Closure Orders Exhibits Adjusted to Reopen Recreation Areas

The Superior National Forest continues to reopen wildfire-impacted recreation areas inside and outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) from the early July wildfires. Visitors should remain diligent about entering fire-impacted areas and watch for wildfire hazards like fire-weakened hazard trees and burnt stump holes. Additionally, some campsites and portages in newly reopened areas remained closed due to direct wildfire impacts. Plan extra time to find a campsite if traveling through these areas with campsite and portage closures. As summer transitions to fall, visitors should also plan ahead for reduced daylight and cooler air and water temperatures.

Under Phase 10, the following areas will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for day and overnight use as listed and displayed in Exhibit A Lists and Exhibit B Maps, available on the Superior National Forest’s Alert website, BWCAW Phased Re-opening and Wildfire Emergency Closure Issued for Affected Recreation Sites. The map also displays closed portages, campsites, lakes, wilderness travel zones, and primitive management travel areas. 

LaCroix Ranger District

• BWCAW Entry Points 12–Little Vermilion Lake, 12A-Lac La Croix Only and 13-Herriman Lake Trail

Kawishiwi Ranger District 

• BWCAW Entry Points 22-Mudro Lake Restricted, 23-Mudro Lake and 24-Fall Lake

Recreation Areas Reopening along the Echo Trail 

• Ed Shave Road and boat launch
• Meander Lake picnic area, fishing pier and backcountry sites
• Fire and Ice Interpretive Trail 

Closed for the Season BWCAW Entry Points 

11–Blandin Trail, 14–Little Indian Sioux River North, 15–Sioux-Hustler Trail, 19–Moose/Portage River North 19–Stuart River, 20-Angleworm Lake, 21-Angleworm Trail. These areas were directly impacted by the wildfires and need maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure they are accessible to visitors. 

Portions of National Forest System land north along the Echo Trail remain closed to use. Please note while the Echo Trail is open, travelers are reminded to use caution and expect delays as wildfire operations continue along the corridor. 

For Forest Order exhibits and maps, visit: https://fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

Visit InciWeb, the official National Fire Incident System: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-july-2026-superior-nf-wildfires