Maybe a dumb question. Not sure if I'm missing a guide on here somewhere that explains all of this.

I realize some entries are technically not at a parking area, but how do I find the ones that are, and what to expect regarding space, safety , etc.? Like EP4 into Crab. The entry is in Burntside, but where do you park?

EP8 says off of Echo Trail. I must not be searching for the answers correctly so I'm going to ask.

Thanks so much.

For crab I always used the public access off the wolf lake trail,on the west side of Burntside. There is at least a couple other accesses on Burntside but not as familiar with.

Good question,I would think and pretty sure it says some place when getting permit(reservation site) it tells you where you can park.

Crab isn't as easy since there isn't a parking area for that lake. You park at public access or if you're using outfitter on the lake, maybe their place. For all others I've been to, there's a sign along echo trail or sawbill area or wherever once you're close.

As far as safety, I've heard of a few issues but for the most part it's pretty good as far as break in or anything. I've also heard of people having issues with mice and food they left in their car for a week, so it's not always the Issues you're thinking of.

Space? They're almost all sand/gravel that I've been to so no markings for parking spots. You park where you can and not block others in. Trailers can sometimes be hard to find good spots depending how full it is. I've unhooked trailer and left it separate from truck before to park best. It's not organized nor is it something I'm concerned about when we go on trips.

Most people going into Crab park at the public access on Vanvac road county road 404. The access is about a mile west of Burntside lodge. Paved parking for cars with trailer and ones with out trailers.

Seems like you're looking for a comprehensive list of EP's and their associated parking lots, and unfortunately I'm not aware of such a thing. For any specific EP you can certainly ask and people will be able to fill you in. Some are obvious, some might not be, but again I'm not aware of a good comprehensive resource that will tell you what the lots are like and the number of spots, etc, at each EP.

I personally have never heard of a break in at an entry point, one year I noticed that the car next to me had it's keys hanging out of the door lock one week later upon exiting the car was still there as were the keys....

ellahallely: "Most people going into Crab park at the public access on Vanvac road county road 404. The access is about a mile west of Burntside lodge. Paved parking for cars with trailer and ones with out trailers."

I agree,we went the Wolf road usually to get away from a prevailing Northwest wind. Worked many times,not all the time.

I think the Beymer books on the bwca give decent accounts of where to park for e.p.'s and short explanation of the parking lot. Probably the best list out there.

I just did a casual random look at Daniel Pauly's book Exploring the Boundary Waters and found information about parking at every entry point I looked at.

thanks, that helps

cowdoc: "I think the Beymer books on the bwca give decent accounts of where to park for e.p.'s and short explanation of the parking lot. Probably the best list out there. "

+1 I have found the Beymer books very helpful for directions and parking when I try out a new entry point.

straighthairedcurly: "

cowdoc: "I think the Beymer books on the bwca give decent accounts of where to park for e.p.'s and short explanation of the parking lot. Probably the best list out there. "

+1 I have found the Beymer books very helpful for directions and parking when I try out a new entry point."

+2
I think the Beymer books are indispensable, particulalry for someone new to the Boundary Waters. The parking information is quite accurate.

One word of caution if you're on the older side (like me). Beymer's ratings of the difficulty level of the routes he describes are accurate, if you're an Olympic athlete. I translate his ratings as follows:
"Easier" = "Doable, but you'll be sore by bedtime"
"Challenging" = "Way more than you want to do. Add some travel days."
"Most Rugged" = "Check status of life insurance before departure"

EP 8 has about five spots to park on both sides of the road.

SourisMan: "

straighthairedcurly: "

cowdoc: "I think the Beymer books on the bwca give decent accounts of where to park for e.p.'s and short explanation of the parking lot. Probably the best list out there. "

+1 I have found the Beymer books very helpful for directions and parking when I try out a new entry point."

+2
I think the Beymer books are indispensable, particulalry for someone new to the Boundary Waters. The parking information is quite accurate.

+3, and often tells you how many parking spots are in said parking lot!

The only break in I've ever seen was at the Kawishiwi EP. The Bear did quite a bit of damage to the back of the truck that he broke into. Apparently had himself a nice meal while he was in there.

Over the years around the BWCA break ins have been very rare. Like anywhere it is going to happen.
Years ago the loop parking area on Moose up the Echo trail had problems with theft.
Once seen at Moose landing on the Fernberg road the vechile next to me had all four tires stolen and truck sitting on wheel drums.
The gas shortage or hike about 20 years ago gas was being stole and you were better off filling your gas tank when getting back to town instead of leaving it full at the access.

Way way back like the 70's there was a gang ring stealing stuff to sell elseware(sp).
Like I said your vechile is safer in the parking lots than most places.