Description
Great glaciers carved the physical features of what is today known as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) by scraping and gouging rock. The glaciers left behind rugged cliffs and crags, canyons, gentle hills, towering rock formations, rocky shores, sandy beaches and several thousand lakes and streams, interspersed with islands and surrounded by forest. The BWCAW is a unique area located in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Approximately 1.3 million acres in size, it extends nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary adjacent to Canada's Quetico Provincial Park and bordered on the west by Voyageurs National Park. The BWCAW contains over 1200 miles of canoe routes, 15 hiking trails and approximately 2000 designated campsites. Wilderness offers freedom to those who wish to pursue an experience of expansive solitude, challenge and personal integration with nature. Because this area was set aside in 1926 to preserve its primitive character and made a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964, it allows visitors to canoe, portage and camp in the spirit of the French Voyageurs of 200 years ago.
Any group taking an overnight paddle, motor, or hiking trip, or a motorized day-use trip into the BWCAW from May 1 through September 30 is required to obtain a quota permit. Reservations are recommended since there are a limited number of quota permits available for each entry point. Self-issued permits are required year-round for all non-motorized day use visitors and for all overnight visitors entering the BWCAW between October 1 and April 30.
Alerts and Important Information
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When making advanced reservations for Overnight Permits, at a minimum you have to pay for 2 adult user fees. User fees will be charged based on the group size you specify. Example: If your group size is 5 adults and 2 youth, you will be charged for user fees of 96$ at the time of reservation. You have the option of paying for 2 adults at the time of reservation and changing your group size at the time of permit issuance. Or, you can adjust your group size online and make payment up to 2-days prior to your entry date.
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All reserved permits must be picked up at the location specified when the reservation was made, or at a Forest Service office issuing station.
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Only the group leader or alternate group leaders, specified when the reservation was made, can pick up the permit. It is recommended that you list three alternates when you make your reservation - these cannot be added at a later date.
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The person that picks up the permit must stay with the group for the duration of the trip and ensure that they follow all rules and regulations.
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Walk-up permits, if available, can be picked up at any permit issuing station. However, non-Forest Service permit stations may only accept credit cards for payment. Only Forest Service offices can accept cash and checks in addition to credit card payments.
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All cards (Interagency Senior/Access Pass Holders, or Seasonal) must be presented at the time of permit pickup to receive a discount, otherwise the full fee will be charged.
Non-Forest Service permit issuing stations may charge an issuing service fee up to $2 for each overnight permit.
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Permits can only be picked up the day before, or the day of entry, by the group leader or alternate leader listed. Office hours vary, check with your permit pickup location for their office hours.
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