- Region
- Minnesota
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- canoeing, camping, fishing
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- A permit is always required to enter the B…
- Managed by
- Superior National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)
Plan with verified data
Tofte to Homer Lake (Entry Point 31, Sawbill Lake) trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Water Purification MatrixLake water needs treating — compare filters, chemicals and boiling.
- Layering CalculatorCold water: dress for immersion, not just the air temperature.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- The 10 EssentialsBackcountry safety basics, printable.
How to get there
Sawbill Lake is located at the end of the Sawbill Trail (County Road 2), 23 miles north of Tofte.
- Sawbill Lake Entry Point
This entry point (number 38) provides access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It features a United States Forest Service cabin, a canoe outfitter, and a 52-site campground at its southern end. The lake offers connections via portages to Smoke Lake, Kelso Lake, Ada Creek, and Alton Lake.
Sources: recreation.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Minnesota · United States · Season: Late spring through early fall
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
Overview
While Sawbill Lake is a well-known entry, venturing east from there towards Homer Lake offers a less congested experience with very reasonable portages. The route takes you through a series of smaller, picturesque lakes like Beth and Grace, culminating in the beautiful Homer Lake. This area feels more intimate than the larger central BWCA lakes, with narrower channels and a stronger sense of being deep in the forest. It's a great option for those looking for a quieter, more reflective trip. The portages are generally short and mostly flat. Nearest town is Tofte on the North Shore. Ideal for a 3-5 day trip. The proximity to the North Shore makes it an appealing option for combining with other activities. Expect fewer people than many other routes, making it a good choice for families or those new to multi-day paddling. Wind can pick up on Homer Lake, but the surrounding terrain offers good protection.
Planning notes
Where: Minnesota, United States Best season: Late spring through early fall Good for: Canoeing, Camping, Fishing Featured on: Top 10 Flatwater Canoe Routes: Boundary Waters Multi-day (#7) Access point: Tofte, MN 55615, USA
Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Tofte to Homer Lake (Entry Point 31, Sawbill Lake), United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 47.5738, -90.8363
- Latitude (DMS)
- 47° 34′ 25.6″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 90° 50′ 10.5″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Tofte to Homer Lake (Entry Point 31, Sawbill Lake), not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
While Sawbill Lake is a well-known entry, venturing east from there towards Homer Lake offers a less congested experience with very reasonable portages.
Key takeaways
- Region: Minnesota
- Country: United States
- Best season: Late spring through early fall
- Good for: canoeing, camping, fishing
- Coordinates: 47.574, -90.836
Intended uses
- canoeing
- camping
- fishing
Climate suitability
Late spring through early fall
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Tofte to Homer Lake (Entry Point 31, Sawbill Lake)
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Tofte to Homer Lake (Entry Point 31, Sawbill Lake)
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Overview
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a unique area within the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Spanning over 1,098,000 acres, it extends nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary, adjacent to Canada’s Quetico and La Verendrye Provincial Parks. To the west, it borders Voyageurs National Park, and to the east, Grand Portage Monument. The BWCAW boasts over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails, and more than 2,000 designated campsites. This area was established in 1926 to preserve its primitive character and later integrated into the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964, with additional legislation in 1978. It offers an experience of expansive solitude, challenge, and a personal connection with nature, allowing visitors to canoe, portage, and camp in the tradition of early travelers.
Sawbill Lake Area
Sawbill Lake serves as a popular entry point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It is situated at the terminus of the Sawbill Trail (County Road 2), 23 miles north of Tofte. The southern end of the lake hosts a United States Forest Service cabin, a canoe outfitter, and a 52-site campground. Additionally, there are 13 backcountry campsites on Sawbill Lake accessible by non-motorized watercraft, requiring a wilderness permit. Sawbill Lake is connected through portages to Smoke Lake, Kelso Lake, Ada Creek, and Alton Lake. The lake is part of the Lake Superior drainage basin, with its waters flowing into the Temperance River via Sawbill Creek, which originates from the lake's southern base.
Wilderness Preservation
The BWCAW is actively managed to protect, enhance, and restore its unique wilderness character. The 1964 Wilderness Act initially created the National Wilderness Preservation System, which included the BWCA. The BWCAW Act of 1978 further expanded the area and provided specific management directives. This commitment ensures that the area remains a place where visitors can pursue an experience of expansive solitude, challenge, and personal connection with nature, maintaining its primitive character for future generations. Limiting group sizes and implementing a quota system for permits are key measures to reduce natural resource damage and enhance the wilderness experience for all.
Sample itineraries
- BWCAW Exploration (Sample) · 3 days
Embark on a multi-day canoe and portage journey through the Boundary Waters. Day 1: Enter via Sawbill Lake, paddling to a connected lake like Smoke or Kelso and establishing camp. Day 2: Explore the interconnected waterways, portaging between lakes and observing wildlife. Day 3: Paddle and portage back to the Sawbill Lake entry point. This itinerary allows for a taste of the wilderness experience, adapting to group preferences and skill levels.
