BWCAW Quota Permit — Cross Bay Lake (EP50) wilderness permit area in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - backcountry hiking destination
ReservationOvernightModerate Demand

BWCAW Quota Permit — Cross Bay Lake (EP50)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry permit for Cross Bay Lake (EP50).

“Experience Cross Bay Lake (EP50) in BWCAW.”

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when Cross Bay Lake (EP50) permits become available.

Demand
Moderate
6/10
Method
Reservation
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

Cross Bay Lake (EP50) Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationUSFS

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

2

Know the release schedule

Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.

3

Be ready when permits drop

Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

4

Monitor for cancellations

If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

  • !Peak demand for permits
  • !Book accommodations early
  • !Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand1/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.

Recommended Experience

Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Cross Bay Lake (EP50) in BWCAW offers a wilderness experience protected by the permit system. Quotas help maintain trail conditions and ensure visitors can enjoy the natural setting without overcrowding.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Cross Bay Lake (EP50).

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Cross Bay Lake (EP50) FAQ

How do I get a Cross Bay Lake (EP50) permit?

Cross Bay Lake (EP50) permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Cross Bay Lake (EP50)?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Cross Bay Lake (EP50) permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Cross Bay Lake (EP50) permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Golden hour at Cross Bay Lake (EP50) offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.

Best Light

Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Classic view of Cross Bay Lake (EP50)
  • 📍BWCAW scenery
  • 📍Trail or route documentation

Other BWCAW Permits

Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list

Reservation8/10

Lake One (EP30)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry permit for Lake One (EP30)....

View BWCAW Quota Permit — Lake One (EP30) permit details and availability
Reservation8/10

Sawbill Lake (EP38)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry permit for Sawbill Lake (EP38)....

View BWCAW Quota Permit — Sawbill Lake (EP38) permit details and availability
Reservation7/10

Moose Lake (EP25)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry permit for Moose Lake (EP25)....

View BWCAW Quota Permit — Moose Lake (EP25) permit details and availability
Reservation7/10

Snowbank Lake (EP27)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry permit for Snowbank Lake (EP27)....

View BWCAW Quota Permit — Snowbank Lake (EP27) permit details and availability
Reservation7/10

Seagull Lake (EP54)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry permit for Seagull Lake (EP54)....

View BWCAW Quota Permit — Seagull Lake (EP54) permit details and availability
Reservation7/10

Saganaga Lake (EP55)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry permit for Saganaga Lake (EP55)....

View BWCAW Quota Permit — Saganaga Lake (EP55) permit details and availability