The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness v0.1
The BWCAW is a nearly 1.1 million acre roadless wilderness reserve in Minnesota's
Superior National Forest. The wilderness area consists of hundreds of lakes and
streams interconnected by rugged hiking trails known as portages that wind
narrowly through dense the conifer forest.
Accessible by paddling & portaging small watercraft (namely canoes) and gear
deep into the wild, the area boasts some of the most pristine wildernes conditions
known. The BWCAW borders Canada and the Quetico Provincial Park, and is part
of the greater near-boreal forests of North America.
Historically the reigon was occupied by the Sioux who were later displaced by the
Ojibwe peoples. Western fur traders came to the reigon in the 18th century and
used many of the canoe portage routes used by both prehistoric and modern
travelers alike. Although many protections were in place as early as 1926 the
reigon did not become the BWCAW proper until the mid 60s. Today the BWCAW
is the most visited protected wilderness area in the US.
Legend:
Entry Point:
Portage Trail:
Campsite
Hiking Trails::
Portage Trailhead
Borders:
This map was assembled with the intent to provide as much of the data available
in commercial maps in one place, and for free of course. At wide view the map
definitely looks cluttered but, I've included as much data as possible and tried to
keep things organized in a way that should give users the ability to navigate easily
once zoomed in.
The map contains campsites, portage endpoints and tracks, BWCAW borders &
roadless areas, and hiking trails. Each of the features can be enabled and disabled
in the My Places hierarchy. For lake names enable the layer Points of interest >
Geographic Features > Water Bodies.
In future releases I hope to improve the resolution of trails and tweak accuracy of
sites and portages. I also hope to add individual tiles for each of the official maps,
historic and prehistoric site markers, as well as historic rail and logging road
locations. I also hope to assemble a sister map containing Quetico data. Its an
ongoing effort, check back to www.polymetric.net for newer versions.
Please contact me if you have questions comments or would like to report flaws.
This Work is provided free of charge by Polymetric.net, http://www.polymetric.net/
DO NOT RELY ON THIS MAP for trip planning or use in the BWCAW.
This map may be (and likely is) incomplete or incorrect.
Use official BWCAW maps.
Polymetric.net offers absolutely no warranty or guarantee of accuracy for the
data contained here in.
Polymetric.net assumes absolutely no liability for persons who chose to use the
data contained herein.
This work is copy written (C)2009 by Polymetric.net. Use and redistribution is
strictly limited to non-commercial purposes. Commercial redistribution of any kind is
strictly prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted.
Polymetric.net (C)2009
Sources:
Campsite & portage waypoints, and portage track data were sourced from:
http://w3.cs.jmu.edu/arch/hobbies/camp/maps/
Trail data was simply eyeballed from Google Earth using low res maps found at:
http://www.kek.org/maps/maps.html
Bwcaw Perimeter and Roadless area data were sourced from:
http://www.friends-bwca.org/visit/bwcaw/google-earth/
Entry Point description (source pending) From a kmz on some forum or blog I found searching google a while ago...Author is currently unknown, but special thanks.
See also Wkipedia
See also bwcaw.org

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Borders

Primitive Management Areas

Weeny Lake PMA #1

Weeny Lake PMA Zone #1

Weeny Lake PMA Zone #2

Weeny Lake PMA Zone #3

Canthook Lake PMA #2

Canthook Lake PMA Zone #1

Canthook Lake PMA Zone #2

Canthook Lake PMA Zone #3

Sundial Lake PMA #3

Sundal Lake PMA Zone #1

Sundal Lake PMA Zone #2

Sundal Lake PMA Zone #3

Tick Lake PMA #4

Tick Lake PMA Zone #1

Tick Lake PMA Zone #2

Spider Lake PMA #5

Spider Lake PMA Zone #1

Spider Lake PMA Zone #3

Spider Lake PMA Zone #4

Drag Lake PMA #6

Drag Lake PMA Zone #1

Drag Lake PMA Zone #2

Drag Lake PMA Zone #3

Pitfall Lake PMA #7

Pitfall Lake PMA Zone #1

Pitfall Lake PMA Zone #2

Pitfall Lake PMA Zone #3

Mugwump Lake PMA #8

Mugwump Lake PMA Zone #1

Mugwump Lake PMA Zone #2

Mugwump Lake PMA Zone #3

Humpback Lake PMA #9

Humpback Lake PMA Zone #1

Humpback Lake PMA Zone #2

Humpback Lake PMA Zone #3

Hairy Lake PMA #10

Hairy Lake PMA Zone #1

Hairy Lake PMA Zone #2

Hairy Lake PMA Zone #3

Fungus Lake PMA #12

Fungus Lake PMA Zone #1

Fungus Lake PMA Zone #2

Fungus Lake PMA Zone #3

Weasel Lake PMA Zone #2

Weasel Lake PMA #11

Weasel Lake PMA Zone #1

Trout Lake unit

Vento unit

BWCAW

Path Measure

Entry Points

BWCAW Entry Point 1
#1 Trout Lake
Method of travel is motor or paddle. 25 h.p. motor maximum. Access is from Lake Vermilion via a 60-rod canoe portage or a 180-rod portage, which allows the use of portage wheels. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

