn only shown on your permit. small diameter dead wood found • You may not re-enter on a different Containers lying on the ground. Do not burn date using the same permit. • Possessing any cans trash. • Permit stubs become invalid when the or glass bottles is • Collect firewood away from campsites group leader exits the wilderness. illegal, except by paddling down the shore and containers of fuel, walking into the woods where it is • The person signing for and picking up insect repellent, more abundant. the permit can only be responsible for or medicines. one group during the specified time on • Wood easily broken by hand or cut the permit. • Carry food and with a small folding saw eliminates the drinks in plastic need for an axe. containers designed Group Size • Transporting wood from out of state and intended for repeat • Nine (9) people and four (4) watercraft is prohibited due to the spread of tree use. are the maximum allowed together in diseases and pests. the wilderness. Food, Fish Remains & Live Bait • Drown your fire with water any time • You may not exceed the limit as a group • Try to plan your meals so you don’t you are going to be away from your at any time or anywhere (on water, have leftovers. If you do, pack them camp or at bedtime. Stir the ashes portages, campsites) in the BWCAW. out. until they are cold to the touch. • Smaller groups enhance your • Dispose of wilderness experience and chances of fish remains by seeing wildlife, and decrease resource traveling at least impacts. 200 feet* away from campsites, trails, portages Toilet Facilities & Water Quality and shorelines. • Use wilderness latrines at designated • When preparing for your campsites. trip, reduce litter at the source by • Wilderness latrines are not garbage minimizing packaging. Drown! Stir! Feel! cans and should be used for the • State law prohibits dumping unused intended purpose only. Personal waste Campsites bait into the waters. Dumping bait items such as cigarettes, cotton swabs, • All members of a permit group must on the ground is considered littering. grease, wipes, paper towels, bandages, camp together. Therefore, unwanted live bait should be diapers, condoms, plastic baggies packed out with you and placed in the • During ice free season, camp only at and female products trash, disposal bins or compost bins. Forest Service designated campsites (tampons, pads and that have steel fire grates and applicators), should Campfires wilderness latrines. For winter always be packed out camping, see page 10. and never go into the • Due to potential fire danger, fire • Make camp early in the day to ensure latrines. Personal waste restrictions may be put into effect. finding an available campsite. in latrines prevents Check on current conditions just prior decomposition of bodily to your trip. You may be required to • It is illegal to cut live vegetation for waste making latrines ineffective and use a camp stove if there is a campfire any reason. can contaminate surrounding water. restriction. • You may camp up to fourteen (14) Remember all trash must be packed • Bringing a small camp stove is a good consecutive days on a specific site. out. idea because it heats food more quick- ly, has less impact than a fire, and *200 feet is approximately 70 big steps for • If you’re not near a latrine, dig a small comes in handy during rainy weather. adults and 120 for kids! hole 6–8 inches deep at least 200 feet*

BOUNDARY WATERS 6 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS “In my opinion, camping can be the greatest expression of free will, personal independence, innate ability, and resourcefulness possible today in our industrialized, urbanized existence.” — Anne LaBastille Storing Watercraft Leave No Trace of your Visit Motor-powered Watercraft • Only watercraft and equipment used in • After you break camp and load your Regulations connection with your current visit may watercraft, do a final inspection of your • Motor-powered be stored and left unattended. camp. Pick up any remaining litter. watercraft are • All equipment • Your fire must be cold to the touch. permitted only and personal • Please treat the BWCAW with care. on the following property must Leave no trace of your visit designated lakes. be carried out to protect this special All other lakes or with you at the place for future portions of lakes within end of each trip. generations. the BWCAW are paddle-only. Motors may not be used Cultural Heritage or be in possession on any paddle-only lake. No other • Leave archaeological, historical and motorized or mechanized rock painting sites undisturbed. equipment (including • The use of metal detectors is Hiking pontoon boats, paddle boats, prohibited. • Trail users are sailboats and sailboards) is allowed. encouraged to minimize impact by Firearms & Fireworks limiting use to one night on non- • Discharging a firearm is developed sites. Portage Wheels prohibited within 150-yards of • You must camp more than Mechanical assistance is only a campsite or occupied area, or 200 feet from a developed permitted over the following: Four-Mile in any manner or location that site or another group. Portage, Fall-Newton-Pipestone and places people or property at risk • You must camp at least 200 of injury. Back Bay Portages into Basswood feet from any trail, portage, Lake, Prairie Portage and Vermilion- • Firearm and game laws apply lake or other water Trout Lake Portage. in the BWCAW. source. • Fireworks of any kind are • Most importantly, be Lakes with 10 Horsepower (HP) illegal. sure to use common sense and follow the Limit Pets safety guidelines On these lakes, the possession of one recommended on • Dogs impact wildlife and additional motor no greater than 6 HP is page 8. Wilderness barking intrudes on the experience permitted, as long as motors in use do permits are required of others. Dogs must be under human year round for hiking in not exceed 10 HP: control at all times. the BWCAW. • Clearwater, North Fowl, South Fowl, • Dispose of dog waste 200 feet* from Seagull (no motors west of Three Mile water sources, campsites and portages, *200 feet is approximately 70 big steps for Island), sections of Island River within or deposit it in a latrine. adults and 120 for kids! the BWCAW. Lakes with 25 HP Limit On these lakes or portions of these lakes, the possession of one additional motor no greater than 10 HP is permitted, as long Leave No Trace Video as motors in use do not exceed 25 HP: atch and share the BWCAW Leave No Trace User Education Video • Basswood (except that portion north of series with your group before you depart! Parts 1 & 2 include Jackfish Bay and Washington Island), W Saganaga (except that portion west of important trip planning information and should be viewed ahead of American Point), Fall, Newton, Moose, time. Part 3 will be shown when you pick up your permit. After viewing Newfound, Sucker, Snowbank, East the videos, you will understand how to make a difference in the long- Bearskin, South Farm, Trout. term health of the BWCAW by engaging in responsible recreation practices. This is an essential education tool in protecting the fragile Lakes with no HP Limits wilderness ecosystem and providing a quality recreation experience for current and future • Little Vermilion, Loon, Lac La Croix generations. The BWCAW Leave No Trace User Education Video series may be accessed (not beyond the south end of Snow Bay in the USA), Loon River. online at: youtube.com/watch?v=nen7lRqEjm8 For information about reserving The BWCA Wilderness Education Kit, contact any Forest Service Office found on page 24 of this publication.

SUPERIOR 7 NATIONAL FOREST Smart & Safe Wilderness Travel Wilderness travel offers great personal freedom, but requires self-reliance and good judgment. Use common sense and follow these safety tips for a safe BWCAW experience.

