Yesterday, I purchased a permit for overnight stay in the BWCA. It'll be my second trip into the BW. It's just going to be me and my two kiddos. So, when I filled out the permit and it asked for # of adults and kids, I put 1 adult and 2 kids. After completing the form, I submitted it and said I needed to have a minimum of 2 adults. I corrected the form to show 2 adults and submitted it. It was approved.

My question is, it'll only be me and my 2 kids. i.e. only 1 adult. Is that going to be a problem when I get there and the see it's only me and not 2 adults?

Shouldn't be. Too reserve a permit online you need to pay for a minimum of two people/adults. That is why it prompted you.

No problem. When it's just me and my daughter I pull the permit as two adults, and then when I show up at the ranger station to get the permit I tell them it's one adult and one child, and they refund me the difference.

I don’t know why they require two adults. I run into the same thing when I solo, they require you to check two adults. I wish someone could explain this to me. They refund you the difference when you pick up your permit.

When I go on solo trips the system demands that I list and pay for 2 adults. At the ranger station, they will issue a credit for one adult. They've known about this for years. I think they just think if they charge a bit more for the reservation, people won't game the system by pulling more than they need.

Just tell the rangers when you get the permit, and have fun with your kids.

What if you've transferred your permit to an outfitter and plan to skip the ranger station?

Which is what I did for my solo....paid for two which I thought was bizarre, but it was the only way I could get the permit.

Every permit issuing station plays by the same rules, whether forest service or cooperating outfitter: the number actually going on the day of entry is the number for which you pay, whether that means adding or subtracting numbers, kids vs adults, or folks with senior passes. Best advice is to always reserve for 2 adults at online reservation time and settle the difference when you get there. No Idea why they need two...

(I sometimes will screw with them and reserve for 2 adults and 4 watercraft.)

I am sure it is just a glitch in the software and to fix it at government rates would require 3 trillion dollars so they just leave it as is and deal with the confusion otherwise a daily permit fee would go up to $4000 to cover the costs....

The two adult requirement is for our benefit. If two adults are listed on the permit (most groups have at least two adults) either one can pick up the permit. This allows groups to change some of its members without needing a new permit.

ClarkPeters: "The two adult requirement is for our benefit. If two adults are listed on the permit (most groups have at least two adults) either one can pick up the permit. This allows groups to change some of its members without needing a new permit."

Actually, you can list yourself and 3 alternates, but still initially pay for only 2. Then, any of the 4 listed can pick up the permit when numbers are settled. For a real solution, the reservation form could just be changed to charge $42 (or any other arbitrary deposit amount) and not bother to ask about numbers of participants until pickup time.

To add to the odd...
If you are a senior entering solo w/America the Beautiful Pass you claim yourself for the discount, plus the obligatory 2 adults. Excess refunded at issuance of a permit, of course.
Fun and games.

Schweady
(I sometimes will screw with them and reserve for 2 adults and 4 watercraft.)
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Lol, permit reservation humor! Love it. I can picture the bizarre look on the face of the person issuing your permit as they pass over that detail.