BWCAW permit reservations canceled through Friday as wildfires persist

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permit reservations were canceled through Friday, July 24, leaving Ely outfitters, guides and families with trips on hold as wildfires burn across northeastern Minnesota. Superior National Forest extended the cancellation window to give visitors, outfitters and local businesses more time to plan while protecting public health and safety.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources kept Class IV burning restrictions in place across multiple northeast Minnesota counties, sharply limiting open burning.

BWCAW permits drive canoe-country trip planning, and when reservations disappear, businesses have to reshuffle gear rentals, shuttle runs, bunkhouse bookings, food pack preparation and route planning. Jason Zabokrtsky, an Ely outfitting company owner, described a "hectic start to the week" as the fire situation developed.

Recreation.gov lists the BWCAW at more than 1,098,000 acres, with more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites. Superior National Forest tied the current emergency to July lightning, with up to 19 wildfires reported since July 7 and at least three active fires inside the wilderness when it was closed. A Forest Service social update put the fire total at 30,000 acres.

Quetico Superior Wilderness News counted 12,096 BWCA quota permits canceled last year, along with 3,674 no-shows, nearly 16,000 unused entry opportunities. This year’s cancellations are driven by fire rather than empty reservations, leaving outfitters and travelers with delayed trips, lost income and uncertainty over when routes will reopen.

Visitors looking for updates can call MNICS fire information at 218-881-2091 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or email 2026.JulyLightningEvent@firenet.gov. Questions about BWCAW closures and permits can go to 218-235-4400 or 218-235-3113 as Superior National Forest continues to adjust access around the fires.