Limited Access to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Jul 23, 2026 12:23PM ● By Editor
Map: US Forest Service
From Superior National Forest - July 23, 2026
From Superior National Forest - July 23, 2026
Superior National Forest temporarily closed public access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on July 14 at 12:01 a.m. after a lightning storm created a surge of wildfires across the forest. In an effort to re-open select areas of the BWCAW (as fire activity, weather and resources allows) the Forest Service continues to evaluate BWCAW quota permit points daily. The following areas, as depicted in detail in the Forest Order Exhibits A & B, are updated:
Forest Officials anticipate the ability to open select portions of the BWCAW entry points in Cook and Lake Counties this next week to overnight use – barring no significant wildfire activity over the upcoming weekend.
Always remember to leave a trip itinerary with family or friends prior to departure. See the BWCAW trip planner web page for rules regulations, and an example planner with safety tips.
For maps and more information on the emergency order, Exhibit A – List and Exhibit B – Map visit: https://fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why did we close the BWCAW?
A. Since Tuesday, July 7, Superior National Forest has experienced over 25 wildfires across the forest. The weather—hot, dry, and windy—is far outside normal summer conditions and is helping fires spread more quickly. Many fires were sparked by recent thunderstorms, and varied weather conditions and storms with lightning and little rain are expected. Rapid fire growth and thick smoke can make it hard to breathe, hard to see and difficult for firefighters to reach anyone who needs help.
Q. Why wasn’t the entire BWCAW reopened?
A. Currently, the Superior National Forest is reopening portions of the BWCAW for varied day use and taking a hard look at opportunities for overnight access daily. Most of the wilderness is still greatly impacted by uncontained and uncontrolled wildfires. The risk to the public is simply too great to allow full access.
Q. Why is the BWCAW opening for some day use and not overnight use?
A. Wildfire activity in the areas of Cook County designated to open Monday, July 27, have minimal wildfire activity and have shown no new wildfire activity since the closure was issued.
Q. I used a cooperator for my permit for this area, what do I do?
A. Contact your cooperator to discuss your trip and possible options.
Q. How long will the closure be in place?
A. The Forest Service monitors the 1,098,000-acre Wilderness daily and assesses daily areas least affected by the fires for partial openings. The closed areas will remain in effect until the fires are contained, and the risk to the public and wildland firefighters has decreased. We know how important the BWCAW is to local communities and the more than 150,000 people who visit each year, and we appreciate your patience as we work to restore safe conditions.
Q. How do I find daily updates or more about the current fires?
A. Visit InciWeb, the official National Fire Incident System: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/. Zoom into your area and click the flame icon for more information.
Q. How many campsites will be affected by this closure on the BWCAW?
A. About 1,900 wilderness campsites are included in this closure. If you’re looking for alternative places to explore, Superior National Forest offers 23 developed campgrounds, 18 rustic campgrounds, and 254 backcountry campsites outside the wilderness. Many of these sites are along remote canoe routes and offer quiet, scenic experiences with no fees, permits or reservations needed. Nearby state forests, parks and county lands also provide excellent recreation opportunities.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. - Day Use Access - Permits for select points of entry in Cook County starting Monday, July 27 are open for visitor use. Day use at other entry points in the BWCAW remains closed.
- Overnight Access – Permits for all points of entry for overnight use are cancelled through Wednesday July 29; no overnight camping is currently allowed.
- Visitor Advisory – Due to the varied wildfire activity and weather, the Forest Service advises visitors to be diligent in planning trips into the area. Ensure a travel plan is in place and it’s shared with family or friends, know weather and fire conditions before you go, and understand you are entering a Wilderness area with associated risks due to weather, access and wildfire activity. See tips on planning a Wilderness trip.
Forest Officials anticipate the ability to open select portions of the BWCAW entry points in Cook and Lake Counties this next week to overnight use – barring no significant wildfire activity over the upcoming weekend.
Always remember to leave a trip itinerary with family or friends prior to departure. See the BWCAW trip planner web page for rules regulations, and an example planner with safety tips.
For maps and more information on the emergency order, Exhibit A – List and Exhibit B – Map visit: https://fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why did we close the BWCAW?
A. Since Tuesday, July 7, Superior National Forest has experienced over 25 wildfires across the forest. The weather—hot, dry, and windy—is far outside normal summer conditions and is helping fires spread more quickly. Many fires were sparked by recent thunderstorms, and varied weather conditions and storms with lightning and little rain are expected. Rapid fire growth and thick smoke can make it hard to breathe, hard to see and difficult for firefighters to reach anyone who needs help.
Q. Why wasn’t the entire BWCAW reopened?
A. Currently, the Superior National Forest is reopening portions of the BWCAW for varied day use and taking a hard look at opportunities for overnight access daily. Most of the wilderness is still greatly impacted by uncontained and uncontrolled wildfires. The risk to the public is simply too great to allow full access.
Q. Why is the BWCAW opening for some day use and not overnight use?
A. Wildfire activity in the areas of Cook County designated to open Monday, July 27, have minimal wildfire activity and have shown no new wildfire activity since the closure was issued.
Q. I used a cooperator for my permit for this area, what do I do?
A. Contact your cooperator to discuss your trip and possible options.
Q. How long will the closure be in place?
A. The Forest Service monitors the 1,098,000-acre Wilderness daily and assesses daily areas least affected by the fires for partial openings. The closed areas will remain in effect until the fires are contained, and the risk to the public and wildland firefighters has decreased. We know how important the BWCAW is to local communities and the more than 150,000 people who visit each year, and we appreciate your patience as we work to restore safe conditions.
Q. How do I find daily updates or more about the current fires?
A. Visit InciWeb, the official National Fire Incident System: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/. Zoom into your area and click the flame icon for more information.
Q. How many campsites will be affected by this closure on the BWCAW?
A. About 1,900 wilderness campsites are included in this closure. If you’re looking for alternative places to explore, Superior National Forest offers 23 developed campgrounds, 18 rustic campgrounds, and 254 backcountry campsites outside the wilderness. Many of these sites are along remote canoe routes and offer quiet, scenic experiences with no fees, permits or reservations needed. Nearby state forests, parks and county lands also provide excellent recreation opportunities.
