BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
January 05 2025
Entry Point 38 - Sawbill Lake
Sawbill 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 25 miles. Access is a boat landing at Sawbill Lake. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 11
Elevation: 1802 feet
Latitude: 47.8699
Longitude: -90.8858
Sawbill Lake - 38
Number of Permits per Day: 11
Elevation: 1802 feet
Latitude: 47.8699
Longitude: -90.8858
Sawbill Lake - 38
Adams Knife Loop
by PWS
Trip Report
Entry Date:
July 25, 2017
Entry Point:
Seagull Lake
Exit Point:
Saganaga Lake (J)
Number of Days:
10
Group Size:
2
Trip Introduction:
Followed the Adams Knife Loop described in the Boundary Waters Book.
Report
Entered Seagull lake and ended at American Point in Saganaga Lake where we were picked-up and shuttled to our exit point. Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters sent us the correct maps for our route, obtained all of our permits, outfitted us with a canoe and provided shuttle services from American Point. My husband, dog and I stayed at the outfitters before and after our trip; our experience with them was very positive. We were out for 10 days. The book said it could be done in 7 days but we made it a 10 day trip. Although we are experienced we wanted to add extra time time because we are older (62) and we had our dog with us, plus we had to account for possible weather delays. We spent 2 nights at our last campsite. Our total mileage includes water trail and portages was 83.37 miles. We can never do single portages, so this mileage accounts for double portages. I have a mileage chart and GPS route; if you are interested, please contact me pwstaver2@aol.com. Tripping suggestions: Use Thermal Cells, mosquito netting, bring binoculars and make sure you have your permits all in order - we were checked in the middle of nowhere. I plotted our route in Map Source using the book and BW maps. We had our maps as a backup but so glad we used the GPS as there are no signs posted to mark location of camp sites or portages. 
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