BWCA Permits

     Do you have your canoe trip planned for the summer yet?  If not then there is still plenty of time to get your BWCA or Quetico Park wilderness adventure on the calendar.  There are permits available and summer is just around the corner.  We can help you plan a great canoe camping trip.

     Our first canoe groups will be heading into the BWCA and Quetico Park later this week.  The water temperature is still pretty cold but they have lots of experience so we're not worried about them paddling the wilderness waters.  They'll paddle close to the shore, wear their life vests and won't take any chances while out in the canoe country. 

     The forecast calls for the temperature to reach 70 degrees by Wednesday but then it will drop back into the 50's for the weekend.  If I had a clear schedule I think I'd be planning to go camping in the BWCA yet this week.  But it will have to wait until after the Ham Run Half-Marathon on Sunday.

     I think this is finally the year for an early season Boundary Waters canoe trip.  How about you?

     If you’re looking for a true wilderness then visit the Boundary Waters in October.  BWCA permits are based on a self-issuing process due to the lack of visitors during this month.  No people, no bugs but lots of places for you to enjoy the solitude of the BWCA.

 

     The month of October is known as the Harvest Moon and Falling Leaves moon.  After the fall colors have reached their peak and dried up then the winds blow the leaves to the forest floor.  The decomposing leaves produce the unique smell of fall in the air.  The air is somewhat chilly with the average daytime high of 51 degrees and a nighttime average of 32 degrees.  The sun can still be hot but the hours of daylight are dwindling and night fills the sky longer.

 

     The night sky is the focus in the Boundary Waters in October.  Two different events keep canoeists eyes on the sky during the evenings.  The Draconid Meteor Showers are seen at nightfall and occur the 2^nd week in October.  They are best seen without a moon as are the Orionids.  The Orionid meteors are the third week of October and display about 15 meteors per hour and leave long trains.  After midnight is the best time to see the Orionids.  Be sure to check the calendar to see the exact dates for each year and plan your BWCA trip around them.

 

     The BWCA lakes turn over in October and the water is chilly at around 40 degrees.  This is when whitefish and lake trout spawn and large northern pike can be caught.    Walleye move shallower once again making them easier to catch.

 

     The Boundary Waters is quiet in October as wildlife prepares for winter.  The snowshoe hare will be changing colors as moose and deer enter their rut.  Some ducks will be present like the Golden Eyes and Mergansers but soon they along with the loons will leave for warmer temperatures.  Snow buntings will appear as the other winged wonders disappear.  The Black Bears will be looking for a place to spend the winter months and other animals will be busily preparing for snowfall.

 

     With a little extra caution and clothing October can be a wonderful time to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  Camping can be a bit chilly but the lack of people and ultimate solitude makes October an incredible time to experience the wilderness of the BWCA.

 

     Deciding where to canoe in the Boundary Waters is always a tough decision whether it's your first trip, tenth trip or fiftieth trip.  Just like when you're planning a regular vacation you'll want to gather information for a BWCA canoe country vacation.  There is a plethora of information on the web including great commercial BWCA websites and outfitter websites.  There are also books published about popular BWCA canoe routes but keep in mind the information in books may not always be precise or up to date.

 

     To determine where you want to go in the BWCA you’ll need to know if fishing is an important part of your trip.  If fishing is important then you'll want to know what Boundary Waters lakes have which types of fish in them.  If you're going to paddle the BWCA in early May then find a lake trout lake because that's what will be biting then.  You'll also want to spend less time traveling and more time fishing if it's really important to catch fish.  Don’t plan to camp a 12 hour paddle from where you're BWCA starting point is or you’ll spend all of your time paddling and not fishing.

 

     Most folks want solitude on their Boundary Waters Canoe trip.  If your goal is solitude then choose a BWCA route with lots of long portages.  Look for lakes that are difficult to get to and farther in than a few hour paddle and find a BWCA campsite that is off of the beaten path.  This will keep you away from the vast majority of folks.  Don't be fooled by thinking an canoe entry point with lots of travel permits is necessarily bad.  There are smaller lakes off of some of these bigger lakes that you can find and have all to yourself. 

