Your entry point determines your first day, your permit, and a lot of your options. Here's how to pick the right one for your trip.
Your entry point is the lake or river access where you officially enter the BWCA. It determines your permit, your first day of paddling, and which corner of the wilderness opens up to you. With over 80 designated entry points across four general areas, the choice matters.
The western gateway to the BWCA. Home to the most outfitters, canoe rental shops, and trip-planning resources in Minnesota. Entry points here include the famous Moose Lake chain (EP 25), Fall Lake (EP 24), and Kawishiwi Lake. Good for first-timers because the infrastructure is excellent and the lake systems are well-connected.
A long corridor northeast of Grand Marais. Entry points include Seagull Lake, Saganaga, and dozens of smaller lakes along the trail. Access to some of the most remote parts of the BWCA and easy crossing into Quetico. The trade-off is a longer drive for most visitors.
Southern access through the Superior National Forest. Generally less crowded than the Ely area, with quieter lakes and more solitude. Entry points in this area often connect to longer, more complex route systems.
Far western access. Some motorized lakes near the entry, transitioning to paddle-only as you move deeper. Less commonly used by first-timers.
Use the entry point finder
Answer a few questions about your area, trip length, and experience and we'll match you to entry points that fit.
Your entry point determines your first day, your permit, and a lot of your options. Here's how to pick the right one for your trip.
Your entry point is the lake or river access where you officially enter the BWCA. It determines your permit, your first day of paddling, and which corner of the wilderness opens up to you. With over 80 designated entry points across four general areas, the choice matters.
The western gateway to the BWCA. Home to the most outfitters, canoe rental shops, and trip-planning resources in Minnesota. Entry points here include the famous Moose Lake chain (EP 25), Fall Lake (EP 24), and Kawishiwi Lake. Good for first-timers because the infrastructure is excellent and the lake systems are well-connected.
A long corridor northeast of Grand Marais. Entry points include Seagull Lake, Saganaga, and dozens of smaller lakes along the trail. Access to some of the most remote parts of the BWCA and easy crossing into Quetico. The trade-off is a longer drive for most visitors.
Southern access through the Superior National Forest. Generally less crowded than the Ely area, with quieter lakes and more solitude. Entry points in this area often connect to longer, more complex route systems.
Far western access. Some motorized lakes near the entry, transitioning to paddle-only as you move deeper. Less commonly used by first-timers.
Use the entry point finder
Answer a few questions about your area, trip length, and experience and we'll match you to entry points that fit.
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