BWCA Campsite #670

For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a place of profound significance, offering an escape into one of the nation's most pristine and captivating natural environments. This vast wilderness, stretching over a million acres across northeastern Minnesota, is a mosaic of interconnected lakes, rivers, and dense boreal forests, providing an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in the quiet majesty of nature. Within this revered landscape, countless designated campsites serve as anchors for unforgettable journeys. Among them, BWCA Campsite #670 on Daniels Lake offers a unique appeal, notable for its dual accessibility to both paddlers and hikers, making it a distinctive spot for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience. This article is crafted specifically for local Minnesotans, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this particular campsite to help you plan your next memorable escape into our state's cherished wild spaces.

The BWCAW is a federally protected wilderness area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest. Its wilderness designation severely restricts motorized travel, ensuring that the primary mode of exploration is by canoe or kayak, navigating portages (overland trails) that connect the myriad waterways. This allows visitors to travel in the spirit of the voyageurs and Indigenous peoples who traversed these lands for centuries. Each designated campsite within the BWCAW, including Campsite #670, is carefully maintained to minimize environmental impact while providing essential facilities for campers. The region's unique geology, shaped by ancient glaciers, features rugged cliffs, serene waters, and towering pine forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for any outdoor adventure. The BWCAW's commitment to preserving its primitive character is what makes a trip here so profoundly rewarding for those who truly seek solitude and a deep connection with the natural world.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #670 is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, specifically on the south shoreline of Daniels Lake. Its general geographical reference is East Cook, MN 55604, USA, placing it within the Gunflint Ranger District area of the BWCAW, typically accessed via the scenic Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12) from Grand Marais. Public information indicates that Campsite #670 is the easternmost site on Daniels Lake and is the first campsite west of the portage leading to Rose Lake.

What makes Campsite #670 particularly unique is its accessibility for both canoeists and hikers. While the BWCAW is primarily a canoe wilderness, the Daniels Lake Trail, which is a spur trail of the larger Border Route Trail, runs directly through this campsite. This means that while most visitors will still paddle and portage to reach it, hikers utilizing the Daniels Lake Trail could also access this site.

To reach Campsite #670, all overnight visitors to the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30 must first secure a quota permit in advance through Recreation.gov. This permit specifies your entry point and date, which is crucial for managing visitor numbers and preserving the wilderness experience. Common entry points that would lead to Daniels Lake and consequently Campsite #670 include those accessible from the Gunflint Trail, such as the entry point for West Bearskin Lake or directly from the Gunflint Trail if you are hiking the Border Route Trail.

The journey for paddlers would involve navigating a series of lakes and portages. The portage from Rose Lake to Daniels Lake is known as the "Long Portage" (660 rods), which would place Campsite #670 as one of the first sites you'd encounter on Daniels Lake when coming from that direction. For hikers, the Daniels Lake Trail provides a direct route, though it's described as not heavily used. It's important for visitors, whether paddling or hiking, to consult detailed BWCA maps (such as those from Fisher Maps or McKenzie Maps) and comprehensive trip planning resources to plot their precise route, understand portage lengths and conditions, and estimate travel times. Outfitters in nearby towns like Grand Marais are invaluable resources for route advice, equipment rental, and up-to-date information on water levels and trail conditions.

Services Offered

• Designated Wilderness Campsite: BWCA Campsite #670 is an officially recognized and maintained campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It is a legal and designated location for overnight camping, helping to concentrate visitor impact.

• Steel Fire Grate: The campsite is equipped with a steel fire grate for contained and safe campfires, allowing for cooking and warmth. It's imperative that visitors check for current fire bans and restrictions before lighting any fire.

• Wilderness Latrine: A wilderness latrine (outhouse) is provided at the site for human waste disposal. These facilities are designed to be environmentally friendly, containing human waste and minimizing contamination. Users must strictly adhere to proper use: only human waste and toilet paper should be placed in the latrine; all other trash must be packed out.

• Access to Untreated Water: Located directly on the shoreline of Daniels Lake, the campsite offers convenient access to lake water. However, this water is untreated and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before it is safe for drinking or cooking.

