BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
February 07 2026
Entry Point 50 - Cross Bay Lake
Cross Bay 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 45 miles. Access is thru the Cross River with two portages to Ham Lake and a 24-rod portage to Cross Bay Lake. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 3
Elevation: 1670 feet
Latitude: 48.0760
Longitude: -90.8222
Cross Bay Lake - 50
Number of Permits per Day: 3
Elevation: 1670 feet
Latitude: 48.0760
Longitude: -90.8222
Cross Bay Lake - 50
Slim Lake
by ArsGratiaArtis
Trip Report
Entry Date:
August 10, 2020
Entry Point:
Slim Lake
Number of Days:
2
Group Size:
2
Trip Introduction:
There are 4 camping spots on Slim Lk. We decided to see if #1 was available because it’s near hiking trails. It was available & seemed like a decent spot so we set up camp there for two nights.
Report
Slim Lk campsite #1 is a good spot. The portage was not too difficult, 100 rods. Although we didn’t catch any fish, it was fun hiking to Ol’ Baldy. When I checked the time on my cell I was surprised that you get cell reception on Ol’ Baldy. The mosquitoes were not too bad but wearing long pants, long sleeve shirt is a must. The biggest surprise for us was that on our second day at around 4:30 the Stable flies came. They were pretty relentless, so we hid in our hammocks with netting. Then the next day as we departed in our canoe, they swarmed us, covering everything. Unfortunately I did not think about trying the Picardin so I’m not sure if that would have helped. Deet does nothing against them. Next time I’ll try Picardin. They followed us in the portage to the parking lot, too. We had to take breaks in the car to get breaks from the onslaught as we put the gear in the car & secured the canoe to the roof. Other than the Stable flies, Slim Lk campsite #1 was good. Lots of shade, peaceful, quiet.
discuss this trip report (0 comments) - last post on August 13, 2020