Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permit reservations available at end of January

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - For those dreaming of summer days in the Boundary Waters, there is good news.

Permit reservations will be up for grabs at the end of January.

On Monday, the U.S. Forest Service announced those permits will be available beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits from May 1 through Sept. 30 can be reserved.

Visitors can book those reservations on the website: Recreation.gov-BWCAW or by calling: 1-877-444-6777.

Before booking the trip, Superior National Forest managers encourage visitors to:

• Visit the Superior National Forest and the BWCAW websites prior to traveling.
• Thoroughly review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide and carefully consider whether a primitive wilderness trip is the best option for your group. A unique backcountry experience with no permit reservations or visitor use fees may be an option by checking out any of the 265 backcountry campsites.
• Plan at least three travel options (dates and entry points) before making a reservation.
• Reserve only the permit(s) you can use. Choose an entry point that fits your skill level and a trip date that works for your schedule.
• When a permit holder makes multiple reservations in their name on the same entry date or has overlapping reservations, the Forest Service will cancel all but one permit without notification. A group leader can only lead one trip at a time.
• Do your homework. Look online for route planning guidebooks, trip ideas and information. You can also contact local outfitters, guides, resorts or cooperator permit issuing stations. Refer to the back page of the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide for more information.

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