- Sawbill Lake Base Camp (Sample) · 4 days
Establish a base camp at one of the 13 backcountry campsites on Sawbill Lake, accessible by non-motorized watercraft. Day 1: Paddle to your chosen campsite and set up. Day 2-3: Take day trips paddling to nearby lakes like Ada Creek or Alton Lake, fishing, or exploring the immediate area. Day 4: Pack up camp and paddle back to the Sawbill Lake entry point. This option provides a less rigorous experience with opportunities for extended relaxation.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
April - May
Self-issued permits are required for all visitors during April. Quota season begins May 1st, requiring reserved permits. Ice-out typically occurs in spring, making canoe travel possible. Water levels may be high from snowmelt.
Summer
June - August
This is peak quota season (May 1 - September 30), requiring reserved permits for overnight and motorized day trips. Expect warm temperatures and potentially high visitor numbers. Wildlife viewing opportunities are present.
Fall
September - October
Quota season continues through September 30th. Self-issued permits are required from October 1st onwards. Cooler temperatures and changing foliage offer a different wilderness experience. Visitor numbers generally decrease after the quota season ends.
Winter
November - March
Self-issued permits are required for all visitors. Lakes will be frozen, requiring alternative travel methods like snowshoeing or skiing. Conditions will be cold, and wilderness experience will be starker and more isolated.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April - May | Self-issued permits are required for all visitors during April. Quota season begins May 1st, requiring reserved permits. Ice-out typically occurs in spring, making canoe travel possible. Water levels may be high from snowmelt. |
| Summer | June - August | This is peak quota season (May 1 - September 30), requiring reserved permits for overnight and motorized day trips. Expect warm temperatures and potentially high visitor numbers. Wildlife viewing opportunities are present. |
| Fall | September - October | Quota season continues through September 30th. Self-issued permits are required from October 1st onwards. Cooler temperatures and changing foliage offer a different wilderness experience. Visitor numbers generally decrease after the quota season ends. |
| Winter | November - March | Self-issued permits are required for all visitors. Lakes will be frozen, requiring alternative travel methods like snowshoeing or skiing. Conditions will be cold, and wilderness experience will be starker and more isolated. |
Permits, fees & closures
A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness. From May 1 - September 30 (quota season), visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor, or hiking trip, or a motorized day trip, must obtain a quota permit through Recreation.gov. Reservations are recommended due to limited quota permits per entry point. Walk-in permits may be available on the entry date or one day prior at issuing stations. From October 1 - April 30 (non-quota season), all visitors require self-issued permits, available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices; no reservation is needed for these. Non-motorized day use visitors require self-issued permits year-round. One permit is issued per group, with a maximum of 9 people and 4 watercraft.
Reservations: Permits for all entry points become available on the last Wednesday of January at 9:00 a.m. CT for the upcoming quota season (May 1 - September 30). Reservations are recommended for quota season permits due to limited availability. Self-issued permits for the non-quota season (October 1 - April 30) do not require reservations.
Official source: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior ... · Verified August 29, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- No mobile service (T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon all show major issues with coverage)
- Severe weather, including sudden changes in wind and precipitation on large bodies of water
- Wildlife encounters
- Hypothermia from cold water or exposure
- Navigational challenges on interconnected waterways
What to pack for Tofte to Homer Lake (Entry Point 31, Sawbill Lake)
- BWCAW Trip Planning Guide
- Maps and compass
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Tent or tarp
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cookstove and fuel
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Food storage (bear-resistant methods)
- Canoe or kayak
- Paddles
- Life jackets (PFDs)
- Portage pads
- Layered clothing (synthetic or wool)
- Rain gear (jacket and pants)
- Extra dry clothes
- Hat and gloves (seasonal)
Tofte to Homer Lake (Entry Point 31, Sawbill Lake) FAQ
- Are permits always required for entry into the BWCAW?
- Yes, a permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness, whether for day use or overnight trips, year-round.
- What is the group size limit for the BWCAW?
- The maximum allowed group size is nine people and four watercraft. This limit applies at all times and locations within the BWCAW, including on water, portages, and campsites.
- When do I need a quota permit versus a self-issued permit?
- Quota permits are required for overnight paddle, motor, or hiking trips, and motorized day trips, from May 1 - September 30. Self-issued permits are required for all visitors from October 1 - April 30, and for non-motorized day use visitors year-round.
- Where can I find detailed information about planning my trip?
- For the most current and comprehensive information, review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide available from the U.S. Forest Service.
- Is cell phone service available in the BWCAW?
- According to visitor reviews, major mobile carriers such as T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon report major issues or no service within the area.