Hello,
I'm looking forward to my second winter trip, hoping to explore a new area and connect with some lakers.
I am confused about the rules related to entering the BWCA. I have always assumed that you must enter this wilderness area through a designated ep. While researching new areas for my upcoming trip, I have come across reports of folks entering Seagull through both ep54 and the fs campground on the north end. Are the rules different in the non-quota season?

This is a good question that has been coming up a lot this year, hopefully this answer makes sense.

The parking lots are not the entry points (some maps make this very confusing), the entry point is where you actually cross the BWCAW line and enter the wilderness. It doesn't matter where you park on Seagull (Blankenburg, Trails End, an outfitter, etc.) As long as you have the correct BWCAW permit when you cross into the BWCAW you're good to go.

Another example is Round Lake, the parking lot isn't the entry point, and neither is Round Lake. Entry point #51 Missing Link is 1/3 of the way up the portage from Round to Missing Link. Entry Point #52 Brant is on the portage from Edith to Brant.

Andy

Either way you go you are entering at Seagull Lake outside of the BWCAW boundary line. It doesn’t matter which public launch you use. One isn't designated as an official entry over the other. The Wilderness is west of the middle of the bay to Grandpa Lake and the line zigzags from the tip of Three Mile Island through Fishhook Island and then southward.

I guess a better question would be: which lot is regularly plowed in the winter?

Thanks, that was my assumption based on other trip reports.

http://tuscaroracanoe.com/tag/winter-camping/

Tuscarora provided a great winter access resource-

JButch: "http://tuscaroracanoe.com/tag/winter-camping/
Tuscarora provided a great winter access resource- "

Well...with all the real problems with fire, winter is looking even more attractive this year. Thanks for this link.