Permits open up Jan 31
Boundary Waters entry permits will open up beginning January 31, 2018 for the coming summer season. You don’t have to be ready that day but if you plan to start your trip on a holiday weekend, fishing opener or the first week of August it can’t hurt to be in that first group. As always there are lots of good permits well into the season even up to a few days before your trip dates.
There are no changes in fees this year. BWCAW permits cost $6 to reserve (goes to Rec.gov) and the camping fee is $16 per adult and $8 per youth or discount card carrier. All camping fees go to the Forest Service and help maintain BWCAW.
Quetico Park Permits can be reserved 5 months prior to your start date or later. It’s a simpler system. Though there are many fewer permits to the Quetico it is not hard to get them with some planning. Quetico permits are more expensive but worth the price in our view for those who are looking for a bit more solitude, better fishing and more room to move.
We are happy to help our guests plan their trip and decide which entry point and route would be best for this year’s adventure. Give us a call and we can help with advice and permit reservations. We don’t charge to make permit reservations for guests who are renting gear from us. We are also able to issue BWCA permits at our location and can provide Quetico orientation too.
And as always the Rec.gov permit page is confusing and misleading…
https://www.recreation.gov/wildernessAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72600
There is no need to be in the lottery for any of the entries we use. The good news? The permit system is going to a new company next year.
218-388-2275
Dave