The permit
Quota permits are required for overnight paddle trips from May 1 – September 30; outside that window permits are free and self-issued (October 1 – April 30). Standard fees are a $6 reservation fee plus $16 per adult and $8 per youth/senior — verify current amounts on Recreation.gov.
Access & route
<p>Method of travel is motor or paddle. Enter from Crane Lake. Note: This is NOT the entry point to use for Trout Lake (EP#1). Trip options for paddlers with additional portages. </p><p>Motor use OR possession requires an overnight motor permit (unlimited motor h.p.). On US side, motors are only allowed up to edge of Snow Bay on Lac LaCroix. For more information, please call the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook at 218-666-0020.QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK: Lac La Croix Ranger Station is available for the nearby Quetico entry point lakes of Threemile Lake (41), Maligne River (42), McAree Lake (43), and Bottle River (44). For more details, please visit: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/quetico/camping</p>
Description: USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest.
The water you'll paddle
This entry point puts in on Little Vermilion Lake, which earns a water-quality grade of B with about 10 feet of clarity. See the full report card →
Location
Watch permit season for Little Vermilion Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Entry Point 12 (Little Vermilion Lake) releases 6 overnight-paddle permits per day during the May 1–September 30 quota season. Reserve early — low-quota entry points fill fast.
Reserve through Recreation.gov's Boundary Waters permit. There's no direct link to a single entry point — open the availability grid, choose "Little Vermilion Lake" and your start date, and complete the reservation.
Yes, but it's free and self-issued. From October 1 to April 30, fill out a self-issued permit at the entry point. The quota and reservation apply May 1–September 30.