Life Jackets Fish Travel • Always wear a life • Chemicals such as mercury, PCBs and • There are no jacket. dioxin have been found in some fish directional signs in • Minnesota state from certain waters. wilderness. law requires • Eat more pan fish and fewer predator • A compass and all watercraft, fish, and trim the skin and fat to accurate map including reduce your risk. are essential. canoes, to have • Check with the Minnesota • Bring reliable one wearable Department of Public Health for maps. Maps can U.S. Coast current information on limits of fish be purchased at some Guard-approved consumption at 651-201-4911. Forest Service offices, personal flota- area businesses and tion device (PFD) Hypothermia outfitters, or directly on board and readily accessible for • A low body temperature can be serious, from the map companies each person in the watercraft. even fatal. — see page 13 for details. Mandatory Child Life Jacket Law • Early warning signs are uncontrolled • If you get lost, don’t panic. Sit down, shivering, slurred speech, bluish tinge relax and think. Chances are that you • Minnesota law requires a life jacket to to lips, lack of coordination and poor will figure out your location in a few be worn by children less than 10 years concentration. minutes. old when aboard any watercraft while underway. For more on Minnesota • To prevent hypothermia, layer clothing • If you plan to use a Global Positioning state law, see: www.dnr.state.mn.us/ and get adequate food and water. System (GPS) for navigating, be sure safety/boatwater/index.html • To treat hypothermia, seek shelter you also bring a map and compass as a from the wind, replace any wet back up in case your GPS unit fails. Rapids clothing and share body heat if Weather • Running rapids in the BWCAW is not necessary. • Canoe close to shore. It lessens safe! Always use provided portages. • Give warm fluids if the person is the chance of being endangered by • Powerful currents can trap swimmers conscious and have them rest until sudden changes of weather. If a storm under water or sweep them towards thoroughly warmed. threatens, get off the water. dangerous waterfalls. First Aid & Emergencies • Dress in layers and be prepared for • Fast moving water can push swimmers every kind of weather situation. and boats into rocks and logs. • Each permitted group should carry a well stocked first aid kit and have • If in a lightning storm on the water, • Even with life jackets on, rapids are group members that know how to get to shore. If on land among trees of dangerous. provide first aid. similar height, put yourself an equal Water Quality • Note the location of the lake, campsite, distance between two trees. Avoid the tallest trees. • Giardia lambia is a parasite that can trail or portage on a map to help cause an internal illness that will need emergency people locate any seriously • Avoid being a bridge between an object medical attention. injured group members. and the ground. For example, do not lean against tent poles or trees. • All drinking water should be treated • Document the extent of the injury by one of the following methods: and a basic physical description of the • Avoid potential paths of conduction injured person. such as wet, lichen-covered rocks, 1. Bring water to a full boil for 1 minute • Send all of this information with visi- cracks and crevices (wet or dry) and — then let stand until cool enough to areas subject to the “spark gap” such tors able to exit the BWCAW for help. drink. as overhangs, wet ropes and tree roots. • Do not rely on a cell phone. Having a 2. Purify with a filter specifically • If your skin tingles, or your hair designed to remove Giardia lambia. cell phone cannot substitute for know- ing how to handle an emergency in stands on end, stand on a life jacket or 3. Treat water with a wilderness. Many areas of the BWCAW sleeping bag, squat low to the ground chemical specifically lack cell phone coverage. on the balls of your feet. designed to kill • Place your hands on your knees Giardia lambia. • In the event of serious injury or illness, the standard SOS call is a series of with your head between them. Make three signals of any kind, either yourself the smallest target possible, audible or visible. and minimize your contact with the ground. • For summoning help from an aircraft in an emergency, signal • When camping, hiking or paddling them by paddling in small circles in high winds, be mindful of safety or waving a brightly colored cloth concerns including worsening weather, tied to the canoe paddle. high waves, possible blowdown, etc.

BOUNDARY WATERS 8 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS Dehydration • Some bears overcome their fear of Protect yourself: • The body becomes dehydrated when humans and approach campsites • Use insect repellent that contains 20 more fluids are lost than replaced. looking for food. This includes island - 30% DEET. Natural oils such as gera- sites since bears are good swimmers. • Drink plenty of water throughout the nium, lavender, lemongrass, citronella, day. • If you do encounter a bear, most will eucalyptus and cedar wood can repel be scared off if you make noise (shout, ticks as well. • Signs of dehydration include headache, bang pots or throw fist-sized rocks at • Wear clothing that cold and flu symptoms, and infrequent the bear, etc.). urination. has been treated with • A very persistent bear may be permethrin. Bear Awareness discouraged by spraying pepper spray • Look for ticks on your • Keep a clean campsite. Never eat or into its eyes. body. Ticks can hide store food in your tent. Ticks Can Spread Disease, under the armpits, • Take all precautions Including Lyme Disease. behind the knees, in the to hair and in the groin. Most tick bites do not result in disease, • See a doctor if you develop a fever, but it is a good idea to rash, severe fatigue, facial paralysis or recognize and watch for joint pain. For more information visit: the early symptoms www.cdc.gov/Lyme or: of some of the more www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ commonly encountered tickborne/ticks.html tick-transmitted diseases. “I believe a leaf of grass is Where can I be no less than the journey- discourage bears infected? work of the stars.” from visiting your site, including Ticks are found in wooded hanging your food pack or using a bear- — Walt Whitman or brushy areas, on the edge of hiking resistant container, as well as garbage and anything that has a strong or or animal trails, or on the edge of a field sweet odor (soap, toothpaste, etc.). where it meets a wooded or brushy area. They are in the BWCAW.

Travel to Quetico Provincial Park Entry Into Canada Children under age 16 will be able to If your trip to the BWCAW will include continue crossing land and sea borders entry into Canada, you should contact using only a U.S. birth certificate (or the Canada Border Services Agency at other form of U.S. citizenship such as a least 6-8 weeks in advance of your trip naturalization certificate). The original to obtain a Remote Area Border Crossing birth certificate or a copy may be used. (RABC) permit. For information visit the For more information, visit: www.dhs. Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) available through the mail by calling the gov/crossing-us-borders website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or call: 613- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources If you enter the United States from 944-4000. at 1-800-667-1940. For more information Canada on your BWCAW trip, you must Permits are required for overnight visit: www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing report to a Customs Border Protection and day use entry. Please check with: (CBP) officer for inspection at the Grand www.ontarioparks.com for a permit. Entry Into The U.S. From Canada Portage port of entry or designated All U.S. citizens are required to present inspection locations in Grand Marais, Fishing In Canada a passport book, passport card or WHTI- Crane Lake and Ely every time you If you plan on fishing in Canada, compliant document when entering enter the U.S. from Canada by boat. For including the Canadian side of the border the United States. See CPV.gov for more information call 218-283-2541. lakes, you must have a Canadian fishing identification document examples. license. Non-resident fishing licenses are Quetico Provincial Park: 807-597-2735 Park Headquarters • 888-668-7275 Reservation Line • www.quetico100.com • www.ontarioparks.com

SUPERIOR 9 NATIONAL FOREST Camping and Fire id you know that 50% of wildfires in the BWCAW are Dcaused by escaped campfires? To help reduce wildfire risk in the BWCAW, choose a camp stove instead of a campfire. If a campfire is allowed, build it in the fire grate and keep it small. Like a candle in your home, never leave a fire unattended at any time. Keep all flammable materials away from your campfire. Always make sure your campfire is dead out before leaving your campsite, even for a short time. Drown your fire with water, extinguishing all embers, leaving it cold to the touch.

