The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) covers 1 million acres with over 1,100 lakes along 150 miles of the Minnesota-Canada border. Get the latest news on BWCA regulations, the mining debate, wildlife, trail conditions, camping permits and more.
Beaver floatplanes carried Idaho hotshots into Boundary Waters to fight Bear Trap Fire
Wildfire season in the Boundary Waters is easing, partly because of rain and cooler temperatures, with many fires becoming more contained. Throughout the season, numerous agencies and wildland firefighting crews from across the United States have helped manage the incident, which has affected communities and dominated much of the summer news. One of the tools they use, the Beaver plane, has been instrumental in getting crews into remote, rugged areas.
Wildfires burn over 66,000 acres in the Superior National Forest and BWCA
Weekly updates on wildfires in the Boundary Waters: containment is climbing across the major fires as evacuation zones shrink near the areas closest to the flames. The Forest Service is reopening additional BWCAW entry points for day and overnight use.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points now 73% open
The Forest Service says it has now opened over 73% of the one-million-acre BWCAW. Phase 7, effective August 13, will bring the total to more than 1,600 of campsites reopened.
Campfire ban updates: BWCAW, Superior National Forest and Voyageurs National Park, Quetico
Burning restrictions have been removed across the entire three-million-acre Superior National Forest, including the BWCAW, effective August 24, the forest announced this week…
Governor Walz issues executive order aimed at blocking copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters
Gov. Tim Walz’s Aug. 18 executive order directs Minnesota DNR and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to stop permitting and environmental review work on nonferrous mining in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed. In Ely that day, Walz also proclaimed Aug. 18 “Save the Boundary Waters Day.”
Volunteers push Kekekabic Trail closer to Ely, one mile at a time
A new section of the Kekekabic Hiking Trail is being built east of Ely. by volunteer crews. Eventually, the trail will reach Kawishiwi Falls, eliminating a road walk along Fernberg Road.
Quetico fire crossed the border into the BWCAW; campsites reopening
The Forest Service lifted closure of Trails End Campground on July 29. Recent rain has moderated fire activity, officials said, the Little Knife Fire area is reopening….
Paddlers will use Wi-Fi to report their entry into Canada; RABC permits extended through November
Starting June 8, the Cache Bay and Prairie Portage ranger stations are expected to implement a new telephone reporting system for paddlers entering Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. Visitors will be able to use the stations’ Wi-Fi to report their entry.
How will wildfires and warming summers shape northern Minnesota’s forests?
With rising temperatures and predictions of increasingly hot, dry summers, what does the future hold for the forest? We spoke with Minnesota ecologist and author Professor Lee E. Frelich about how climate change and future wildfires could reshape the forest.
Permit canceled due to wildfires? Discover new ways to explore northeastern Minnesota
While many permits have been canceled due to ongoing wildfires in the BWCAW, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore areas outside the wilderness and nearby communities. Plan your northern MN adventure with our favorite alternatives to the Boundary Waters.
Boundary Waters temporarily closed to all visitors as wildfires spread
BWCAW permits are cancelled through July 24, and the closure order now formally runs through October 1, or until rescinded. The Forest Service said this week that it is assessing opportunities to reduce the closure in areas where conditions allow.
Escaping ahead of the Little Knife Fire in the BWCA
Their Boundary Waters trip started with mosquitoes, unusually warm weather, and rugged portages. “Little did we know, those trials by fire were going to be just stick kindling compared to the real fires ahead…”
Superior National Forest, emergency responders prepare for the long haul as wildfires burn
Officials representing multiple agencies, including the USFS-Superior National Forest, held a press conference Wednesday at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely. They provided updates and plans for the wildfires burning in the BWCAW and northeastern Minnesota.
Boundary Waters wildfires closure affecting area outfitters and visitors
With the entire Boundary Waters closed and no reopening date announced, outfitters on both sides of the wilderness are scrambling — canceling and rerouting trips, fielding calls from visitors who flew in from across the country, and hoping the next few days bring better news.
