Boundary Waters closure extension + how to help

July 27, 2026 closure update:
Parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will reopen for day and overnight use.

A partial reopening of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is starting Thursday, July 30.
Forty-one entry points in the central and eastern portions of the Wilderness will reopen for day and overnight use.
The Phase 2 list includes all the same entry points as Phase 1 and adds several entry points in Lake and Cook Counties. There is only one entry point reopening in St. Louis County: Trout Lake (day-use, motor-only). Day-use motor is also opening on Seagull and Saganaga Lakes in Cook County.
All other entry points will stay closed while multiple wildfires continue to burn in the area. Permits for these entry points have been canceled from July 30 through August 3.

The following entry points are being reopened:

Gunflint Ranger District

43 Bower Trout Lake
44 Ram Lake
45 Morgan Lake
47 Lizz and Swamp Lakes
48 Meeds Lake
49 Skipper and Portage Lakes
50 Cross River
51 Missing Link Lake
52 Brant Lake
58 South Lake
59 Partridge/South Lake Trail
60 Duncan Lake
61 Daniels Lake
62 Clearwater Lake
64 East Bearskin Lake
66 Crocodile River
68 Pine Lake
69 John Lake
70 North Fowl Lake
78 Brule Lake Trail
79 Eagle Mountain Trail
81 Border Route Trail (west)
82 Border Route Trail (center)
83 Border Route Trail (east)
J Saganaga Lake (Day Use Motor)
K Seagull Lake (Day Use Motor)
L Clearwater Lake (Day Use Motor)
M East Bearskin (Day Use Motor)

Kawishiwi Ranger District

33 Little Gabbro Lake
All other entry points remain closed within the BWCAW

LaCroix Ranger District

A Trout Lake (Day Use Motor)
All other entry points remain closed within the BWCAW

Tofte Ranger District

34 Island River
35 Isabella Lake
36 Hog Creek
37 Kawishiwi Lake
38 Sawbill Lake
39 Baker Lake
40 Homer Lake
41 Brule Lake
67 Bog Lake
75 Little Isabella River
84 Snake River

Map of Phase 2 closure area.

Photo: Nate Ptacek

How to support Ely, Grand Marais, other Wilderness-edge communities, and the Boundary Waters right now:

Donate to local nonprofits

Many local nonprofits provide essential services, preserve the area’s natural resources, support arts and education, or serve residents of all ages. Financial contributions can help them continue their work during a challenging season. Organizations to consider include:

Ely Community Resource: Youth programs, community education, and outdoor experiences can help local families in transition or crisis. Donate here.
Ely Area Food Shelf: Support the Ely Area Food Shelf to help alleviate hunger for residents. Donate here.
Contented Critters: Send donations to help support food donations, pet boarding, air filters for the facility, and more! Learn more.
The Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. Donate here.
Northwoods Partners: Support community elders and their caregivers in the Ely area. Donate here.
Voyageur Outward Bound School Emergency Relief Fund. Learn more here.
YMCA Northern Wildfires Camp Relief Efforts. Donate here.

Support local businesses

Many businesses rely heavily on summer tourism. Outfitters, restaurants, lodging providers, retailers, guides, artists, and other small businesses may experience significant financial impacts from fire-related closures, smoke conditions, or canceled travel plans.

If you’re able to help, consider:

Shopping online from local stores.
Booking a future stay or guided trip.
Not asking for a refund for existing trips.
Ordering products from Ely businesses.
Sharing your favorite local businesses on social media.
Purchasing gift cards to use later.
Visiting when conditions improve

Looking for other ways to get outside right now?

Here are a few ideas for outdoor experiences with great paddling opportunities outside of the Boundary Waters. Be sure to always check for safety and weather conditions before you go.

Visit Voyageurs National Park:
Located along the Minnesota-Canadian border, the state's only national park was established in 1975. Four large lakes make up most of the national park: Rainy Lake (Gojiji-zaaga'igan), Kabetogama Lake (Gaa-biitoogamaag-zaaga'igan), Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. They are all part of the Rainy River watershed, which has headwaters in the Boundary Waters and flows north into Hudson Bay.

Superior National Forest:
Offers many types of campsites and countless lakes to suit a wide range of interests across its 3.9 million acres. Many sites include lake access for boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Camping options include fee campgrounds, group campgrounds, primitive campgrounds, and backcountry campsites. You can also find dispersed camping options which don’t require a permit or reservation and are free! Check out which option best fits your interests.

Benson Lake, George C. Manitou State Park:
Has four remote carry-in campsites with non-motorized boat access. When you're done on the water, stroll the scenic 1-mile loop around the lake. You can also explore other park trails, including the dramatic Manitou River hike. Campsites require a reservation.

Bear Head State Park:
Is located about 20 miles southwest of Ely. Although the lake is open to motorized boats, it’s a larger lake with plenty of quiet bays and miles of shoreline to explore by canoe. The park also has a great beach and wilderness-like hiking trails. Much like the Boundary Waters, it is part of the boreal forest and filled with birch, tall white and red pines. Multiple types of campsites that can be reserved.

Wilderness-edge communities are resilient and rely on people power to thrive. Thank you for supporting the places you love.