 

     Another factor in determining where you will go in the Boundary Waters is who you are going with.  If you’re paddling with elderly or small children then you may want to plan a base camp canoe trip.  Find a BWCA lake with good day trip opportunities so people have the option to paddle and portage or stay back and relax.

 

     There are lots of things to consider when planning a Boundary Waters canoe trip.  You can find a trip route finder on our website that might offer you some insight.  Also, we have maps we can mail you if you’d like to purchase one.  Then you can spend time looking at all of the BWCA lakes and dreaming about camping on them.

 

     No matter how many times I've been on Boundary Waters canoe trips it's still a tough decision to decide where to go.  Who I'm paddling with, how much time I have and how energetic I'm feeling all make a difference in what route I'll choose.  No matter where I go in the BWCA I know I’ll be happier there than anywhere else I could be and that’s a very good thing.

 

     Every year we outfit a fair amount of Boy Scouts for their canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  There is a Boy Scout Base over on Moose Lake outside of Ely, Minnesota but we have been told time after time that Scout Troops would rather outfit their BWCA trip with us. 

     We've heard from Boy Scout Troops who have outfitted with the Sommers Boy Scout Base and they have said our equipment is much nicer and the prices for outfitting with Voyageur are less expensive.  The quality of equipment is important when you're out in the wilderness and any little discount helps when it comes to how much a BWCA trip costs especially for Boy Scouts who often have to fundraise for all of their money.

     Another reason Boy Scout Troops like us is that we're located at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Moose Lake where the Scout Base is located is quite busy and and our location is less hectic.  Scout Troops love to be made to feel special and at Voyageur we make them feel very special.  We provide each Scout with a map, t-shirt and patch when they choose the complete outfitting package.

     Unlike the Boy Scout Base or other Boy Scout destinations you don't need to reserve your space at Voyageur three years in advance of your trip.  You can reserve now for a trip this summer or you can even wait until April or May to let us know.  Chances are there will be plenty of permits available for your Scout Troop to camp in the Boundary Waters.

     We love to outfit all types of groups and individuals at Voyageur and we'd love to see you all this summer.  If you know of a Boy Scout Troop that might be interested in a BWCA canoe trip then be sure to tell them about Voyageur, we'll take great care of them.

     If you have your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip for this summer all planned out then you can reserve your permit beginning January 25th, 2012.  If you don't have your plans determined then don't worry, there's plenty of time to make your plans especially if you're paddling out of the Gunflint Trail.  

     The Gunflint Trail side of the BWCA is not as heavily used as entry points into the BWCA near Ely, MN.  We'll often have Boundary Waters permits available up until the last minute.  However, if you want a particular entry point on a particular day then the sooner you reserve your permit the better.

     How do you reserve a BWCA Permit? You can give us a call with all of the information below and we'll do it for you or you can do it yourself.  It's quite easy and you can reserve your Boundary Waters permit online or by telephone(1-877-444-6777) When reserving a BWCA camping permit you'll need the following.

1. Name, address and telephone number of the party leader.
2. Name of up to 3 alternate party leaders
3. Number of watercraft(estimated & can be changed) up to 4/permit
4. Number of adults & children(17 & under) estimated & can be changed upon arrival at your permit pick-up location.
5. Entry point & Entry Date(these are set in stone)
6. Exit Point(is not set in stone)
7. Permit Pick Up Location(Choose us, Voyageur Canoe Outfitters if you're outfitting with us or entering at an entry point near us).  By default the permit will be sent to the USFS Ranger Station closest to your BWCA entry point. 
8. Submit payment with a credit card($6 Reservation Fee, $16/adult, $8/youth)

     That's all there is to reserving a Boundary Waters canoe trip permit.  If you need help determining an entry point or route then feel free to give us a call.  We love to talk about canoeing in the BWCA.  1-888-CANOEIT

     Yesterday we received a letter from the USFS outlining changes made to Boundary Waters entry point quotas and campsites.  According to the Forest Service 114 campsites were affected by the fire.  Not all of those received equal fire damage and out of those only 75 campsites will be closed at the beginning of the 2012 season. 

