Good evening,
Nice weather for leading into the fourth! I'm a little confused on the permit aspect. I have a permit reservation that says to be virtual through Bear Track outfitters. I called Bear Track today and was told I have to pick up the permit at the Grand Marais Forest Service across the street. That isn't virtual. I'm assuming I then need to wait until the station opens before I can begin my trip?

See this thread

It has been in flux for the entire year and confusing. Apparently BearTrack is not doing in-person pick up . . . ? according to the Cooperator's tab at rec.gov

Permits can be picked up a day before if that helps.

You can call the Gunflint Ranger office at 218-387-1750 for clarification and options.

USFS will email you your virtual permit the morning of your entry. If you can get it on email, save it and if you run into a ranger, just show him/her the email. Good to go.

Went up late may and had a virtual permit pickup from Sawtooth Outfitters. Got the emailed permit on the drive up to Duluth. Stopped by Sawtooth anyways cuz we like the place and they were able to print the permit for us as well. Double covered. As long as you can get email on your phone you should be fine. The permit will be there.
BTW this was the day before our entry date.