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BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

March 18 2024

Entry Point 62 - Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (10 HP max). This entry point is supported by Gunflint Ranger Station near the city of Grand Marais, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 33 miles. Motors allowed on Clearwater Lake only. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1673 feet
Latitude: 48.0702
Longitude: -90.3752
Clearwater Lake - 62

First BWCA trip!

by Chross16
Trip Report

Entry Date: June 23, 2013
Entry Point: Clearwater Lake
Number of Days: 4
Group Size: 2

Trip Introduction:
This was my first trip to the BWCA. I went with an experienced paddler and close friend to reconnect with Creation and continue to cultivate a lasting friendship.

Report


We started our trip from Clearwater Lodge on Clearwater lake. We spent the night before our first day in the BWCA at this lodge and really enjoyed the hospitality. Our first day was full of sunshine and warm weather. We paddled east to the first portage into Caribou Lake. This was my first real portage and was not really sure what to expect. I have done quite a bit of camping and backpacking and was pleasantly surprised at how well it went. We paddled into little caribou and then south into pine. We knew that we had a gnarly portage in front of us from Pine into Canoe. We decided since we were still quite fresh and able to give it a go that we would tackle it our first day. It was one of the more difficult experiences I have had in the wilderness. I would do it again but I think I would take multiple trips. We ended up doing that portage in one trip and it was a toughie! We spent the first night on Canoe. We spent the second day hiking in the area and visiting Johnson Falls. This was a pretty awesome sight to see. Check it out if you get the chance! We spent the second night on Alder. This was my favorite lake of the trip. We spent the next day fishing on Alder and enjoying all it has to offer. We paddled our last day north back to Caribou. We had a hot shower and cold beer at the Lodge after a great trip! Would do it again in a heart beat.