Boundary Waters begins to reopen: day use permits at select entry points starting Monday

Ten days after wildfires closed the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Forest Service announced the first step toward reopening it. Day-use permits for select entry points in Cook County will open for visitor use starting Monday, July 27, the agency said today. Day use at all other BWCAW entry points remains closed, and overnight permits for all entry points are cancelled through Wednesday, July 29 — no overnight camping is currently allowed.

Overnight camping could follow next week

More could follow soon. “If there is no major wildfire activity this weekend, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness might partially open for overnight camping next week,” said Drew Stroberg, acting forest supervisor. “We are trying to balance visitor and firefighter safety with people’s desire to visit the Wilderness. We take both responsibilities very seriously.” Forest officials say they anticipate being able to open select entry points in Cook and Lake counties to overnight use next week, barring significant fire activity over the weekend.

Which entry points, and why Cook County first

The Cook County entry points opening Monday are in areas that have seen minimal wildfire activity and no new fire activity since the closure was issued, according to the agency. The specific entry points are listed in the forest order’s map (see above or available on the Superior National Forest alerts page). Most of the wilderness, the agency notes, remains greatly affected by uncontained wildfires, and the closed areas will stay closed until the fires are contained and the risk to the public and firefighters has decreased.

“We are hopeful” say outfitters

For outfitters on the east side of the wilderness, the day-use-first approach is what they’d hoped for. When the closure came down, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters owner Clare Shirley told Wilderness News that no fires were burning near or threatening the Sawbill area: “We are hopeful that if the closure extends beyond Friday, day trips will be allowed, given that there is no imminent danger or threat in our vicinity.” Ten days later, that’s the path the Forest Service has taken — the updated map shows the Sawbill Lake entry point (#38) among those opening to day use Monday, along with a string of entry points across the eastern wilderness off the Gunflint Trail and the Tofte district.

Plan carefully — it’s still fire season

The Forest Service urges visitors to plan diligently: leave a travel plan with family or friends, check weather and fire conditions before going, and understand the risks of entering a wilderness area during an active fire season. The forest has experienced more than 25 wildfires since July 7. Visitors with cooperator-issued permits should contact their cooperator about options; permit questions can go to 218-626-4314.

We will update this story as more areas reopen.

More information:

• Superior National Forest Alerts — forest order, Exhibit A list and Exhibit B map (USDA Forest Service)
• BWCAW trip planner (USDA Forest Service)
• July 2026 Superior NF Wildfires (InciWeb)
• Fire information: 218-881-2091 (8 am – 8 pm)