BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
January 17 2026
Entry Point 45 - Morgan Lake
Morgan Lake entry point allows overnight paddle only. 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 26 miles. Access is a 320-rod portage to Morgan Lake. No campsites on Morgan Lake—short portages to further lakes for campsites. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 1
Elevation: 1845 feet
Latitude: 48.0008
Longitude: -90.4098
Morgan Lake - 45
Number of Permits per Day: 1
Elevation: 1845 feet
Latitude: 48.0008
Longitude: -90.4098
Morgan Lake - 45
5 days winter camping on Caribou
by rout1000
Trip Report
Entry Date:
January 12, 2026
Entry Point:
Lizz and Swamp Lakes
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
2
Trip Introduction:
A cold and yet successful annual winter camping trip.
Day 1 of 5
Monday, January 12, 2026 We left the Twin Cities at 5 AM and had a relatively uneventful drive to Grand Marais for breakfast at the Blue Water Café. We made a quick stop at the gas station to grab some bait and top off the tank before heading to Rockwood Lodge. The friendly staff allowed us to park in front of the lodge. We loaded up our pulk and toboggan and set off toward Caribou Lake around 11:30 AM. The trek across the windy Poplar Lake was long and challenging. To our surprise, we didn’t encounter any snowmobilers, ice anglers, or other outdoor enthusiasts. We had to break trail most of the way but found remnants of snowmobile tracks leading to the portage to Lizz Lake. The Lizz Lake portage had some packed-down trail, likely from snowmobiles or skis, but we managed to cross it. The portage started with a slight incline, which was tough with our full load of gear. At several points, we had to step off the trail into snow that ranged from knee-deep to nearly three feet. We filled out our permit at the box near the portage and then entered Lizz Lake, beginning our journey down the long finger lake. Slush at the entrance to the Boundary Waters slowed us down, despite the mild mid-30s temperatures. Once we entered the Boundary Waters, there was no more trail, and we had to forge our own path. After reaching the portage to Caribou, we caught our breath and worked together to push our gear through. At Caribou, we hoped to reach the westernmost campsite where Shug had stayed years ago. With nearly three hours of travel behind us and sunset approaching, we opted to check the two closest campsites instead. The first site was less than ideal, and we nearly stayed there out of exhaustion. Pushing on despite leg cramps, we reached the second site (643) around 2:30 PM. After eating and hydrating, we began slowly setting up camp and searching for firewood. Despite the mild temperature, it promised a long night, but we managed to find enough wood for a fire. Overall, it was a good first night’s sleep.~Poplar Lake, Lizz Lake, Caribou Lake 
Day 2 of 5
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 With a chilly couple of days ahead, Tuesday became “firewood day.” We tackled camp chores and odd jobs but spent most of the day searching for downed trees. We struck it rich with a large cedar, filling the air with the scent of cedar and pine. Exploring the surrounding woods was a delight in the snowy landscape. We spotted tracks that could have been a fox or coyote—but secretly hoped for a tiny wolf. The only other signs of life were a woodpecker, which seemed to have claimed our camp, and Brett, who drilled a couple of ice holes for fishing. No luck with fish, but the journey itself was rewarding. Strong winds made extended time on the ice difficult, and exhaustion led to an early night by the fire. Unfortunately, my chimney was blocked, forcing me to open the tent to let in cold air, knowing the overnight low would hit -7°F. I couldn’t resolve the problem, so I bundled up and watched a movie before bed. Snow and wind kept the day chilly. 
Day 3 of 5
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 A bright, cold day. The temperature dropped to -7°F at 7 AM. My spark arrestor had clogged with creosote—a first for me—but I cleaned it and enjoyed a warm, cozy morning by the stove. We had planned a trek, possibly a loop to Horseshoe Lake, but deep snow and strong winds kept us at camp, processing firewood instead. In the afternoon, we visited Shug’s old campsite for coffee in the woods. With the wind down, the sun made the day pleasant. We spent the rest of the day enjoying sunshine, processing more wood, and preparing for another overnight low of -6°F. As night fell, stars blanketed the sky, and I even captured the Milky Way on my phone. It was a truly beautiful night. 
Day 4 of 5
Thursday, January 15, 2026 We set a new overnight low record: I recorded -19°F, and Brett -21°F. Despite the cold, I was comfortable and considered it a success. Winds shifted from the south, bringing snow and making it feel colder despite the warmer temperatures. We spent much of the day gathering firewood and avoiding the wind. Brett fished but had no luck. We hiked to the Lizz Lake portage to assess the trail for our exit, and it looked better than before. We also explored the possibility of a Caribou Lake ski route but found nothing maintained. The evening was relaxed as we packed what we could for a timely departure in the morning. 
Day 5 of 5
Friday, January 16, 2026 We started packing and headed home around 10 AM. The journey back to Lizz and Poplar was smooth but challenging. On Poplar, deep snow and pockets of slush slowed us, dragging our gear, reinforcing our belief that winter travel with companions is essential. Finally, we made it back to Rockwood Lodge, chatted with the owner, and were greeted by their dog. We packed up, stopped at Trail Center for burgers, and began the long drive home. 
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