Big Island Lake Wilderness access

[Rhollat]

I’ll be heading to BILW area the 2nd weekend of Oct and would like to use Haywire Grade to access Byers Lake for my put in. Fish mainly Starlight and camp on one of the nearby lakes.
Anyone here have experience with this access point? Parking? Permits required to use the trail? I’ve never been to this Wilderness area so any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Keeled Over]

Are you referring to the one in the UP?

I would contact the appropriate DNR office for verification. Many downed trees around.

 

[Gamma1214]

I haven't been there but it's under the authority of the Hiawatha Nat'l Forest, Munising Ranger District Office. They can be reached here.

Welcome to the site and, if you would, report what you find so future searchers can benefit. (Trip Reports are also welcome as my tripping is shaping up to be "vicarious only" this year.

 

[cunnibra]

Found this post as I'm thinking of doing the same the with my family in a couple of weeks. I have paddled this area twice, both from the NW end, entering through Big Island Lake parking area and portaging/paddling in as far as Klondike. No usage fees last time I was there, but that was a couple of years ago.

If you end up calling them, please post what you find out.

 

[cunnibra]

Also, here is a post from a few years go about that access:

BWCA: Directions to Big Island Lake wilderness

Group Forum: Other Canoe Camping Locations - Directions to Big Island Lake wilderness

bwca.com