Emergency Closure Order issued for portions of the BWCAW
The USDA Forest Service is closing public access to portions of the BWCAW to protect public health and safety. One order closes three wildfire areas surrounding the Bear Trap, Thumb, and Wolfpack fires in the LaCroix Ranger District, affecting 13 entry points; a second closes 15 lakes in the northwestern Gunflint Ranger District, effective July 12, due to a wildfire in Quetico Provincial Park.
Lightning-caused Long 2 Fire contained in the Boundary Waters
A small wildfire detected in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness last week is now fully contained, the Superior National Forest said in its final update on the fire July 5.
Researchers listen for signs of change in Quetico’s songbirds
A long-term songbird study is underway deep within Quetico Provincial Park. This spring, researchers placed 17 recording units across key habitats to monitor songbird species. Data will reveal trends especially as climate change affects the park and bird species.
Over 12,000 BWCA permits went unused last year, new policy aims to change that
The Superior National Forest is reconsidering their cancellation policy on Boundary Waters Canoe Area permits. The most visited wilderness in the country requires a permit, usually booked online. In recent years, cancellations and no-shows have been on the rise…
Campfires ban in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness lifted
The USFS announced that the ban on campfires in the BWCAW would be lifted as of June 12. The restriction was announced due to dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.
Three wildfires spark in the Boundary Waters after lightning storm
Three new wildfires ignited in the BWCA due to storms that passed through the area on Thursday, June 4. The Superior National Forest said that crews have been working on management and suppression techniques. The wilderness campfire ban will remain in effect through June 30.
Chasing fish on Ogish
What’s more demoralizing to a wilderness canoe tripper than a 30-mph headwind? Facing a grueling 12-hour battle across the Boundary Waters, Chris Pascone pushes his limits to reach Ogishkemuncie Lake. Along the way, he discovers the power of camaraderie, and the fascinating secret behind Ogish’s famous “red-flesh” lake trout.
Birch Bay Fire update: cause determined, evacuations lifted near Burntside Lake
A wildfire broke out on the afternoon of June 1 near Burntside Lake. Driven by hot, dry conditions and light southeast winds, it spread quickly to an estimated 30 acres by evening.
Legislature cuts $1.25 million for Boundary Waters program that gets youth outdoors
Friends of the Boundary Waters lost over a million dollars for its youth program after the state voted to eliminate the funding. Lawmakers said the organization should not receive public funds because it also engages in anti-mining advocacy.
The camper’s guide to outsmarting bugs in Northern Minnesota
Bugs are a fixture of the northern Minnesota landscape, chasing bare-legged campers into their tents as the sun sets. As early as March, they can begin to appear, starting with ticks. By June, black flies, gnats, and mosquitoes are common. Find our top tips to beat the bugs or at least co-exist safely with them.
Report shows rise in last-minute permit cancellations for Boundary Waters
The Forest Service has published its latest permit and visitor-use report for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While visitor numbers remain about the same, cancellations and no-shows continue to rise.
Pro tips: cold weather safety for spring canoe trips in the BWCA
Spring in the Boundary Waters offers unmatched solitude and the first signs of life, but the beauty hides a deadly risk: water temperatures that linger in the 40s and 50s long after ice-out. An experienced guide shares tips to help stay safe, warm, and prepared for the unpredictable conditions of a BWCAW shoulder-season adventure.
Senate votes to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters—what happens next?
In a narrow 50-49 vote, the U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res. 140, effectively overturning a 20-year moratorium on mineral leasing in the Superior National Forest. The move clears a major federal hurdle for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine.
Prescribed burns planned for the Superior National Forest
Each spring, the Forest Service plans prescribed burns throughout the Superior National Forest. The work is expected to begin this month and, depending on conditions, will go through June. This is done annually to help safeguard communities from wildfires and reduce fuel loads. See which areas are scheduled for burning.
Dark Sky Week emphasizes more stars, less light pollution
Experience Minnesota’s dark skies during International Dark Sky Week, April 13-20. Minnesota is home to two certified dark-sky sanctuaries – the BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park.
When will ice be gone from northern Minnesota lakes? Updated tracker helps visitors plan
When the ice will be out on Boundary Waters lakes? Using scientific and historical data, an online thaw tracker provided by the Minnesota Sea Grant helps estimate when ice will disappear from Minnesota lakes.