BWCA Campsite #670

- East Cook, MN 55604

For residents of Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the gold standard for immersion in nature, offering over a million acres of boreal forest, crystalline lakes, and challenging canoe routes. Established as a federally protected wilderness, the BWCAW demands self-reliance and adherence to strict "Leave No Trace" principles, preserving its rugged, primitive character. Among its more than 2,000 designated campsites, **BWCA Campsite #670** on Daniels Lake offers a particularly unique blend of aquatic and terrestrial wilderness access, appealing equally to both paddlers and dedicated hikers.

Campsite #670 is a highly regarded destination for those seeking solitude and a strategic location for exploring the region. Situated in the Superior National Forest near the international border, it is known among local users for its exceptional structural quality, including a robust kitchen area and an excellent canoe landing. More importantly, it holds a unique position as one of the few designated BWCA campsites that lies directly along the route of a major wilderness hiking trail, making it a crucial hub for multi-modal exploration. This blend of water and land access provides trip planning flexibility and a variety of outdoor activities that appeal to the diverse interests of the Minnesota outdoor enthusiast.

A trip to Campsite #670 is a committed wilderness journey. There are no modern amenities—no electricity, running water, or paved roads. Visitors must pack in all supplies and be prepared to treat lake water for drinking. The experience is designed to be unplugged, focusing entirely on the natural world. Access is strictly managed through an overnight quota permit system, particularly during the busy season from May through September. This permit requirement is vital for preserving the fragile wilderness environment and ensuring that every group has the chance to experience the solitude for which the BWCAW is famous.

BWCA Campsite #670 is located on the southern shore of **Daniels Lake**, deep within the northeastern arm of the BWCAW, managed by the Gunflint Ranger District. The general service area is **East Cook, MN 55604, USA**, which is near the start of the iconic Gunflint Trail, the primary route used to access this part of the wilderness.

To reach Daniels Lake, most canoeists begin their journey from an entry point off the Gunflint Trail, such as Entry Point 61 (Daniels Lake) or Entry Point 62 (Clearwater Lake). The route involves paddling across a series of deep, clear-water lakes and negotiating portages over rocky trails. Campsite #670 is notably the easternmost campsite on Daniels Lake, strategically positioned close to the long portage that connects to the historic Rose and Rove Lakes, which are part of the famed Border Route.

What truly distinguishes its location is its accessibility from land. Campsite #670 is one of the rare BWCA sites traversed directly by the **Daniels Lake Trail**, which is a spur of the much larger Border Route Trail. This means the site is used by both canoe parties and long-distance backpackers. For Minnesotans who appreciate both paddling and hiking, this location provides a perfect "basecamp" to launch day trips or link up with one of the most significant long-distance footpaths in the state's wilderness region. The multi-use nature of this site highlights its importance as a strategic waypoint in the vast northern wilderness.

As a designated wilderness site within the BWCAW, Campsite #670 maintains a primitive standard, focusing on environmental protection and user safety with minimal intervention. These services are in place to concentrate the impact of human presence and preserve the integrity of the natural landscape.

• Designated Fire Grate: A durable, steel fire grate is provided by the U.S. Forest Service at the primary cooking area. This is the only place fires are permitted. All fuel must be naturally dead and downed wood, gathered responsibly near the campsite, ensuring no living trees or structures are damaged.

• Wilderness Latrine: A dispersed, open-air pit toilet, or "biffy," is located a short, designated walk away from the main tent and cooking areas. This system is mandatory for human waste disposal to maintain the cleanliness of the campsite and water sources. No trash or non-human waste products may be deposited here.

• Established Tent Pads: The site features several identified, hardened, and relatively flat areas specifically designated for tent setup. Users are required to use these pads to minimize trampling the delicate root systems and vegetation around the camp perimeter.

• Excellent Canoe Landing: The shoreline of Campsite #670 is known for having a particularly "awesome" and accessible landing area. This facilitates easy and safe mooring and loading of canoes, a significant convenience in a landscape often dominated by rugged, rocky shores.

Visitors are responsible for all aspects of safety, health, and waste management. This includes filtering or boiling all water from the lake and strictly adhering to bear safety protocols, such as hanging food away from the sleeping area.

BWCA Campsite #670 is highlighted by locals for several key features that enhance the wilderness trip experience, particularly due to its strategic location and well-maintained structure.

• Access to the Daniels Lake/Border Route Trail: Its unique location directly on the Daniels Lake Trail makes it an ideal basecamp for dual-sport trips. Canoeists can easily switch to hiking the wilderness trail, or backpackers can take advantage of the lake access for quick water trips.

• Prime Fishing Opportunities: Daniels Lake is a deep lake (up to 90 feet) known to hold Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass. Being the easternmost site, Campsite #670 is well-positioned for quick access to prime fishing areas and the deeper, quieter waters of the lake.

• Superior Landing and Kitchen Area: Trip reports frequently commend the site's excellent canoe landing and a "well-built" kitchen area. The presence of a usable rock-table or "couch log" near the fire grate is a small but significant comfort in the primitive environment.

• Gateway to Historic Routes: Its proximity to the lengthy portage to Rose and Rove Lakes places the campsite near historical travel corridors, part of the extensive route used by the Voyageurs centuries ago. This gives the site a feeling of historical significance and offers challenging route extensions for experienced paddlers.

• Pine Needle Forest Floor: The site is often noted for its pleasant, flat ground and pine needle coverage, offering comfortable and dry tent pads under a canopy of mature trees, which is a desirable feature for a good night’s rest.

As a remote, designated spot in the federally protected BWCA Wilderness, Campsite #670 operates without a direct phone line or visitor center. All logistical planning, permits, and rules are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

**Address (General Wilderness Location):** BWCA Campsite #670, East Cook, MN 55604, USA

**Permit and Information Contact (Superior National Forest/Gunflint Ranger District):**

All overnight trips require an official quota permit, which must be reserved through the national recreation reservation system. The permit issuing station for this area is typically the Gunflint Ranger District Office or an authorized outfitter. Visitors should contact these resources for the most current information on fire restrictions, entry requirements, and wilderness rules.

**Emergency Communication:** Due to the deep wilderness location, cellphone service is unavailable. Parties are advised to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communication device for true emergencies. All life-threatening situations should be reported via 911 through a satellite device.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #670 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a chance to engage with the state’s wild identity on multiple levels. It uniquely serves the local outdoor community that values both the iconic canoe-and-portage tradition and the challenge of wilderness hiking. By offering a strategic location on a beautiful lake that is also a trail intersection, this campsite caters perfectly to groups looking to blend their itinerary—whether they want a fishing layover day, a basecamp for a long hike on the Border Route Trail, or a starting point for deep water-based exploration towards the international boundary.

The site’s high quality, from its "awesome" landing to its established kitchen, ensures that the physical rigors of a wilderness trip are complemented by a solid, reliable camp setup. For locals, this is a trusted, well-known waypoint that represents the pinnacle of a well-planned, authentic, and unforgettable Boundary Waters adventure. It is an ideal spot to truly disconnect and appreciate the profound, unspoiled beauty of Minnesota’s Northwoods.

BWCA Campsite #670

East Cook, MN 55604, USA