BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
August 30 2026
Entry Point 38 - Sawbill Lake
Number of Permits per Day: 11
Elevation: 1802 feet
Latitude: 47.8699
Longitude: -90.8858
Sawbill Lake - 38
Base Camping w/ Toddler
Entry Date:
August 25, 2026
Entry Point:
Sawbill Lake
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
7
Day 1: Gathered and camped at Sawbill Outfitters. Got camp set up in time prior to the rain hitting, and reorganized packs and supplies. Realized we needed to swap out one of the tents and were SUPREMELY grateful for the folks at the outfitters.
Day 2: Woke up and broke camp to rain. Picked up rentals, and got Duluth Packs loaded. My spouse twisted their ankle while loading the canoes, but walked it out a bit, and determined that the show must go on! The rain and wind continued as we made our way to the portage, but we had a little break between lakes and tucked to one side to get everyone fed. I can not stress enough the magic of uncrustables to anyone who may be bringing a kiddo to BWCA. Got onto Alton and were working our way through some chop and rain. First site we had hoped for was taken. Second we couldn't find an entry for/ thought it may have been blocked over by a beaver house (871.) We opted to keep circling instead of portaging to Kelso since we were concerned about number of opportunities. Next site down (869) ended up being a winner! Rain had let up at this point and we were able to set up and get things dried out a bit. Generally this site was great for our group, though the latrine was in a bit of rough shape and was up a rocky hill (we affectionately referred to it as "poop mountain" during our stay), which made it a bit difficult for my spouse, but the rest of the space was fantastic. Saw a family of loons, who ended up being frequent visitors in the waters around the site. Bagged meals and an early bedtime.
Day 3: Slept in a bit and had a slow morning with the most gorgeous views over the lake. Around this time is also when we clocked that we were on the chipmunk and red squirrel super highway/turf war/communication hub. We didn't end up having any issues with them getting into gear, but they were small constant companions, and they seemed relatively comfortable getting pretty close. Group opted for a day trip to Kelso, and spouse stayed behind to give their now swollen ankle a bit of rest. Fun fact: the amount of wildlife that comes out at this site grows exponentially when a small child is not present. Kelso was great! Portage was a bit rocky but we managed. Paddled up the river a bit and pulled over for lunch on a rock. Then went back to the main body and headed north until the lake ended, before swinging around and heading home. Got back with enough time to read a few chapters of our books, and then get dinner going. The moon rises we had on this trip were FANTASTIC. Waxing gibbous rising directly across from us. Truly stunning. Fire ban had lifted the day before we came up, and firewood was plentiful around the site.
Day 4: Another slow glorious morning, with a few of us getting up early enough to catch the sunrise. After a few rounds of aeropress (those things are magic) the whole group decided to take out all three canoes to explore the southern half of the lake. This is a pretty popular lake, so if you are looking for the "remote feel" its probably not the one for you, but we didn't mind. Had a lunch stop at the portage to Wonder Lake after all the sites we tried were occupied. There was plenty of space had anyone needed to get by, but no one needed to so all the better. Smooth water, lots of sun, and weather in the 70s meant that there wasn't much more this day could do than be a blessing. Headed back for camp and stopped in the middle of the larger part of the lake to have a group float, and revel in the moment. Got back to camp and it was time to take a dip. I will note at this point that on Day 3 my spouse spotted a snapping turtle in the water, but we watched our feet and kept our eyes out and weren't too worried. We had a great "wade in" site, and everyone availed themselves of it. More book reading, journaling and quiet time while we dried off in the sun. Then fire and dinner routine, and another absolutely stunning, now full, moon rising. Stayed up a bit later as it was the last night.
Day 5: Pack out. We were loathe to do it, but knew this day would come. Didn't feel any kind of rush since the weather seemed to be holding, and our site was directly across from the portage. Slow morning, double cup of coffee kinda timing. Broke camp and did our best to leave it better than we found it. A little garder snake was a fun farewell to our home in the woods. Had a bit of chop on the way out, but nothing big. Made it across the lake with all three canoes in about 20mins. Smooth portage, and then slow paddle back to Sawbill. We returned all our gear, and got ourselves some swag, which felt particularly special to those of us who were first timers. Really can't compliment the Sawbill Outfitter folks more on their knowledge, kindness, and support. Waved goodbye to the woods, and enjoyed our first meal out of camp at the Rustic Inn in Two Harbors on our way back down to the Twins.
I totally get why Minnesotans talk about this place all the time, and am already looking forward to coming back. 