BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
October 07 2026
Entry Point 49 - Skipper & Portage Lakes
Skipper and Portage Lakes 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 28 miles. Access is a 320-rod portage from Poplar Lake or a 230-rod portage from Iron Lake. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1865 feet
Latitude: 48.0517
Longitude: -90.5366
Skipper & Portage Lakes - 49
Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1865 feet
Latitude: 48.0517
Longitude: -90.5366
Skipper & Portage Lakes - 49
Introduction to the BWCA
by KevKev
Trip Report
Entry Date:
July 31, 2025
Entry Point:
Brant Lake
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
7
Trip Introduction:
Brought three new people to experience the BWCA , made things a little hectic but fun.
Day 1 of 4
Thursday, July 31, 2025 Entered through brant lake and spent the night on the campsite just NorthWest of the island. Easy portages in, a little muddy but took some time to get everyone into the flow of things. Thankfully weather was very cooperative, checked out the island as well as the campsite on the East, which looked amazing. Strangely enough, we had the whole lake to ourselves, which was quite nice. ~Round Lake, West Round Lake, Edith Lake, Brant Lake
Day 2 of 4
Friday, August 01, 2025 Did the portage from Brant to Gotter and Gotter to Flying. Initially, we wanted to head north; however, we changed plans and camped on Bat Lake instead. We were all quite tired afterward, but a fun day. ~Brant Lake, Gotter Lake, Flying Lake, Bat Lake
Day 3 of 4
Saturday, August 02, 2025 Went from Bat to Gillis Lake and camped on the western island, which was a super cool campsite. It was quite fun to have the day to swim and paddle around the area. ~Bat Lake, Gillis Lake
Day 4 of 4
Sunday, August 03, 2025 Our initial plan was to paddle back to Brant and camp there for a night, and then return on the 4th. Unfortunately, all of the campsites were taken, so we decided to check out instead of doubling back again. Well, stopping for a quick lunch at the portage, we crossed paths with someone in the same situation as us.
discuss this trip report (2 comments) - last post on January 28, 2026