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
Method of travel is paddle. Access is a boat landing at Snowbank Lake. Must camp ALL NIGHTS on Snowbank Lake. (paddle day trips to other lakes are permitted) For more information, please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely at 218-365-7561.
Description: USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest.
The water you'll paddle
This entry point puts in on a river or a lake we don't yet grade — its water-quality grade is unavailable. We only attach a grade when an entry point clearly matches a graded lake.
Location
Watch permit season for Snowbank Lake Restricted
Get a reminder when Boundary Waters permit reservations open, plus our free trip-planning guide.
Keep exploring
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry Point 28 (Snowbank Lake Restricted) releases 1 overnight-paddle permit 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 "Snowbank Lake Restricted" 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.