BWCA Campsite #679

- East Cook, MN 55604

For Minnesotans, the name "BWCA" (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) instantly conjures images of pristine lakes, silence broken only by the cry of a loon, and the challenge of self-propelled travel. **BWCA Campsite #679** is not merely a camping spot; it is a gateway to the authentic, rugged Northwoods experience, embodying the core values of the Wilderness Act. Located on the stunning **Clearwater Lake** in the eastern part of the Boundary Waters near the famed Gunflint Trail, this site offers a deep immersion into a protected boreal forest ecosystem.

This is designated wilderness camping. Unlike state parks or private campgrounds, this site is deliberately rustic, providing only minimal, essential facilities to ensure a low-impact presence. Campsite #679 is one of over 2,000 designated sites scattered across the million-plus acres of the BWCAW, each identified by a numbered sign and maintained under strict "Leave No Trace" principles. It is a coveted location on a lake known for its dramatic 350-foot cliffs, often called "The Palisades," which rise majestically from the water. Due to the area's popularity during the quota season (May 1 – September 30), securing the necessary permit is a rite of passage for any local planning an overnight trip into this irreplaceable Minnesota treasure. This site, according to public reports, is known for its protection from high winds, which can often affect large, open lakes like Clearwater.

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The remote location of Campsite #679 is central to its wilderness appeal, requiring specific logistical planning that is routine for seasoned Minnesota paddlers.

Address (General Area): East Cook, MN 55604, USA

• Geographic Locale: Campsite #679 is located on the north side of **Clearwater Lake** in the Superior National Forest, deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which extends along the U.S.-Canada border. This area is typically accessed via the scenic Gunflint Trail out of Grand Marais.
• Entry Point: To reach this site, visitors generally utilize **BWCA Entry Point #62 (Clearwater Lake)**. This is one of the designated entry points where the number of daily overnight groups is strictly limited by the U.S. Forest Service quota system during peak season.
• Accessibility: Access is almost exclusively by **canoe or kayak** via the chain of waterways. Clearwater Lake is a rare exception in the BWCA, allowing non-commercial motors up to 10 horsepower, but the actual campsite is only reachable by watercraft. After launching at the entry point, the site requires a paddle eastward along the lake's northern shore.
• Navigation: There are no signs within the wilderness directing you to the site by name. Campers rely on official U.S. Forest Service maps or detailed route maps to navigate to the small, subtle landing of the designated campsite.

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As a Federally Designated Wilderness area, the BWCA Campsite #679 is managed to offer a primitive, self-reliant experience. "Services" are minimal and functional, strictly following the Leave No Trace ethic.

• Fire Grate: Each designated site is equipped with one official, permanent steel fire grate. This is the only place fires are permitted.
• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): A primitive, off-trail vault toilet is established at a short distance from the main camp area to manage human waste hygienically. Campers must supply their own toilet paper and sanitization.
• Tent Pads (Designated Areas): Public reports suggest this site offers several functional tent pads or cleared areas, often protected from the wind, allowing campers to pitch their shelter on level ground.
• Freshwater Source: No potable water is provided. All drinking and cooking water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated from Clearwater Lake, which is known for its clarity.
• Waste Disposal: No trash or recycling services are offered. The universal rule of the BWCA applies: **Pack It In, Pack It Out**—meaning all garbage, waste, and food scraps must be carried out of the wilderness.

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Campsite #679 is particularly celebrated among BWCA users for specific attributes that elevate the experience beyond standard backcountry camping.

• Views of The Palisades: Located on Clearwater Lake, the site offers breathtaking, panoramic views across the water toward the towering, sheer rock cliffs known as The Palisades on the south shore—a highlight of the Gunflint Trail region.
• Wind Protection: Unlike many exposed points on Clearwater Lake, this site is reportedly well-protected, which is a significant advantage when the strong, erratic winds common on this large lake pick up.
• Access to the Border Route Trail (BRT): A unique feature of this specific area is that the trail leading to the latrine at Campsite #679 is known to connect to or run near a portion of the challenging **Border Route Trail**, offering a bonus hiking opportunity on a "layover" day.
• Fishing Opportunities: Clearwater Lake is a deep, clear body of water that supports a strong population of Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass, providing excellent fishing directly from the water near the campsite.
• Easy Canoe Landing: Some paddlers have noted the presence of a natural inlet or sloped rock slab that provides a stable and relatively easy landing zone for canoes and kayaks, which is highly valued in the sometimes-rocky terrain of the BWCA.

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Access to BWCA Campsite #679 is controlled through the mandatory permit reservation system managed by the U.S. Forest Service for the Superior National Forest. It is important to remember that permits are for the Entry Point, not the specific campsite number, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis once inside the wilderness.

Campsite Location:

BWCA Campsite #679, Clearwater Lake, Superior National Forest

East Cook, MN 55604, USA

Permit Reservation Contact:

Reservations for BWCA overnight permits (Entry Point #62, Clearwater Lake) are made through the national reservation system:

Online: Recreation.gov (Search for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits)

Phone: 1-877-444-6777

Local Forest Service Contact (Gunflint Ranger District):

For information regarding conditions, rules, and to pick up reserved permits: (Please consult the official USDA Forest Service Superior National Forest website for the current phone number, as it is subject to change.)

Note: Advance reservations, typically starting the last Wednesday in January, are essential for securing a summer permit.

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For Minnesotans, a trip into the Boundary Waters is more than just a vacation; it is a pilgrimage that defines the state's outdoor heritage. Campsite #679 on Clearwater Lake is particularly suitable for locals because it offers a highly-regarded, slightly more accessible wilderness experience (being on a popular entry point lake) without sacrificing the essential solitude. The dramatic scenery of the Palisades offers a truly unique backdrop that resonates with the state's rugged North Shore pride.

The trip demands planning, physical effort (paddling and portaging), and environmental responsibility, skills many Minnesotans possess or wish to pass on. It serves as a necessary escape valve from modern life, forcing visitors to unplug and live deliberately, relying only on what they can carry. For the experienced local angler or the family seeking to connect with the state's deep wilderness character, Campsite #679 offers a perfect blend of challenging travel and rewarding natural beauty, making it a bucket-list destination that truly showcases the wild, untamed spirit of northeastern Minnesota.

BWCA Campsite #679

East Cook, MN 55604, USA