Watch For Hazards Courtesy of Tom Kaffine Keep a heads up! Weakened trees (even If you encounter a wildfire as tip your canoe and go under it. You can when green) can still pose a hazard breathe the cool trapped air under your during high winds. Avoid camping you travel in the BWCAW, follow canoe until the fire passes. around or under damaged or leaning these steps: trees. Root wads above ground may also 1. Watch The Weather be unstable and dangerous. Wind — Most fires travel with the Know About Campfire prevailing wind in our area. Have a Fire Management Restrictions safe route to follow if wind direction changes. Keep in mind that strong winds guiding management objective for Restrictions are implemented during can carry fire embers causing spot fires the wilderness is to allow natural high fire danger to decrease the threat A ahead of the original fire. processes, including wildfire, to play their of unwanted wildfires. Fire restrictions Evening Humidity — Consider that are put in place for your safety and the ecological role to the greatest extent humidity typically increases in the early safety of firefighters. Always check for possible while minimizing potential morning and late evening. Fire activity potential restrictions just prior to your risks to human life and private property. may decrease with higher humidity. trip. Camp stoves may be required if Historically, big forest fires used to Tall Smoke Plumes — If you see or restrictions are implemented. For current be commonplace in this area. In fact, experience a large smoke plume close fire restriction information contact any they’re part of a natural process that to you, take precaution; seek a point of Superior National Forest Office (see page revitalizes the ecosystem in this fire- refuge such as a lake, and be prepared 24), or check our website for Fire Alerts: dependent landscape. for resulting high wind and waves. www.fs.usda.gov/superior Please check our website at: Your Permit Reservation 2. Make A New Plan www.fs.usda.gov/superior Look at alternate travel routes staying If an entry point is closed and alternates for Fire Alerts. close to larger bodies of water. If it is are not available, reservation and user safe, consider traveling out of the fire fees will be refunded. If the entry point is area. If you must travel through burned not closed and you choose not to use your areas, watch for burned snags and hot reservation because there is a fire, you stump holes which could be hazardous. will not be refunded the reservation fee and user fees may be retained if inside 3. Find A Safe Place the cancellation window. If you feel threatened find a large lake. If You See Or Smell Smoke, Keep away from the fire’s path. If the Don’t Panic fire is upon you, don’t panic. Put on your life jacket and take your canoe into the Do pay attention! Steps may be taken to water. Paddle to the middle of the lake, reduce your risk.

BOUNDARY WATERS 10 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS Winter Wilderness Travel he BWCAW in the winter is a Travel Permits Choose a Campsite truly unique experience, whether Permits are required year-round for all • Bury human waste in snow 200 feet traveling by dogsled, skijoring, visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe from water, campsite, summer trails T and portages (pack out toilet paper and skiing or snowshoeing. During this time Area Wilderness. For day or overnight all personal waste items). of year, visitors have a very different travel from October 1–April 30, it’s easy! • When lakes are open, camp at kind of experience than those that visit Fill out a Self Issued permit at any designated sites using firegrates and during the summer season. You are less Superior National Forest office or at any latrines. likely to run into other visitors and can entry point kiosk. Carry one copy with • When lakes are frozen, camp on ice, in experience a sense of solitude and self- you during the trip and drop the other a sheltered bay or in a natural forest reliance in a way that few other places copy in the permit box at the entry point. opening. Locate camp at least 200 feet from trails or summer campsites and allow. Winter wilderness travel requires Wilderness rules and regulations (see out of sight of other groups. a high degree of preparation, planning, pages 6-7) apply year-round. Even though • Make just one trail connecting the skill and wisdom. the BWCAW wears a beautiful white pro- shoreline to camp. Winter temperatures in the BWCAW tective coat in the winter we still need • Bury human waste in snow 200 feet average 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit, with to take care to Leave No Trace. from water, campsites, summer trails overnight lows from zero to 7 below zero. and portages (pack out toilet paper and During severe cold spells, daily highs can all personal waste items). remain below zero, with low temperatures Campfires falling into the 20 to 30 below zero range. It is preferable to make a campfire on the Wind chill exacerbates the cold and ice to minimize fire scars on rocks and blowing snow can make travel difficult. shorelines. Use base logs or a portable Average snowfall is 50-65 inches, with fire pan for your campfire on the ice. Use 70-90 inches along Lake Superior. Snow a campstove or fire pan for a campfire depths in late February to early March on land to avoid leaving fire scars on may be 15-25 inches with some higher vegetation or rocks. terrain receiving over three feet. • Collect only dead and down wood far Winter conditions make self-reliance, from shorelines, trails or campsites. good judgment and knowledge of your • Make sure your fire is out cold to the limits critical. Whether you are dog touch when you leave. sledding, skiing or snowshoeing, it is • Scatter ashes in the woods away from the shoreline and cover the campfire important to plan well and prevent scar with snow. hypothermia and frostbite: • Be prepared for extreme cold, windy Live Vegetation or wet conditions. Dress in layers Do not cut green vegetation for tent to remain comfortable by adding poles, bedding for humans or dogs, or to or removing clothing depending on create new dogsled trails. conditions and your energy level. Change into dry clothing as needed. Reduce Dog Impacts • Drink plenty of water and eat often. • Keep dogs under control at all times. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol • To avoid damaging or “girdling” trees causes the body to lose heat more Courtesy of Steve Cochran with rope when staking out dogs, rapidly, even though one may feel use webbing straps around trees and warmer after drinking. attach dog picket line to webbing. • Avoid open water and thin ice. Never “There is something • Tether teams out on the ice with ice walk on ice less than four inches thick. screws to avoid damaging shoreline • Hypothermia is a dangerous lowering infinitely healing in the vegetation. of the body temperature. Warning repeated refrains of nature— • Never bring hay or straw for bedding signs include uncontrollable shivering, the assurance that dawn because they introduce non-native disorientation, slurred speech and plants. drowsiness. Frostbite causes a loss of comes after night, and feeling and a white or pale appearance • Scatter dog waste in the woods at in extremities such as fingers, toes, tip spring after winter.” least 200 feet from the water’s edge. Keep the entry points clean for others of the nose and ear lobes. If symptoms — Rachel Carson of either condition are detected, get by picking up dog waste before and medical care immediately! after hitting the trail.

SUPERIOR 11 NATIONAL FOREST Entry Points

Ely Ranger Station ELY

To LaCroix TOWER Ranger Station Cook, MN

To BABBITT Laurentian Ranger Station Aurora, MN

he map and charts this information with maps, and cooperators is provided on page 24. on these pages are guidebooks and the advice of These businesses may also assist you in Tintended to provide a your outfitter and/or guide, locating guides and outfitters in the area general idea of where Boundary if you decide to use one. you plan to visit. Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Maps and guidebooks are A compass and accurate map are entry points and Forest Service available from BWCAW permit essential for backcountry travel. BWCAW permit issuing stations are located on issuing stations and cooperators (a maps show the location of designated the Superior National Forest, as well cooperator is a business that has an campsites and portage trails, and are as some basic information about each agreement with the Forest Service to available from the map companies listed entry point. When planning your trip issue BWCAW permits at their location). on the following page: we highly recommend that you replace A list of these permit issuing stations

BOUNDARY WATERS 12 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS This map not for navigation.

Forest Service Office

South Brule River

Gunflint Ranger Station GRAND MARAIS

To Tofte Ranger Station Tofte, MN

McKenzie Maps, Inc. Travel Permits 800-749-2113 www.bwcamaps.com • All group members must enter the BWCAW at the entry point and W.A. Fisher Maps on the entry date shown on the 218-741-9544 permit. www.fishermaps.com • Permit becomes invalid when the Voyageur Maps, Inc. group leader exits the wilderness. www.voyageurmaps.com • The person signing for and Entry Point information Trails Illustrated Maps picking up the permit can only be continued on 800-962-1643 responsible for one group. pages 14-15 www.trailsillustrated.com i

