Since July 23rd, the Forest Service has been reopening temporarily closed recreation areas and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) entry points from the early July wildfires. Currently, over 1,600 BWCAW campsites and 2,930,000 acres of the 3 million acres of the Superior National Forest are open.
The following areas are adjusted in the updated Phase 9-Exhibit A List and Exhibit B Map, available on the Superior National Forest’s Alert website, BWCAW Phased Re-opening and Wildfire Emergency Closure Issued for Affected Recreation Sites.
National Forest System land along the northern portion of the Echo Trail remains closed to use. Please note while the Echo Trail is open, travelers are reminded to use caution and expect delays as wildfire operations continue along the corridor.
- BWCAW Entry Point #D–Fall Lake-Newton-Pipestone Bay (Fall Lake and Beyond) Kawishiwi Ranger District, will reopen for day use to visitors effective Saturday, Aug. 29.
- BWCAW Entry Point #12–Little Vermilion Lake, LaCroix Ranger District, will reopen for day use only, effective Tuesday, Sept. 1.
The following recreation areas will open on September 1, 2026:
- Lake Jeanette Campground, boat launch and backcountry sites
- Nels Lake boat launch and backcountry sites
The following entry points are cancelled through Sept. 7: 12–Little Vermillion Lake (overnight paddle and motor), 12A– Lac LaCroix Only (overnight paddle and motor), 13–Herriman Trail, 20–Angleworm Lake, 21–Angleworm Trail, 22–Mudro Lake Restricted, 23–Mudro Lake, 24–Fall Lake (overnight paddle and motor), 71–From Canada
The following entry points are cancelled through the quota permit season on Sept. 30: 11–Blandin Trail, 14–Little Indian Sioux River North, 15–Sioux-Hustler Trail, 19–Moose/Portage River North, and 19–Stuart River. These areas were directly impacted by the wildfires and need maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure they are accessible to visitors.
The Forest Service reminds the public that if wildfire activity increases, reopening plans may be adjusted. Protecting both the public and firefighting personnel remains the highest priority.