• Cleared Tent Pads/Areas: The campsite typically offers relatively flat, cleared areas suitable for pitching tents. User information indicates at least three tent pads, with one described as having "root issues," implying varying quality but ample space.

Features / Highlights

• Unique Dual Accessibility: One of the most distinctive features of Campsite #670 is that the Daniels Lake Trail runs directly through it. This makes it accessible to both canoeists and hikers, offering a rare blend of BWCA experiences. While the trail isn't heavily used, hikers may pass through.

• Excellent Canoe Landing: Information suggests that the "canoe landing is awesome," indicating a good, easy entry and exit point for watercraft, which is a significant advantage in the BWCAW.

• Good Lake Views: The campsite offers "good views of the lake from near the fire grate," providing a scenic backdrop for camp activities and relaxation.

• Proximity to Rose Lake Portage: Being the first campsite west of the Rose Lake portage, it can be a convenient stop for groups traversing this well-known, lengthy portage.

• Access to Daniels Lake Trail and Border Route Trail: Its location on the Daniels Lake Trail, a spur of the Border Route Trail, opens up possibilities for day hikes directly from the campsite, adding another dimension to the wilderness experience.

• Pristine Natural Environment: As with all BWCAW sites, #670 offers an immersive experience in a truly wild and untamed landscape, complete with the sounds of nature, dark night skies perfect for stargazing, and opportunities for solitude.

• Fishing Opportunities: Daniels Lake is part of the larger Boundary Waters ecosystem, which is renowned for its fishing. Anglers can expect to find various species, including northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #670, as a specific point within a vast federal wilderness area, does not have a direct phone number or a traditional mailing address for direct contact. All permit-related matters and official information for BWCA campsites are managed through the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as part of the Superior National Forest.

Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (This address indicates the general geographic region of the campsite within the wilderness, not a physical office or direct access point.)

For all official inquiries regarding BWCA permits, regulations, and trip planning, local Minnesotans should utilize the following primary resources:

• Recreation.gov: This is the sole official federal government website for reserving BWCA permits. You will search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits" and then select your desired entry point and dates. Permits for popular entry points and dates, especially during peak season (July and August), are highly competitive and should be reserved well in advance.

• Superior National Forest Headquarters (for general information about the forest and BWCAW):

• Address: 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808

• Phone: (218) 626-4300

• Local Ranger Districts: The BWCAW falls under several ranger districts of the Superior National Forest. For information specific to Daniels Lake and its vicinity, contacting the Gunflint Ranger District in Grand Marais (218-387-1750) or the Tofte Ranger District (218-663-8060) can provide localized updates on conditions, access routes, or specific campsite details.

• Outfitters and Local Guides: Many outfitters in towns like Grand Marais, Ely, and Tofte specialize in BWCA trips. They can provide invaluable assistance with permit applications, route planning, equipment rental, and up-to-date local knowledge. A quick online search for "BWCA outfitters Grand Marais" or "Ely outfitters" will yield many options.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #670 on Daniels Lake represents an exceptional opportunity to connect with the heart of our state's wilderness heritage. Its location in the East Cook area makes it an accessible, yet truly remote, destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the quiet grandeur of the Boundary Waters. What makes this site particularly suitable for locals is its unique blend of traditional paddle-in access with the added dimension of a hiking trail running through it, offering a versatile base for exploring.

Minnesotans often have an innate appreciation for outdoor pursuits, and a trip to Campsite #670 allows them to fully engage with activities like canoeing, fishing, and hiking in an unspoiled environment. The excellent canoe landing makes arrivals and departures smoother, a welcome feature after a day of paddling. The solitude, coupled with breathtaking views and the chance to witness abundant wildlife, provides a profound escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The proximity to the Border Route Trail opens up additional exploration opportunities for those who enjoy stretching their legs on land.

Camping at a site like #670 fosters a deep sense of environmental stewardship and self-reliance, vital lessons for all Minnesotans. It’s an opportunity to build lasting memories with family and friends under starry skies, free from light pollution. For residents, this campsite on Daniels Lake is not just a point on a map; it's an integral part of what makes Minnesota special, offering an authentic, challenging, and ultimately deeply rewarding wilderness adventure right in our own beautiful backyard.

BWCA Campsite #670

East Cook, MN 55604, USA