     The Forest service will open the BWCAW campsites when the sites are safe and rehabilitated.  Some campsites just need some snags removed while others need attention to prevent erosion.  The USFS said, "Forest Service crews will be opening most campsites early in the 2012 season."

     The were 23 lakes with campsites that were affected and of course none of these were near the Gunflint Trail.  The lakes included are, One, Two, Three, Four, Hudson, Insula, Horseshoe, Brewis, North Wilder, South Wilder, Harbor, Clearwater, Gull, Pietro, Hudson Pond, Baskatong, Bog, Isabella Lake, Isabella River, Kawashong, Quadga and Rice.  The reductions range from 1 campsite removed up to 13 on Insula. 

     In order to prevent crowding in this area of the Boundary Waters the USFS has reduced quotas for entry point lakes.  According to their document there will be no quota for Little Isabella River, Bog Lake or Island River and the Pow Wow Hiking Trail is closed until further notice.   Isabella Lake will have 1 permit a day as will Snake River.  All of these areas have restrictions regarding day use and directions which one may go so be sure to check with an outfitter or the USFS before traveling.  Lake One lost 4 permits a day but gained 2 permits called Lake One Restricted. 

     The Lake One Restricted will be in place until the other four permits are added to the regular Lake One quota.  Folks entering the BWCA with the restricted permit will not be allowed to camp on Lake One, Two, Three, Four or Hudson at any time.  This isn't a problem for people who want to travel on the fist and last day of their canoe trip.

     On the Gunflint Trail we're thankful to have all of our entry point permit quotas in place and campsites ready for use.  We can start reserving BWCA permits on January 25th so give us a call 1-888-CANOEIT or send us an email to get yours reserved.

     If there's one New Year's Resolution that should be easy to stick to it is to Visit Voyageur Canoe Outfitters in 2012.  Whether it is for a Boundary Waters Canoe trip or a stay at the end of the Gunflint Trail you must include a trip North on your 2012 Bucket List.

     The lakes are frozen but will be liquid once again before we know it.  We can reserve your BWCA canoe camping permit beginning January 25th but there's no need to worry if you don't have your canoe trip dates determined at that time.  There will still be plenty of permits available throughout the entire summer.

     Our cabins are booking up quite nicely for the summer of 2012.  There are still plenty of weeks open for you and your family to enjoy time at the edge of the Boundary Waters at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Call today to reserve your place in the woods.

     We're wishing you the best in 2012 and we're hoping you'll include us in your New Year's Resolutions.

     The 2012 Boundary Waters Permit Reservation process begins online on January 25th, 2012.  We can take your reservation any time prior to the BWCA permit season opening, just get us your information and we'll take care of it.

     There will be no lottery for BWCA entry point permits on the Gunflint Trail this year so we'll make all permit reservations on the 25th of January.  If you know your entry date and entry point then we can process your reservation now.  The number of people in the group, the exit date and exit point are all estimated so we just need the basic information to take care of your reservation for a Boundary Waters permit.

     We're looking forward to being a part of your BWCA canoe camping trip so give us a call today. 1-888-CANOEIT or visit http://www.canoeit.com

     At the Fall USFS Boundary Waters Cooperator meeting the officials told the outfitters there was no longer going to be a lottery for BWCA permits.  Their decision to get rid of the lottery was based upon availability of permits after the lottery.  There were  plenty of permits left long after the lottery with the exception of five BWCA entry points.

