Gunflint Trail and Grand Marais Area
Welcome to the Gunflint Ranger District! This area is the most Northeastern portion of the Forest, stretching from near Lake Superior all the way to the Canandian Border. The district office is located right in the town of Grand Marais.
Follow the Gunflint Trail which is a designated National Scenic Byway to one of the many opportunities this district offers.
Six lakes linked by four portages make up the Twin Lakes Canoe Route.
Passes & Permits
Snowmobile Trails
- A snowmobile state trail pass and registration is required to ride on trails within the state of Minnesota.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- A permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Fishing
- All fishing requires a State of Minnesota Fishing License.
Hunting
- Make sure you have the appropriate State of Minnesota Hunting License when hunting on National Forest System lands.
Watercraft/Boating
- Nonmotoried watercraft over 10 feet long and motorized watercraft need to be registered in Minnesota. Visit the state website for more information. Out of state watercraft do not need to register.
Recreation Sites
Ball Club Lake
Site Open
This site is accessible by foot or boat and offers a remote experience on a 205 acre lake. The lake is 25 feet at its deepest point and is a quiet place to fish for brook trout, northern pike,…
Bearskin Lake Backcountry Site
Site Open
Bearskin lake is 500 acres with 8 miles of shoreline. It borders Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on part of its north shoreline. There are two boat ramps, the northeastern one of Highway 66…
Birch Lake
Site Open
Birch Lake is a 236 acre lake just off the Gunflint Trail. There is one campsite a short walk from the boat access. A few miles further up the road is the Laurentian Divide Scenic Overlook. Waters…
Cascade River Rustic Campground
Site Open
Cascade River Rustic Campground is a small camping area particularly suited to people who are planning to fish in the Cascade River or are looking for a remote place to camp. There are not tables…
Devil Track Lake Campground
Site Open
Devil Track Campground is a nicely wooded campground located on the shore of Devil Track Lake. There are many young pines in the area, making it an excellent spot to look for wildlife. Devil…
East Bearskin Lake Campground
Site Open
East Bearskin Lake Campground is located on its namesake lake, at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. It is a perfect spot for visitors who want the…
East Twin Lake
Site Open
East Twin Lake is a small lake that is part of the Twin Lakes Canoe Route. PortagesWest Twin Lake to East Twin Lake -
Elbow Lake (Gunflint)
Site Open
There are 16 Elbow Lakes in Minnesota. This particular one is located in Cook County and is 408 acres with almost 7 miles of shoreline. At a maximum depth of 9 feet, this lake is perfect for anglers…
Flour Lake Campground
Site Open
Flour Lake Campground provides a convenient home base for exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Its scenery, amenities and access to outdoor recreation areas make it a popular…
Greenwood Lake
Site Open
This large, 2,042 acre lake has 23 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 112 feet.