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 from Poplar Lake (320-rod portage) or Iron Lake (230-rod portage). For more information, please call the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-1750.
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 Skipper & Portage Lakes
Get a reminder when Boundary Waters permit reservations open, plus our free trip-planning guide.
Keep exploring
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry Point 49 (Skipper & Portage Lakes) releases 2 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 "Skipper & Portage Lakes" 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.