     There will only be a lottery for Moose Lake entry points F, G & 25 and Fall Lake entry points D & 24.  These BWCA entry point permits are often gone after the lottery and people were concerned about the ability of the reservation program to handle the large number of permit applications at the first opportunity to reserve permits.  

     A trial of the reservation process was conducted and results were not what was expected.  In order to make this year's BWCA permit reservation process go smoothly there will still be a lottery for those Boundary Waters permits most in demand on Fall and Moose Lake.
  
     All other entry point permits will be reserved on a first come first served basis.  The lottery will begin on December 19th and end on January 19th with the lottery ran on the 20th.  Regular BWCA permit application season opens on the 25th of January at 9am Central.  

     We'll take your reservation at Voyageur anytime you're ready and can reserve your BWCA permit too.

     While we're still thigh deep in snow at the end of the Gunflint Trail some day summer will be here.  It's been snowing off and on at Voyageur Canoe Outfittters all day long and I don't mind because next weekend is the 5th Annual Mush for a Cure a Sled Dog FUNdraiser on the Gunflint Trail.  Last year it was more like the slush for a cure so we're completely content that winter is lasting this March.

     If you didn't receive Voyageur Canoe Outfitter's E-mail Newsletter/Ezine last week then you missed out.  Take the time today to sign up or make sure to put mailer@infusionmail.com and vco@canoeit.com on your white list.  You can read it online if you want to on our website.

     The USFS announced last week Reserve America lowered the processing fee for a Boundary Waters permit.  The User Fees for the BWCA are still $16/adult and $8/youth.  There are still plenty of BWCA permits available for paddling this summer so give us a call and we'll get you're permit reserved for you.

     It's that time of year when people are starting their canoe trip planning.  The phone is ringing with questions about Boundary Waters permits and people wanting to buy Boundary Waters maps.  Maybe the snow and cold weather are keeping people inside and they can't help but think of warmer days ahead.  We don't care why they are calling, we're just happy they are.

     One question we get asked when people are doing their canoe trip planning is, "When is the best time to come to the BWCA?"  This is a good question and thankfully if they are wanting to come canoeing we can eliminate half of the months when the lakes are frozen. 

     The paddling season in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness generally begins the first week in May and extends into October.  The temperatures vary considerably as do the water levels, fishing and bugs.  These things are closely related to when the ice goes off and what sort of weather we've been experiencing.

     It would be nice to say, "The ice goes off the lakes on May 2nd, the lake trout start biting on the 15th, the walleye bite begins on the 22nd, the mosquitos arrive on the 25th, the black flies begin on June 4th, the smallmouth bass start hitting on June 10th and so on and so forth.  Unfortunately that isn't how it works and we must say things like, "Our ice on Saganaga usually goes off the first week of May, but one time we still had ice on the fishing opener and another time we were able to use a boat during ice fishing season." 

    Canoe trip planning involves alot of things.  If you have questions you can feel free to call or email us.  Check out our list offrequently asked questions   and with a little luck and a little help from us, you'll plan the perfect canoe trip.

     It's been cold and snowy in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness but I still can't quit thinking about a wilderness canoe trip.  There are so many lakes to camp and paddle in and I only have to catch a glimpse of a map to start dreaming about where I'll canoe this summer.
      Dreaming of and planning a canoe trip are two different things.  If you want to take a BWCA canoe trip this summer then just give us a call at Voyageur, 1-888-CANOEIT. We can help you plan the route, reserve the permit and get you set up with all of the gear you need.
      We're trying to help another group of people plan a different kind of canoe trip this summer.  Voyageur Canoe Outfitter crew members Andrew Spaeth, Adam Maxwell, Mike Swenson along with Ranger Janice Matichuk's son Leif are planning to paddle from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay.  We're not quite as familiar with the lakes and rivers of the area in Canada but we're very excited to be a part of their trip.
     Every canoe camping trip is an adventure whether it's in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Quetico Park or the vast wilderness of Canada.  We get excited to help everyone plan their trip because it's such an awesome experience.  So, don't delay, give us a call today so we can start planning your 2011 BWCA trip.