SUPERIOR 13 NATIONAL FOREST METHOD OF ENTRY RESPONSIBLE POINT ENTRY POINT NAME RANGER OTHER REMARKS ENTRY NUMBER DISTRICT & TOWN 4 Crab Lake & Cummings Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access from Burntside Lake with a 360-rod portage to Crab Lake. 6 Slim Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 90-rod portage to Slim Lake Portages to three additional lakes. 7 From Big Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access La Pond Lake with a 160-rod portage from outside the BWCAW on Big Lake. 8 Moose River South La Croix/Cook Access is a canoe landing heading South from the Echo Trail. Three portages to enter Big Moose Lake. 9 Little Indian Sioux River South La Croix/Cook Heading South from the Echo Trail. Difficult route. Four portages to Bootleg Lake. 14 Little Indian Sioux River North La Croix/Cook Access is a 40-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail. 16 Moose/Portage River La Croix/Cook (North of Echo Trail) Access is a 160-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail. 19 Stuart River Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 480-rod portage to the Stuart River. 20 Angleworm Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 640-rod portage to Angleworm Lake. 22 Mudro Lake—Restricted Kawishiwi/Ely Three accesses into Mudro Lake involve portages ranging from 20–185 rods. Restriction is no camping on Horse Lake. 23 Mudro Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access into Mudro Lake involves portages ranging from 20–185 rods. 26 Wood Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access to Wood Lake is a 180-rod portage. 28 Snowbank Lake Only * Kawishiwi/Ely Must camp all nights on Snowbank Lake. Paddle day trips to other lakes are permitted. Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. 29 North Kawishiwi River Kawishiwi/Ely Access the North Kawishiwi River through Ojibway Lake and Triangle Lake using two portages. 30 Lake One Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a canoe landing at Lake One. 30F Lake One - Restricted Kawishiwi/Ely Entry point shares the same physical location but no camping on the Kawishiwi River 32 South Kawishiwi River Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 140-rod portage to the river. 33 Little Gabbro Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 200-rod portage from the parking lot to Little Gabbro Lake. 34 Island River Tofte/Tofte Two small portages leading to Isabella River. 35 Isabella Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a 70-rod portage to Isabella Lake. 36 Hog Creek Tofte/Tofte Access is a 15-rod portage to Hog Creek leading into Perent Lake. 37 Kawishiwi Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Kawishiwi Lake. 38 Sawbill Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Sawbill Lake. 39 Baker Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Baker Lake with a 10-rod portage into Peterson Lake to reach first campsite. 40 Homer Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Homer Lake. Part of Homer Lake is outside of the BWCAW (motors allowed) 41 Brule Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Brule Lake. Large lake with several campsites. 41A Brule Lake Only Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Brule Lake. Large lake with several campsites. Must camp all nights on Brule Lake. Use only after Entry Point 41 is full. Day trips to other lakes permitted. 43 Bower Trout lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a 72-rod portage from small parking area into Bower Trout. 44 Ram Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a 97-rod portage from the parking area. 45 Morgan Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a 320-rod portage to Morgan Lake. No campsites on Morgan Lake—short portages to further lakes for campsites. 47 Lizz & Swamp Lakes Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from Poplar Lake by 51-rod portage to Lizz Lake and 100-rod portage into Swamp Lake. 48 Meeds Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from Poplar Lake into Meeds Lake with a 220-rod portage. 49 Skipper & Portage Lakes Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a 320-rod portage from Poplar Lake or a 230-rod portage from Iron Lake. 50 Cross Bay Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is thru the Cross River with two portages to Ham Lake and a 24-rod portage to Cross Bay Lake. 51 Missing Link Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a canoe landing at Round Lake with a 142-rod portage to Missing Link Lake. 52 Brant Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a canoe landing at Round Lake with two 85-rod portages to Brant Lake. 54A Seagull Lake Only * Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a boat landing at Seagull Lake. Large lake with several campsites. Must camp all nights on Seagull Lake. Use only after Entry Point 54 is full. Day trips to other lakes permitted. 55A Saganaga Lake Only * Gunflint/Grand Marais Must camp all nights on Saganaga Lake. Use only after Entry Point 55 is full. Day trips to other lakes permitted. Large lake with many campsites and easy access. 57 Magnetic Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access Magnetic Lake and Granite River from Gunflint Lake. 58 South Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is from Gunflint Lake with a 10-mile paddle and two short portages to South Lake. 60 Duncan Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is from W. Bearskin Lake with a 70-rod portage to Duncan Lake and an 80-rod portage to Rose Lake. 61 Daniels Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is from W. Bearskin Lake with a 60-rod portage to Daniels Lake and 665-rod portage to Rose Lake. 66 Crocodile River Gunflint/Grand Marais Can access Crocodile Lake from Crocodile River or East Bearskin. Must spend all nights on Crocodile Lake. OVERNIGHT PADDLE ONLY 67 Bog Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a 232-rod portage into Bog Lake. Four campsites. Bog Lake does not provide access to other lakes. 68 Pine Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access through McFarland Lake by a 2-rod portage. 69 John Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from Little John Lake with a 10-rod portage to John Lake. 70 North Fowl Lake * Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from Little John Lake with an 88-rod and a 160-rod portage to get to North Fowl Lake. Border lake between U.S. & Canada. Kawishiwi/Ely/ 71 From Canada La Croix/Cook Use only when trip originates in Canada, then passes into the BWCAW. Gunflint/Grand Marais 75 Little Isabella River Tofte/Tofte Access is a 20-rod portage to Little Isabella River. Several short portages lead to the Isabella River. 77 South Hegman Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 80-rod portage to South Hegman Lake. 80 Larch Creek Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from the canoe landing at Larch Creek. 84 Snake River Tofte/Tofte Access is a 198-rod portage to Snake River & several short portages before reaching Bald Eagle Lake.

To check availability for entry points, please visit www.recreation.gov

BOUNDARY WATERS 14 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS METHOD ENTRY MOTOR RESPONSIBLE OF POINT ENTRY POINT NAME HORSEPOWER RANGER OTHER REMARKS ENTRY NUMBER LIMIT DISTRICT & TOWN 1 Trout Lake 25 HP La Croix/Cook Access from Vermilion Lake via a 60-rod canoe portage or 180-rod portage that allows the use of portage wheels. 12 Little Vermilion Lake Unlimited La Croix/Cook Enter from Crane Lake. Note: not the entry point to use for Trout Lake (#1). On U.S. side motors allowed only up to edge of Snow Bay on Lac La Croix. 12A Lac La Croix Unlimited La Croix/Cook Enter from Crane Lake. You must camp all nights on Lac La Croix. Day trips (except where paddle only) to other lakes permitted. Use this entry point only after Entry Point 12 Little Vermilion Lake is full. Very difficult to reach Lac La Croix by paddle in one day. 24 Fall Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. Several trip options to Newton, Basswood, & Mud Lakes with additional portages. 25 Moose Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is an boat landing or canoe launch at Moose Lake. Many trip options for paddlers with additional portages. 27 Snowbank Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. Many trip options for paddlers. 31 Farm Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing on Farm Lake with access to South Farm Lake. Paddlers access North Kawishiwi River from Farm Lake. Some trip options available for paddlers with additional portages. 54 Seagull Lake 10 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais No motors (use or possession) west of Three Mile Island. Large lake with OVERNIGHT (except where paddle only) several campsites. Landing at Seagull Lake. 55 Saganaga Lake 25 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais No motors (use or possession) west of American Point. Access to (except where paddle only) Canada (the Crown land and Quetico Park). Large lake with many PADDLE or MOTOR campsites and easy access. 62 Clearwater Lake 10 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais Motors allowed on Clearwater Lake only. 64 East Bearskin Lake 25 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais Motors allowed on East Bearskin Lake only. No motors on Alder & Canoe. Overnight Paddle and Overnight Motor permits share the preceding entry points, so motors may be encountered along portions of the route.