BWCAW Entry Point 4
#4 Crab Lake and Cummings Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is 4 miles across Burntside Lake boat landing with a 360 rod portage to Crab Lake. Several trip options with additional portaging. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

BWCAW Entry point 6
#6 Slim Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 90 rod portage to Slim Lake. Portages to three additional lakes. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

BWCAW Entry Point 7
#7 From Big Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access LaPond Lake with a 160 rod portage from Big Lake. Limited trip options. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#8 Moose River (south of the Echo Trail)
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing and three portages to enter Big Moose Lake. Limited trip options. NOTE. Use EP #16 for Moose River travel NORTH of the Echo Trail. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

#9 Little Indian Sioux River (south of the Echo Trail)
Method of travel is paddle. Difficult route. Storm impacted areas. NOTE: Use EP #14 for Little Indian Sioux travel NORTH of the Echo Trail. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

BWCA Entry Point 12 and 12A
#12 Little Vermilion Lake
Method of travel is motor or paddle. Enter from Crane Lake. NOTE: This is NOT the entry point for Trout Lake (EP#1). Trip options for paddlers with additional portages. On US side motors are only allowed up to edge of Snow Bay on Lac LaCroix. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.
#12A Lac LaCroix only (from Little Vermilion Lake)
Method of travel is motor or paddle. Enter from Crane Lake. Must camp all nights on Lac LaCroix (day trips to other lakes are permitted). Very difficult to reach Lac LaCroix by paddle in one day. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

#14 Little Indian Sioux River (NORTH of the Echo Trail)
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 40-rod portage to the river. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.

#19 Stuart River
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 480 rod portage to the Stuart River. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#20 Angleworm Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access Angleworm Lake with a 640 rod portage. Some trip options with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#23 Mudro Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Three accesses into Mudro Lake involve portages ranging from 20 to 185 rods. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#25 Moose Lake
Method of travel is paddle or motor. Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit (25 h.p. maximum). Many trip options for paddlers with additional portages. Access to Basswood for motors or paddlers with a 20 rod portage. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#24 Fall Lake
Method of travel is paddle or motor. Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit (25 h.p. maximum). Many trip options for paddlers with additional portages. Access to Basswood for motors or paddlers with a 20 rod portage. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#26 Wood Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access to Wood Lake is a 180 rod portage. Several trip options with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#27 Snowbank Lake
Method of travel is paddle or motor. Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. 25 horse power motor limit on wilderness portion of Snowbank Lake, paddle only beyond. Many trip options for paddlers. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#29 North Kawishiwi River
Method of travel is paddle. Access the North Kawishiwi River through Ojibway Lake and Triangle Lake utilizing two portages. Several trip options available with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#30 Lake One
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Lake One. Many trip options available with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#31 Farm Lake
Method of travel is paddle or motor. Access is a boat landing on Farm Lake with access to South Farm. 25 h.p motor limit. Paddlers access North Kawishiwi from Farm Lake. Some trip options available for paddlers with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#32 South Kawishiwi River
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 140-rod portage to the river. Some trip options available with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#33 Little Gabbro Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 200-rod portage from the parking lot to Little Gabbro Lake. Several trip options available with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#34 Island River
Method of travel is paddle. Island River has two small portages, which lead to the Isabella River. There are many portages and a few rapids along the Isabella River. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#35 Isabella Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 35 rod portage to the lake. Some trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#36 Hog Creek
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 15-rod portage to Hog Creek then paddle the small creek to Perent Lake. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#37 Kawishiwi Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Kawishiwi Lake. Some trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger District in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#52 Brant Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Round Lake with two 85-rod portages to Brant Lake. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

BWCAW Entry Point 54 and 54A
#54 Seagull Lake
iMethod of travel is paddle or motor. 10 h.p. motor limit. Motors not allowed (use or possession) west of Three Mile Island. Large lake with several campsites. Access is a boat landing at Seagull lake. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.
#54A Seagull Lake ONLY
Method of travel is paddle. Use only after EP #54 is full. Access is a boat landing at Seagull Lake. Must camp ALL nights on Seagull (day trips to other lake are permitted). Large lake with several campsites. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#55 Saganaga Lake
Method of travel is paddle or motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. Motors not allowed (use or possession) west of American Point. Access to Canada (the Crownland and Quetico Park). Huge lake with many campsites and easy access. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#57 Magnetic Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access Magnetic Lake and Granite River from Gunflint Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750