     The days are short and the nights are long in the BWCA as we approach the winter solstice.  A couple of nights of 20 degrees below zero temperatures and I'm still thinking about camping.  Not only winter camping in the Boundary Waters but also summer canoe trips into the BWCA.  It's never too early to start planning your next Boundary Waters canoe trip and now you can even reserve your BWCA permits.
    

     The lottery for BWCA permit reservations began on December 1^st and will be open until January 15^th, 2011. In order to reserve a Boundary Waters permit the entry date and entry point is needed while the number of people in the group and days of the trip can be estimated until the date of arrival. Permits can only be reserved online during the lottery and up until February 1st when phone reservations will then be accepted. (877-444-6777)

     We can reserve your BWCA permit for you or you can reserve your permit and choose to pick it up at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.  Make sure you select us as the BWCA permit issuing station or let the reservation specialist on the telephone know your preference. 

     Winter campers in the Boundary Waters don't need to make permit reservations in advance.  You just have to fill out a self-issuing permit found at the entry point and be prepared for those below zero temperatures.
 

     Now that October is here a Boundary Waters permit reservation is no longer needed.  Self-issue BWCA permits are available to fill out at the BWCA entry points but no reservation or payment is needed. 
     That's just one of the great things about paddling the Boundary Waters in October.  One look at this week's forecast for the BWCA had me jumping for joy and trying to juggle my schedule so I can get out on another Boundary Waters canoe trip. 
     The forecast calls for temperatures in the 60's and sunny skies.  Sounds perfect for canoe camping in the wilderness.  I love to sit at a BWCA campsite and enjoy the fall scenery and smells that surround me.
     We had canoe groups out paddling the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park this past weekend.  They enjoyed the sunshine, solitude and good fishing that October has brought.  It's not every week a forecast in October looks this favorable for canoeing the BWCA so you need to take advantage of this rare opportunity.
     We're still open for business at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and we'd love to see you at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Call us today 1-888-CANOEIT and plan your canoe trip or resort stay, but hurry, this beautiful weather won't last long.

After already booking a six day/five night trip for August on the Ely, I got a Facebook message with the Voyager newsletter advertising peaceful, beautiful trips on the Gunflint side. Ely has always been our starting point, but when I couldn't get the thought of trying something new out of my head, we did the spontaneous and booked a second trip, a four day/three night trip out of Poplar/Lizz Lake to Horseshoe Lake to follow our six day/five night trip with only a one day layover in between to do laundry! When we arrived at Voyageur after our drive down and around from Ely, we were exhausted from our previous trip and not sure we were ready to tackle another one. Even after checking-in and getting our permit and canoe-rental squared away, we weren't sure we hadn't gotten ourselves in over our head. It wasn't until we were settled into our bunkhouse cabin for the night that we realized this was going to be a lot of fun! And what a treat for us! My husband, two kids (ages 3.5 and 2), and I, after a hearty Voyageur-served pancake breakfast, convoyed with the "canoe guy" out to the entry point. We entered at Poplar Lake and paddled/portaged easily to Horseshoe Lake. We ended up with a perfect campsite in the middle of a grove of pine trees so sheltered, you couldn't hardly tell it was a site when looking at it from the lake, but not so sheltered as to prevent good wind circulation and nice views of the lake. We spent three nights at that site with a day trip to Vista Lake and a day trip to explore the full length of Horseshoe. Couldn't have asked for a better trip! Kids had a blast! Two-year old daughter couldn't stop leaning over the canoe to splash in the water (see picture). Three-half-year old son wanted to constantly explore. Beautiful sunny weather, not-too-hot/not-too-cold temperatures, wind that made it a challenge to paddle but kept the bugs away, quality time with my family, and most of all precious memories for me to take with me as I head to Afghanistan mid-Oct for a year! It was completely depressing to have to leave so soon but guess where I'm planning to spend my mid-deployment leave next summer?! Yep... this Soldier's going to be R&Ring in the BWCA! Thanks Voyageur for being a part of our great time!

