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BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

March 15 2024

Entry Point 40 - Homer Lake

Homer Lake entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Tofte Ranger Station near the city of Tofte, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 33 miles. Access is a boat landing at Homer Lake. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1825 feet
Latitude: 47.9043
Longitude: -90.6605
Homer Lake - 40

Homer Lake '07

by Airrick13
Trip Report

Entry Date: July 21, 2007
Entry Point: Homer Lake
Number of Days: 3
Group Size: 3

Trip Introduction:
Myself, My wife, and my little sister wanted to give the boundary Waters a try, and after this experience we are all hooked.

Day 1 of 3


Saturday, July 21, 2007 We stayed Thursday night in Superior, WI., so we only had about a two hour drive to our entry point. The advantage of Entry point 40 is that you don't have to start with a portage. Unload your truck, load you canoe and you are off. The paddle across large Homer Lake was by far the most dull part of the trip. about half way across the lake there are slightly submerged boulders that you need to watch out for. The wind and fire damage around this part of the BWCAW is substantial, so much of the lake edge seams very barin. We had our first portage experience from Homer Lake into Whack Lake. The trail was moderately well maintained. From Whack Lake after a detour and backtrack do to miss reading the shoreline and map we portaged to Vern Lake. Vern Lake was by far the most scenic location. The long narrow lake seemed to have been missed by much of the blowdown of '99. Our first night's camp site was on the west shore on Vern Lake. The sloped rock beach made it easy to park and unload our canoe. The campsite was very clean, and the fire pit was bordered by log benches that over look the lake. We had one large tent, and that was all that would fit at this campsite. One could put two very small tents if necessary. After a little fishing and giving the thick mosquitoes and dinner snack we called it a night.

 



Day 2 of 3


Sunday, July 22, 2007 We elected to not break camp and to spend the day exploring Vern Lake. Our adventure lead us down the vern river towards the Pipe Lakes until we hit the first rapids. Under the rapids my little sister hooked a nice walleye. I could imagine this is a very common walleye hole. If you are in the area be sure to drop a line here. After our catch we made our way back to camp and prepared for diner, trying to get our meal in before dusk so that we wouldn't be the main course for all the mosquitoes again. After a relaxing day, we slept well dreaming of what next years trip will bring.

 



Day 3 of 3


Monday, July 23, 2007 We awoke with an ambitious travel schedule ahead of us. We broke camp late, but enjoyed our breakfast and company. For the return route we decided to follow the Vern River back and take the southern loop back to Homer Lake. All the portages were well maintained and were rather short. The paddle across Homer Lake was a struggle, but the end was always in site. We arrived back at our vehicle and got ready to make our way back to civilization.

 


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