A Trout Lake 25 HP La Croix/Cook Access from Lake Vermilion via a 180-rod portage suitable for portage wheels. Commercial portage service available. C Fall Lake Only 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Valid only on Fall Lake not Newton or Basswood. Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. D Fall Lake, Newton, Pipestone 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. Valid on Fall, Newton & Basswood. & Beyond F Moose Lake to Newfound & 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Valid only on Moose, Newfound and Sucker Lakes. Travel not permitted Sucker Lakes beyond Sucker Lake G Moose Lake to Prairie Portage 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Commercial portage service available. Valid on Moose, Newfound, to Basswood (except paddle only areas) Sucker and Basswood Lakes. H Snowbank Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Motors allowed on Snowbank Lake only. I South Farm Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Motors allowed on South Farm Lake only. MOTOR

DAY USE J Saganaga Lake 25 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais No motors (use or possession) west of American Point. Access to Canada. K Seagull Lake 10 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais No motors (use or possession) allowed west of Three Mile Island. L Clearwater Lake 10 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais Motors allowed on Clearwater Lake only. M East Bearskin Lake 25 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais Motors allowed on East Bearskin Lake only. No motors on Alder or Canoe Lakes. Overnight Paddle and Overnight Motor permits share the preceding entry points, so motors may be encountered along portions of the route. 10 Norway Trail La Croix/Cook 8 mile trail or 2 mile option. No loops. 11 Blandin Trail La Croix/Cook Winter route to Lamb Lake. 2.4 miles. 13 Herriman Lake Trail La Croix/Cook 15 miles of trail accesses 4 lakes. Loop options. 15 Sioux-Hustler Trail La Croix/Cook 30 mile round trip with loop. Primitive trail not well maintained. 21 Angleworm Trail Kawishiwi/Ely Trail loops around Angleworm Lake. 12 miles. If paddling, use entry point #20. 56 Kekekabic Trail—East Gunflint/Grand Marais 46 mile trail that continues to the west side trail head. Rolling terrain through several lakes. Minimal use. 59 Partridge Lake/S. Lake Trail Gunflint/Grand Marais 4 miles. If paddling use Entry Point #60. 74 Kekekabic Trail W./Snowbank Kawishiwi/Ely Loop option includes 27 miles of the Snowbank trail, plus the 46 mile Kekekabic Trail that continues to the east side trail head. 76 Big Moose Lake Trail La Croix/Cook No loop options. 2 miles to Big Moose Lake. If paddling use Entry Point #8. 78 Brule Lake Trail Gunflint/Grand Marais Trailhead is on Forest Road 326, 1/3 mile south of the Brule Lake HIKING parking lot on the east side of the road. Parking at Brule Lake lot. Total trail distance is 7 miles. OVERNIGHT 79 Eagle Mountain Trail Gunflint/Grand Marais The trail is 3.5 miles to the top (one way). Provides access to Brule Lake Trail. 81 Border Route Trail—West Gunflint/Grand Marais 53 miles. Shorter options available. 82 Border Route Trail—Center Gunflint/Grand Marais 53 miles. Shorter options available. 83 Border Route Trail—East Gunflint/Grand Marais 53 miles. Shorter options available. 86 Pow Wow Trail Tofte/Tofte 30 mile loop trail.

SUPERIOR 15 NATIONAL FOREST BWCAW Past and Present What is Wilderness? n September 3, 1964 The Wilderness Act was signed into Olaw. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was also des- ignated with the passing of this Act. The Wilderness Act provided a legal definition of wilderness, created the National Wilderness Preservation System, established a process to be used for designating wilderness areas, and Photo taken by Arthur Carhart, 1921. Courtesy Superior National Forest Collection set provisions for the use of wilderness areas. The intent of the Wilderness Act Why Wilderness? natural cathedrals where people can celebrate the creative forces behind life. was to establish wilderness areas “for When we talk about wilderness it is • Has an intrinsic value hypothesizing the use and enjoyment of the American important to differentiate when we are that plants, animals, inanimate objects people in such manner as will leave them talking about wilderness based on our and the ecosystems that they inhabit, unimpaired for future use and enjoyment personal definition, wilderness as defined have rights of their own to exist. as wilderness.” Legal wilderness, “in con- by non-federal land managers, and fed- • Provides a window into the past to trast with those areas where man and erally designated wilderness. There are study, understand and learn from his own works dominate now 765 federally desig- historic and prehistoric uses and cultures of the area. the landscape,” is “recog- “A civilization which nated wilderness areas nized as an area where destroys what little nationwide with a total the earth and its commu- remains of the wild, of 109,129,657 acres. nity of life are untram- the spare, the original, These areas provide mul- tiple benefits including: meled by man, where is cutting itself off man himself is a visitor • Protects watersheds who does not remain.” from its origins and and plays an important role in oxygen Four federal agen- betraying the principle production, CO2 cies manage designated of civilization itself.” absorption, soil building, Wilderness in the United biomass decomposition, — Edward Abbey States: National Park insect regulation, and filtering air pollution. Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau • Is a natural lab in which we can of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and study natural processes. Society can Wildlife Service. benefit from this scientific research as it enlarges our understanding of the world and our roles in it. • Holds educational and training value Courtesy Superior National Forest Collection for schools and universities. It is an important classroom for learning primitive outdoor skills such as orienteering, survival, mountaineering, stock packing and paddling. • Has aesthetic value appreciated through intimate contact with the environment where people can experience sights, sounds and feelings they are unable to experience in developed and less natural settings. • Holds, for some, philosophical and religious value. To them wilderness is a place with Courtesy Superior National Forest Collection Courtesy Tammy Cefalu

BOUNDARY WATERS 16 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS The BWCAW Act here has always been, and there • protect and enhance the natural values and environmental quality will likely always be, controversy T of the lakes, streams, shorelines over the management of the BWCAW. and associated forest areas of the Everyone agrees that the BWCAW is a wilderness, unique natural resource and they love it. • maintain high water quality in such The controversy arises because they love areas, it for different reasons. • minimize to the maximum extent possible, the environmental impacts What is the BWCAW? associated with mineral development The Boundary Waters was recognized affecting such areas, The BWCAW Act was signed October 21, for recreational opportunities in 1926, • prevent further road and commercial development and restore natural 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. named the Superior Roadless Area in conditions to existing temporary roads east of the Rocky Mountains and north 1938, the BWCA in 1958, and federally in the wilderness, and of the Everglades at over a million designated under The Wilderness Act • provide for the orderly and equitable acres. The bwcaw contains the largest in 1964. It wasn’t until October 21, transition from motorized recreational contiguous area of forest in the eastern 1978, The Boundary Waters Canoe uses to nonmotorized recreational United States use on those lakes, streams and Area Wilderness Act was established to • The international boundary between portages in the wilderness where such the bwcaw and Quetico Provincial provide specific guidance for managing mechanized uses are to be phased out Park is a beautiful historical travel the million plus acres of the Superior under the provisions of this Act. and trade route retraced by visitors National Forest. The BWCAW Act was The bwcaw is and has been popular every year. signed into law by former President throughout time because of its unique • The bwcaw is one of the most heavily characteristics: Jimmy Carter with the purpose: used wilderness in the country with • Approximately 1,175 lakes varying • to establish the Boundary Waters more than 150,000 visitors annually. in size from 10 acres to 10,000 acres Canoe Area Mining Protection Area, • The BWCAW is a Class I air quality and several hundred miles of streams • for the protection and management of area as defined by the Federal Clean comprise about 190,000 acres (20%) of Air Act. It is the only wilderness in the fish and wildlife of the wilderness the bwcaw surface area. so as to enhance public enjoyment the country that has an airspace • The bwcaw is the largest and only and appreciation of the unique biotic reservation that prohibits flights below federal wilderness of substantial size resources of the region, 4,000 feet.

