Entry Point #12 Little Vermilion Lake
Entry Point #12 Little Vermilion LakeEntering the BWCAW through Little Vermilion Lake #12 offers a wilderness experience unlike most others. Paddlers can enjoy secluded canoe-in campsites, outstanding fishing, and an unforgettable trip.
The connecting waters of Crane, Sand Point, and Little Vermilion Lakes, along with the Loon River and Loon Lake, allow motorized boats—some are large and will move fast. As a water-access-only entry point, visitors either reserve a seat on Anderson’s Canoe Outfitters shuttle or paddle the waters on their own for Little Vermilion Lake #12 entry point.
Shuttle Boat Service
Departing just outside the western edge of the Boundary Waters from the Anderson’s Canoe Outfitters dock in Crane Lake, MN, the shuttle carries paddlers, gear, and Canoes on the “Up the Lake” trip—covering 55 water miles in approximately 2.5 hours. During the reservation process, our staff will suggest drop-off sites and route options from Little Vermilion Lake up to and beyond Bottle Portage, all tailored to your camping interests. The shuttle gives you time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and discuss your route or fishing plans with the shuttle captain.
Paddling On Own
Trips begin at the Crane Lake Bayside Public Access, just minutes from the shop. Canoe renters complete pre-trip prep at Anderson’s before heading to the access, where reserved canoes are staged and ready to load. Contrary to some printed maps, there is no portage from Crane Lake to Little Vermilion Lake—any trail shown is a winter-use only snowmobile route.
Paddling on Crane Lake requires caution, as it’s a large body of water shared with houseboats and fast-moving motorized boats. In King Williams Narrows, stay close to the shoreline and paddle facing oncoming traffic.
Before entering Sand Point Lake, navigate “The Pinch” by detouring west around a small Voyageur National Park island, then cross safely, waving your paddle to alert oncoming boats. Follow the eastern shoreline of Sand Point Lake to Little Vermilion Lake.
The Loon River stretch to Loon Falls Portage also requires caution: stay close to shore, keep moving (there are no campsites along the river), and watch out for fishing and shuttle boats traveling at a quick clip through the narrow, twisty channel.
View the video below that shows motorboat footage on the Loon River, traveling at 35-40 mph, toward Loon Falls Portage. Credits: Scott Thiele, video. Andrew Anderson, boat captain. Aug 2025