Name: Tanya Bindernagel
City: Clarksville
State: Tennessee
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     In addition to rainfall the beavers play an important role in the water level of Larch Creek.  This year there were only four beaver dams to navigate over or around while some years there are more.  Getting out of and back into the canoe can be tricky on these muddy stick towers as it is easy to sink up to your knees in muck on either side of the dam.  I've even been surprised by a mouse making it's way across a beaver dam one time.  Beaver chewed sticks float on the creek and submerged stumps sometimes act as obstacles.
     I remembered discussing the differences between a beaver dam and a beaver lodge with my niece as we paddled this Boundary Waters route when she was just five years old.  She insisted the dams were lodges and the lodges were dams.  The problem with arguing with a five year old is you begin to sound like a five year old yourself.  I ended the argument by telling her she could only speak if she was going to help paddle and if she wasn't paddling then she couldn't speak.  It was a quiet paddle after that.
     Yesterday wildlife was scarce on this BWCA creek.  A few painted turtles plopped into the water as I paddled by, one swam beneath the canoe and another shared its log with me as I attempted to shimmy the canoe over it.  Dragonflies flittered about letting the sunshine reflect off of their delicate wings.  A wood duck took to flight as I rounded one of the last curves of the creek and chickadees could be heard singing their familiar song.
     As the creek opened up into Larch Lake lily pads waved and welcomed me.  The Ham Lake Fire of 2007 ravaged the area but saved the most beautiful BWCA campsite on the island of this lake.  Towering pines still stood and large rock outcroppings stretched into the surrounding wilderness waters.  Nestled amongst the pine trees on this island one would never know a fire had past this way.  The open space on this BWCA campsite is perfect for multiple tent sites and there's plenty of space to spread out for privacy.  From the shores of this island fishing could be good with the rocks and weeds interspersed.
     Elevation is seen on the hills surrounding Larch Lake.  I could picture it in my mind as it looked when I paddled this BWCA route for the first time with my niece years ago.  Pine trees had shrouded the shorelines and one could only guess what the terrain was really like.
     I paddled to the creek that flows into Clove Lake and portaged the 25 yards along it.  Clove connects to the Granite River another popular Boundary Waters canoe route.  Jack Pines line the portage of every shape and size.  It's a flat easy portage with decent landings on both ends of the trail.  
     There are three Boundary Waters campsites in Larch Lake.  One is tucked into a bay directly to the right of the mouth of Larch Creek when it flows into the lake.  This wilderness campsite has tall pines surrounding it with nice elevation directly behind it.  The other campsite that is closest to the portage into Clove is carpeted with jack pines.  Small trees are growing everywhere except in the fire ring and one spot for a tent behind it.  The bald rock in front of the fire ring is a perfect place to watch the sun rise and set.
     The lake contains northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye.  The only fish I caught was a small northern while I dragged a crayfish lure behind my canoe.  The water level is low this year and I think the fishing would be easier with more water.  Weeds were abundant and it was difficult to troll without catching weeds.
     It took me about an hour to get to Larch Lake via the creek and only a half of an hour to get back out.  On the way in I stopped to take photos and carefully made my way over beaver dams.  On the way back I walked barefoot on the beaver dams and didn't worry if I slipped into the muck on either side of the dam.  I paddled hard for a work out and to see how quickly one could navigate the narrow creek.
     As I looked at the shoreline I saw Tamarack trees.  It finally dawned on me why it was called Larch Creek and Larch Lake.  Larch is the other name used to identify Tamarack trees.  It's a beautiful pine tree that loses it's needle and is one of my favorites in the fall.  
     Before long I could see the tower at the Guard Station and the roofs of the buildings signaling the end of my canoe trip.  I know I will return to Larch Lake again as it's always a nice route for a day or a stay.