#68 Pine Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access through McFarland Lake with a 2-rod portage. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#69 John Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access from Little John Lake with a 10-rod portage to John Lake. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#70 North Fowl Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access from Little John with an 88-rod and a 160-rod portage to get to North Fowl Lake. Border lake between U.S. and Canada. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#75 Little Isabella River
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 20-rod portage to the Little Isabella River. Several short portages before you reach the Isabella River. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#77 South Hegman Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is an 80-rod portage to South Hegman. Trip options with additional portages. For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.

#80 Larch Creek
Method of travel is paddle. Access from the canoe landing at Larch Creek. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#84 Snake River
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 160-rod portage to the river and several short portages before reaching Bald Eagle Lake. For more information, please contact the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#51 Missing Link Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a canoe landing at Round Lake with a 142-rod portage to Missing Link. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#50 Cross Bay Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is through the Cross River with a 50 and a 40-rod portage to Ham Lake and a 24 rod portage to Cross Bay Lake. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#58 South Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is from Gunflint Lake with a 10 mile paddle and two short portages to South Lake.. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#60 Duncan Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is from West Bearskin Lake with a 70-rod portage to Duncan Lake and an 80-rod to Stairway Portage. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#61 Daniels Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is from West Bearskin Lake with a 60 rod portage to Daniels Lake and a 665 rod portage to Rose Lake For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#62 Clearwater Lake
Method of travel is paddle or motor. 10 h.p. maximum. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750

#64 East Bearskin Lake
Method of travel is paddle or motor. 25 h.p. motor limit. No motors on Alder or Canoe Lakes. Many trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750

#44 Ram Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 160-rod portage from the parking area. Some trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#45 Morgan Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 320-rod portage to Morgan Lake. No campsites on Morgan Lake. Must do short portages to further lakes for campsites. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#47 Lizz and Swamp Lakes
Method of travel is paddle. Access from Poplar Lake into Lizz and Swamp Lakes only. Many options for trips with additional portages. NOTE: For entry at Meeds Lake see Entry Point #48. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#48 Meeds Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access from Poplar Lake into Meeds Lake with a 220 rod portage. Many options for trips with additional portages. NOTE: For entry at Lizz and Swamp Lakes see Entry Point #47. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#49 Skipper and Portage Lakes
Method of travel is paddle. Access from Poplar Lake (320-rod portage) or Iron Lake (230 rod portage). For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

#43 Bower Trout Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a 72-rod portage from small parking area into Bower Trout. Some trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at (218)387-1750.

BWCAW Entry Point 41 and 41A
#41 Brule Lake
Method of travel is paddle. The access is a boat landing at Brule Lake. Large lake with many campsites. Several trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.
#41A Brule Lake ONLY
Method of travel is paddle. The access is a boat landing at Brule Lake. Large lake with many campsites. Must camp all nights on Brule Lake (day trips to other lakes are permitted). For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#40 Homer Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a boat landing at Homer Lake. Some trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#39 Baker Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a boat landing at Baker Lake with a 10 rod portage into Peterson lake to reach the first campsite. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

#38 Sawbill Lake
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a boat landing at Sawbill Lake. Several trip options with additional portages. For more information, please call the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte at 218-663-7280.

Campsites

Waypoints

Portages

Tracks

bwca

Portage

Portage 001

Portage 002

Portage 003

Trails

Snowbank Trail

Kekacabic Trail

Old Pines

Old Pines Trail Cont.

Benizi - Becoosin Trail

Roadless Areas

Big Lake/Portage River Unit

Baldpate Lake Unit

Eagle Mountain Unit

Agassa Lake Unit

Brule Mountain Unit

Cucumber Lake Unit

East Otter Lake Unit

Echo River Unit

Meander Lake Unit

Burntside Lake North Arm

Willow Creek Unit

Cabin Creek Unit

Urho Creek Unit

Wolf Lake Unit

Homer Lake Unit

Hog Lake Unit

Lima Mountain Unit

Mine Lake Unit

Mississippi Creek Unit

Picket Creek Unit

Gunflint Lake SE Unit

Magnetic Lake Unit

Seven Beaver Lake Unit

Lake Jeanette Unit

old rail?

Untitled Path

USGS Topography
60% Opacity

West

USGS topo map

Central

East

USGS Topography