“There is magic in the feel of a paddle and the movement of a canoe, a magic compounded of distance, adventure, solitude, and peace. The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness and of a freedom almost forgotten.” — Sigurd Olson

Courtesy Superior National Forest Collection

SUPERIOR 17 NATIONAL FOREST Protecting Your Natural Resources Fisheries gutted fish on ice. • Portages and waterways can become The Superior National • Choose lead-free very congested. Wait for another group to cross the portage before you begin, Forest has 695 square tackle to prevent adverse effects on portage your gear efficiently and find miles of surface water aquatic ecosystems another place for your break. Keep and more than and ultimately your distance from other groups on the 2,250 linear humans. waterways. miles of streams • Leaving fish • Begin looking for campsites early in the day and share tents since many that offer a wide remains along shore can alter wilderness sites only have one or two range of fishing natural behaviors, good tent pads. opportunities expose animals • Encourage your group members to in all seasons. to predators, cause use campsite areas that have already Coldwater game species include lake stress, and even cause unnatural been hardened rather than trampling fluctuations in numbers, as with trout, walleye, brook trout, pike and vegetation and causing erosion. increased gulls in some areas. Scatter smallmouth bass. Some lakes and remains back in the woods at least 200 Noise streams within the Superior National feet away from the shore or camping Being considerate of other wilderness Forest have special regulations, so areas. visitors is one of the 7 Leave No Trace always check the Minnesota DNR fishing Large Groups Principles. A courteous group can do regulations when you plan your trip. If you are planning a trip for a non-profit wonders to minimize the impact of noise. The Forest works in collaboration organization, there is a limit of no more Sound carries a long distance over water, with several agencies to accomplish than 3 permits in a season to be reserved mostly in the evening when people are management objectives and discusses using the non-profit organization name listening more than moving. Try to employing the minimum tool necessary as the group leader. Please contact any avoid banging pots and pans, dragging to administer the area as wilderness. Superior National Forest office for more canoes over rocks, shooting guns, singing This effort maintains healthy aquatic information, or visit www.recreation.gov loudly and screaming, especially in the resources on the Superior National under general rules for the BWCAW. morning and evening. If your group is Forest. Keep these tips in mind when rambunctious, consider staying in a Stocking planning for large groups to reduce more isolated area such as a lake with Limited stocking occurs in BWCAW lakes environmental and social impacts: only one campsite. When you keep noise and they are stocked primarily with • If your group is more than nine people, down, your group and others will have regardless of the age, you may not brook trout, lake trout and walleye. Lake a better chance of experiencing wildlife enter the BWCAW. Consider other trout and brook trout populations can be options, such as camping at a primitive and a sense of solitude. very susceptible to overfishing. They may or developed campground and boating require regular stocking to maintain a on lakes outside the designated wilderness area (see page 2). fishable population. • If your group of more than the What You Can Do maximum size wishes to break into Bats and Care for the fish, their aquatic habitat smaller groups to enter the BWCAW, Other Wildlife Habitat each smaller group must have its own and their terrestrial neighbors. permit. Firewood needs to be dead and Regulations are meant to ensure • Each group must travel and camp down wood that was collected sustainable fish populations and healthy separately. This means each should far from shorelines, trails lakes and rivers. have its own food, first aid kit and or campsites. Over 1,200 • Practice catch and release, even when essential gear. To make it easier wildlife species in the United for the groups to travel separately, you are within the allowable catch. States rely on dead, dying or reserve different entry points and plan • Handle fish gently, quickly and in the separate routes. hollow trees for dens, roosts water. • Each group should have an adult who and feeding sites. Even fish benefit from • To prevent the spread of aquatic will be responsible for the leadership trees that have fallen into streams and invasive species, obey AIS laws (see and safety of the group. page 20) and use artificial bait. lakes. Trees that demonstrate disease or • And if you do know other visitors in • Keep fish horizontal for pictures. have defects or other features are most the area, don’t purposely congregate in often those that provide excellent habitat • If you plan to keep a fish, kill it right a group larger than 9 while traveling, away and be prepared to keep the visiting a destination area or camping. for a variety of wildlife species.

BOUNDARY WATERS 18 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS One species of high importance is across an archaeological site do not The Gypsy Moth Threat the northern long-eared bat (Myotis remove or disturb artifacts. Excavating, The non-native gypsy moth is a threat septentrionalis). This bat species was defacing or removing an archaeological to the forests of the BWCAW and the recently listed as Federally Threatened resource from federal lands without rest of northeast Minnesota. Gypsy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. a permit is a crime punishable by moth caterpillars consume the foliage This designation is a result of the fines or imprisonment. Write down a of several types of trees and can destroy devastation that this bat has experienced description of what you found, including millions of acres of forest each year. from a fungal disease called White the location, and report it to Forest During late summer, the female moth nose Syndrome (WNS). WNS affects Service personnel. Photos, sketches, lays fuzzy, tan-colored egg masses about hibernating bats by causing them to maps or GPS information are all useful the size of a quarter. Each mass contains wake up more frequently. This increase information to include 500-1,000 eggs which in activity depletes the bats’ energy when describing Female Gypsy hatch the following the Moth stores needed to survive winter, causing archaeological finds. spring when the weather them to eventually die from starvation, Non-Native & is right. dehydration and exposure. Researchers Invasive Species Egg masses can be estimate that over 5.5 million bats have found on living and Non-native invasive died as a result of being infected with inanimate objects, species (NNIS) are wns. To find out more about WNS, please plants, animals, insects Male Gypsy visit www.whitenosesyndrome.org or other organisms Moth Heritage Resources whose introduction to an area cause or are likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Other names for NNIS include exotic species, noxious weeds, pests, etc. Invasive species can occur on land or in the water. Some examples in Minnesota include purple loosestrife, gypsy moth, emerald View of a prehistoric siltstone biface identified within the BWCAW. Bifaces are considered ‘preforms’ that have ash borer, Eurasian water milfoil, including trees, logs, firewood, campers, been flint knapped on both sides, are easily transported, earthworms, spiny water flea, rusty and can be eventually worked down into spear points canoes, vehicles and lawn chairs. People crayfish and orange hawkweed. If you may unintentionally help spread the see these species on the Forest report Leave No Trace wilderness principles gypsy moth by moving these objects with their known locations if possible. apply not only to the natural egg masses attached. This is how the Because invasive species do not environment but also to archaeological moth got its name. respect property lines, we are working resources. Over 1,200 archaeological The Superior National Forest has with other agencies, non-governmental sites have been identified within worked with other agencies for several organizations, and citizens like you to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area years to slow the spread of the gypsy increase awareness of this resource Wilderness. These sites include Native moth in our area through various management issue and take action to American rock art, stone tools and treatments. Quarantines are currently in stop the spread of NNIS in our area. For pottery sherds, glass beads and fur-trade effect in Cook and Lake counties. more information about invasive species artifacts, and mining and logging camps. in Minnesota, go to the MN Department These sites provide us with a fascinating What you can do: of Natural Resources website at: window into the history of human use • Carefully inspect your vehicles, www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index.html equipment, firewood, etc. for egg of the Boundary Waters over the past masses. 10,000 years. However archaeological Prevention: • Do not transport egg masses. Remove materials are a non-renewable resource • Clean your gear/boat before entering and destroy them. and must be protected. Once an artifact and leaving the wilderness or • Follow any restrictions, including is removed from its context within a site recreation site. quarantines and inspections. we lose much of the valuable information • Remove mud and seeds from clothes, • Visit the Superior National Forest and pets, boots, gear and vehicles. it can provide us about who was using MN Department of Agriculture web • Burn only local or certified firewood. sites at: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the site, when, and for what. • Do not pick wildflowers and transport www.mda.state.mn.us/gypsymoth Respect cultural resources as you them from one location to another. would natural resources. If you come Continued i SUPERIOR 19 NATIONAL FOREST Stop Aquatic Invaders equipment and The introduction of remove any aquatic Aquatic Invasive plants or animals. Species (AIS), such Remove drain as spiny water flea plugs, open water and rusty crayfish, draining valves, and to new water bodies drain portable bait negatively impact containers before native organisms in some lakes and leaving the water rivers. To prevent the spread of AIS, access. visitors should inspect their equipment, Q. How long do remove mud and aquatic vegetation, I leave the drain and lay their equipment out to dry plug open? when possible. In accordance with A. Keep the drain Minnesota law, bait containers and plug out and water other water containing devices must be draining devices drained before leaving a water body (this open the entire time excludes devices such as water bottles). that a boat is being Spiny Waterflea on transported. mechanical pencil tip Q. How do Download the Free App! I dispose of unwanted bait? A. State law prohibits dumping unused bait into and refill the bait container with water Contact the DNR if you find spiny waterflea in a waters of the state. Dumping bait on the from the new water body. BWCAW lake ground is considered littering. Therefore, Q. After draining water from bait Q. How do I prepare my boat or unwanted live bait should always be containers can I keep unused bait? canoe for the water? packed out with your trash. A. Anglers can keep unused bait A. Inspect your watercraft, motor and Q. What do I do with bait containers? after draining their bait containers. trailer for aquatic plants, zebra mussels A. The law requires all water to be You can replace the water in portable and other prohibited species from your drained from portable bait containers bait containers with bottled water boat or canoe and remove any that you before leaving the water access, including before transporting the bait home. find. State law prohibits placing your from bait containers that have not been Some angling related businesses have watercraft, trailer or equipment with placed in lake or river water. developed products to help transfer bait aquatic plants, zebra mussels or invasive Q. How can I comply with draining from a bait container in the boat to a species into the water. For a list of portable bait containers when container in a motor vehicle without the prohibited invasive species and invasive water. species laws, visit: www.dnr.state.mn.us/ portaging from one lake to another? A. If you are portaging a canoe or other invasives/laws.html Q. How do I find out about invasive watercraft, you will need to drain the Q. What should I do when leaving a species laws? water from the bait container on land lake or river? A. Contact the Minnesota DNR (888- where it won’t drain into any water body A. Inspect your watercraft and 646-6367) for updates on AIS regulations. The following are Prohibited: • Moving fish from lake to lake by of the state. (84 D.10, subd. 4.). Pack out quickly spread once introduced into the releasing fish off of stringers (Many all unused bait. environment. NNIS can spread via air, water common species, such as walleye and and on watercraft, equipment, firewood and smallmouth bass are themselves not Unlike much of the U.S., the Arrowhead native to large areas of the BWCAW) Region and the Superior National Forest even the mud on your boots. Some NNIS • Using live minnows on designated stream are fortunate because many of the seem harmless, like earthworms, but can trout lakes, including those in the BWCAW species that are a problem in the upper alter an entire forest floor changing the • Disposing of earthworms in the Forest. A Midwest are not well established here yet. vegetation. person must not dispose of bait in waters However, terrestrial and aquatic NNIS can

