BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
March 09 2026
Entry Point 80 - Larch Creek
Larch Creek 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 53 miles. Access from the canoe landing at Larch Creek. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 1
Elevation: 1217 feet
Latitude: 48.1270
Longitude: -90.8304
Larch Creek - 80
Number of Permits per Day: 1
Elevation: 1217 feet
Latitude: 48.1270
Longitude: -90.8304
Larch Creek - 80
Day Trip with Grand daughters 2020
by Hueyav8r
Trip Report
Entry Date:
July 15, 2020
Entry Point:
South Hegman Lake
Number of Days:
1
Group Size:
5
Trip Introduction:
In 2020, the middle of the pandemic. My grand daughters Y camp was closed. All their summer activities were going to be cancelled. I read about a couple YMCA camps were going to be open with a modified schedule of family activities. I was able to reserve a cabin at the Camp Du Nord in July.
Part 1 of 3
The drive from central Indiana was interesting since many things were closed. It was a two day drive. We could stop at fast food restaurants but could not go inside to use their rest rooms. We would sit in the grass off the edge of their parking lots. Then get gas and use their restrooms. The YMCA Camp du Nord is on the north side of Burntside Lake. Various size cabins, Yurts and tent area you can rent for the week. We had a small cabin for myself, my daughter, her boyfriend (my future son in law) and my two grand daughters. We spent the week in and on the water, hiking, crafts and other camp activities. 
Part 2 of 3
I planned a day trip to visit the pictographs at North Hegman Lake. I brought a solo canoe from home and rented an ultra light tandem from Voyageur North in Ely for the day. Entered EP77 South Hegman Lake, a short 19 rod portage from South to North Hegman Lake. On the north side of N Hegman you'll find the pictograph on the cliff. Talked to a few other families and this is a popular day trip area to see the pictograph and a little bit of the BWCA. 
Part 3 of 3
It was a fun short trip to introduce my grand daughters to the wonders of the BWCA. The hardest part seemed like the 85 rod uphill to the parking. I hope to take my grand daughters on a traditional BWCA trip while I still can.
discuss this trip report (0 comments) - last post on February 07, 2026