User:Gunflint Guy/sandbox

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the largest canoeing areas in the United States, with over 1,000,000 acres of land and over 1,000 lakes. This area is visited by paddle only, as it has no roads, no private businesses and no homes. The area is entered by permit from May to October, and is managed by the United States Forest Service. Each waterway entry point has a quota of permits per day, with each permit being good for up to 9 people. Within the wilderness there are designated camp sites which are available on a first come basis. Access to the wilderness area is basically from either the east or west. Most entry points on the east side are along the Gunflint Trail, a 2 lane paved 60 mile wilderness access road. Entries from the west side are in the Ely area. Permits may be reserved through the USFS, with no preferences given for private parties or outfitters. They are strictly available on a first come basis, and you must book them in a specific name, for a specific entry point and for a specific day. All outfitters will assist you with this reservation as long as you are using some of their services. Two of the oldest outfitters in the area are Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters (in the Gunflint area) and Canoe Country Outfitters (in the Ely area). Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters was started in 1932 by the Kerfoot family (now into their third generation), and Canoe Country Outfitters was started in the late 1940s by Bill Rom (now managed by the Olson family). There are over 30 outfitters servicing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness ranging from Crane Lake on the west to Bearskin Lake on the east.