BOUNDARY WATERS 20 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS Special Uses Filming & Photography Permits with existing regulations and Outfitter/Guide Permits A special use permit is required for Acts (Wilderness Act of 1964 All individuals, organizations and non- all commercial filming activities and The BWCAW Act of profits conducting outfitting or guiding and commercial activities which 1978). Filming outside activities on National Forest Lands or capture still images on film or in a designated wilderness adjacent waters must inquire if such digital format on National Forest must always be considered activity is classified as “commercial.” Lands. Commercial filming is first. The Forest Service Commercial guides, church or youth defined as the use of motion picture, will authorize commercial groups, ski instructors, bus tours and videotaping, sound recording, other filming or photography canoe groups are all examples of commer- No commercial moving image or audio recording filming with your activities within designated cial activities that require an Outfitter/ equipment (including cell phones) cellphone! wilderness areas only when Guide Permit. that involves the advertisement of a certain conditions are met, and there is product or service, the creation of a still no guarantee of a permit. Information? product for sale or the use of actors, Personal Use For more information on special use models, sets or props. If you are shooting still photographs or permits and application forms, please Commercial Filming in ‘home movies’ for personal use that do visit: www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/ Designated Wilderness not involve advertisement of a product or passes-permits/event-commercial Proposed commercial activities in service, or the creation of a product for sale, designated wilderness areas, such as then a special use permit is not required. the BWCAW, are reviewed for compliance Research and Monitoring During the summer, you may notice or research stations. The information in the non-motorized areas of the BWCAW people working on various lakes in gathered is used to develop long term will be limited to what is absolutely the BWCAW. They may be other land resource management strategies. Use of necessary to manage the area as management agencies, universities motorized equipment or transportation wilderness.

Air Quality Measuring Air Pollution human activities reduce visibility on an What You Can Do Monitoring air and precipitation helps average day to about 60%. • Pack Out Your Trash: State law does us measure air pollution. Along with not permit open burning of oils, rubber, Acidity Of Rain And Snow papers/packaging, plastics, chemically monitoring the health of the Forest, we The Superior National Forest is home treated materials or other materials can determine when air quality is a to one of over 200 sites spanning the that produce noxious smoke. Burning problem and identify actions to reduce its waste — in a campsite or in your continental U.S., Alaska, Puerto Rico harmful effects. back yard — can cause severe health and Virgin Islands sampling rain and problems and pollute air, soils and Poor Visibility Or Regional Haze snow weekly to check its chemistry. water due to carcinogens like dioxin. Unfortunately, the beauty of our Precipitation that falls here has higher • Conserve Electricity and Fuels: wilderness can be diminished by haze. than natural levels of acidity, but is not Most air pollutants come from transportation and the generation of Haze can reduce the distance you thought to be dangerous to the Forest electricity. Saving gas and reducing see and even change the apparent at this time. In addition to being the electrical use, will improve air quality colors and textures of the landscape. main cause of poor visibility, sulfates and the health of your National Forest. Recognizing the importance of visual and nitrates are also the two main • Learn About Air Pollution: Even air quality, Congress passed legislation sources of acid rain. Sulfate pollution is if you live hundreds of miles away, your actions can affect the air quality to fix this problem through research primarily due to coal combustion while here on the Superior National Forest. and emission reductions from pollution nitrate pollution is from all fuel burning Air masses travel long distances sources. Natural haze caused by fog can activities, especially automobiles. Sulfate over a number of days, picking up decrease visibility, but the addition of air pollution is decreasing due to state and air pollution from industrial and populated areas, and carrying it to the pollution makes visibility worse. Our air federal air pollution control regulations Forest. Learn more at www.fs.fed.us/ monitoring shows that air emissions from while nitrate pollution is increasing. air/wilderness_monitoring.htm

SUPERIOR 21 NATIONAL FOREST Courtesy Superior Volunteering National Forest We Need You to Help Carry the Load Collection n increasing number of people offer a variety of volunteer opportunities A recreate on Forest Service managed including single day trail stewardship lands every year, yet congressionally events, multi-day wilderness projects, appropriated funding does not keep visitor use monitoring in the BWCAW pace with resource management needs. and service projects tailored to fit the To retain the enduring value and needs of your organization or group. ‘wilderness character’ of the BWCAW, By getting involved with stewardship we need volunteers to help carry the activities, either through participating in load. The Forest Service partners with a volunteer project or making a donation, several organizations to address the you can help ensure that public lands backlog of deferred maintenance work are preserved for the enjoyment of future and underfunded projects within or generations. For more information, near the Superior National Forest in please contact: (218) 626-4314. NE Minnesota. These organizations

Your User Fees at Work Meeting the increasing needs of visitors; to encourage campsite recovery, delivering quality recreation, heritage improving tent pads, naturalizing and wilderness opportunities; and illegal sites, cleaning and repairing protecting our natural and cultural fire grates, latrine replacement, resources can be challenging. Your hazard tree removal, non-native overnight permit fees go directly back species removal and erosion repair and to the BWCAW to maintain and improve prevention. natural resources, recreation facilities • Winter dog sled program as a means and services including: Before of transporting equipment and/ • When visitors pick up their wilderness or supplies needed to complete permits, a short video is shown to maintenance work on campsites, review BWCAW rules and regulations. After portages and trails as well as for public The BWCAW visitor education videos user education and law enforcement are part of the wilderness experience. contacts. This helps prevent the need • Visitor contact by Wilderness Rangers for using motorized transport. in the BWCAW is also an important • Portage and hiking trail improvements part of wilderness education and law such as clearing brush and fallen trees, enforcement. installing water barriers to prevent • Campsite improvements such as erosion, and repairing trail tread and transplanting native vegetation structures.

America. This 5.5 million acre landscape Minnesota state forest lands and parks. comprises working forest, rugged scenery, The Heart of the Continent clean watersheds, abundant wildlife and Partnership (HOCP) is the Canadian/ outstanding biodiversity. Encompassed American coalition working together on by this ecosystem at the “heart of the cross-border projects that promote the continent,” are several separately man- economic, cultural and natural health aged natural areas including Quetico of the lakes, forests and communities Spanning the international border Provincial Park, Superior National on the Ontario/Minnesota border. To between northeastern Minnesota and Forest, Voyageurs National Park, Grand learn more about the partnership’s northwestern Ontario lies an interna- Portage National Monument, La conservation goals, please visit tional treasure: the largest expanse of Verendrye Provincial Park, additional www.heartofthecontinent.org/ public green space in the heart of North Ontario provincial parks as well as

BOUNDARY WATERS 22 CANOE AREA WILDERNESS Sample Trip Itinerary Always leave a Trip Itinerary with someone before departing. Remember, wilderness travel requires self-reliance and good judgement. Never take unnecessary risks that jeopardize the safety of your group!

Permit # ______

Trip Leader’s Name ______

Entry Point ______Exit Point ______

Entry Date ______Exit Date ______

Number of People ______Number of Watercraft ______

Name of Outfitter ______(if applicable)

Vehicle(s) Driven (Color, Make, Model) ______

License Number(s) ______

Potential Route (lakes/rivers you plan to travel) ______

______

______

Select nearest Forest Service Ranger Station: Use a map and compass. J Kawishiwi Ranger Station, Ely (218) 365-7600 J Gunflint Ranger Station, Grand Marais (218) 387-1750 J Tofte Ranger Station, Tofte (218) 663-8060 J LaCroix Ranger Station, Cook (218) 666-0020 J Laurentian Ranger Station, Aurora (218) 229-8800

Select the county where you will enter/exit the BWCAW: (see entry point map on pages 12 and 13) J St Louis County J Cook County J Lake County

In Case of Emergency In case of emergency or if search and rescue assistance is needed, call 9-1-1 or the nearest county sheriff’s office. St. Louis County Sheriff Cook County Sheriff Lake County Sheriff Ely/Cook Area Grand Marais/Tofte Area Isabella Area (218) 726-2340 (218) 387-3030 (218) 834-8385

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCURATELY ESTIMATING YOUR RETURN TIME AND DATE. The Forest Service does not automatically initiate searches if a group doesn’t exit as planned. Be sure to factor in variables that can delay your return such as wind, waves, fatigue, inclement weather, etc. to prevent unnecessary search and rescues. Remember to check in with family or friends as soon as you exit the wilderness.

SUPERIOR 23 NATIONAL FOREST BWCAW Permit Issuing Stations/Cooperators* Aurora Area Ely Outdoors Co. Boundary Country Trekking Forest Service Offi ce – Aurora Girl Scouts of MN & WI - Lakes & Pines Clearwater Canoe Outfi tters Cook/Orr Area Jordan’s Canoe Outfi tters Gunfl int Northwoods Outfi tters Forest Service Offi ce – Cook Kawishiwi Lodge & Outfi tters Gunfl int Pines Resort Anderson Canoe Outfi tters LaTourell’s Resort & Outfi tters Hungry Jack Outfi tters Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry Moose Track Adventures Nor’Wester Lodge & Canoe Outfi tters Zup’s Fishing Resort & Canoe North Country Canoe Outfi tters Rockwood Lodge & Outfi tters Outfi tters Northern Tier High Adventure B.S.A. Seagull Canoe Outfi tters Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins Seagull Creek Fishing Camp Duluth Area Piragis Northwoods Company Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply Forest Supervisor's Offi ce – Duluth River Point Resort and Outfi tting Co. Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfi tters Frost River Snowbank Lodge and Outfi tters Voyageur Canoe Outfi tters Duluth Pack Store Spirit of the Wilderness Outfi tters Way of the Wilderness Ely Area Timber Trail Lodge & Outfi tters Wilderness Canoe Base Forest Service Offi ce – Ely Voyageur North Outfi tters YMCA Camp Menogyn Big Lake Wilderness Lodge Voyageur Outward Bound School Boundary Waters Guide Service Tofte/Isabella Area Williams and Hall Wilderness Forest Service Offi ce – Tofte Camp Voyageur, Inc. Guides & Outfi tters Maple Grove Bait Shop & Motel Canadian Border Outfi tters YMCA Camp Widjiwagan Sawbill Canoe Outfi tters Canadian Waters, Inc. Grand Marais/Gunflint Area Sawtooth Outfi tters Canoe Country Outfi tters Forest Service Offi ce – Grand Marais Cliff Wold’s Outfi tting Co. Adventurous Christians Custom Cabin Rental Bearskin Lodge Duane’s Outfi tters Bear Track Outfi tting Co. Echo Trail Outfi tters

*A cooperator is a business that has an agreement with the Forest Service to issue BWCAW permits at their location.

For More Information Forest Service Offices Tourism Information BWCAW Reservation Center Forest Supervisors Office, Duluth Crane Lake Tourism Bureau (877) 444-6777 (218) 626-4300 (800) 362-7405 www.recreation.gov www.fs.usda.gov/superior www.visitcranelake.com Kawishiwi Ranger Station, Ely Ely Chamber of Commerce National Park Service (218) 365-7600 (800) 777-7281 Grand Portage National Monument (218) 365-7561 (5/1–9/30) www.ely.org (218) 475-0123 Gunflint Ranger Station, Grand Explore Minnesota www.nps.gov/grpo/index.htm Marais (888) 847-4866 Voyageurs National Park (218) 387-1750 www.exploreminnesota.com (218) 283-6600 Tofte Ranger Station, Tofte Iron Range Tourism Bureau www.nps.gov/voya/index.htm (218) 663-8060 (800) 777-8497 www.ironrange.org LaCroix Ranger Station, Cook MN Dept. of Natural Resources (218) 666-0020 Lake Vermilion Resort & Tourism License Bureau Association Laurentian Ranger Station, (800) 285-2000 (800) 648-5897 Aurora www.lakevermilionresorts.com General Information (218) 229-8800 (888) 646-6367 Visit Cook County www.dnr.state.mn.us (888) 922-5000 www.visitcookcounty.com TTY Relay Service (800) 627-3529

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