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.
Encounters with moose
“Moose draw Minnesotans like a magnet. If they call you as they do me, the solution is simple: understand the basic needs of moose, dedicate the time, and you will find them.”
‘A Northern Light’ Patagonia’s new short film featuring the Boundary Waters
Intimate and lyrical production follows activist through wilderness as he reflects on its value and the threat of mining.
Non-native worms in Boundary Waters connected to campsites, fires, entry points
New study details how earthworms are spread by people, and controlled by fire.
Boundary Waters bear troubles lead to campsite closures, calls for camper caution
Rangers report negative encounters between wilderness visitors and offer advice to prevent problems.
More visitors to Boundary Waters are breaking rules, damaging wilderness with trash, chemicals, cutting
Forest Service says many first-time visitors aren’t receiving Leave No Trace education, compounding problems caused by busy season.
Small human-caused wildfire contained on Crooked Lake in Boundary Waters
Forest Service urges campfire caution as it fights another forest blaze ignited by Boundary Waters wilderness visitors.
Boundary Waters outfitters report high demand, take precautions to protect health
Many people are interested in visiting the wilderness area this summer, and local businesses are trying to meet their needs while staying safe.
Resources ready to help novices have a successful first trip to the Boundary Waters
A new guide helps visitors enjoy the BWCAW this summer with helpful information for any level of canoe camping experience.
Busy weekend in the Boundary Waters could also be dangerously dry
Wilderness permits are nearly sold out as the paddling season gets underway with high risk of wildfires.
New lawsuit challenges how Twin Metals mineral leases were renewed without review
Numerous groups argue that federal government failed to follow law when issuing controversial leases to search for minerals on public land.
Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park closed to overnight visitors until May 17
Recreation areas allow local residents to take day trips, but camping is prohibited to prevent spread of coronavirus.
Poem: Rocky Shores
What Wilderness Means to Me Series Submission: “Rocky shores, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, full moon paddles and islands alone, Boundary Waters you are my throne. Great wilderness of untold stories, nature is proof of your glory…”
Boundary Waters closed for all until May 4
Permit quota season will be delayed due to statewide stay-at-home order during pandemic. The Superior National Forest announced today that the BWCAW is closed…
Federal court upholds Twin Metals mineral leases
Major blow to wilderness protection comes as judge rules in favor of reversal, restoring leases to company seeking to mine at edge of Boundary Waters.
Trip planning takes priority as summer season approaches
First-timers and experienced wilderness visitors can learn from several upcoming programs and events focused on safe and successful paddling and hiking trips.
Search-and-rescue crew recaps year of Boundary Waters emergencies
Respected northern Minnesota rescue squad responded to hundreds of calls last year, including almost 20 in the Boundary Waters wilderness.
Boundary Waters permits go on sale January 29 for restricted quota season
Are you ready to reserve your dates and entry point? Permits to camp in the popular wilderness area this summer will soon be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
New legislation in Congress would prohibit mining in Boundary Waters watershed
Bill introduced today by Rep. Betty McCollum seeks to stop any and all copper-nickel mining activity in parts of the Superior National Forest where water flows into the wilderness.
Photo gallery: Winter’s wilderness wonders await in the Boundary Waters
Inspiring images from around the region show how to have fun in the snow and enjoy the unique beauty of the season.
Boundary Waters counties get good news about federal reimbursement for wilderness
Local governments will continue to receive the same level of compensation from the Forest Service to make up for lost revenue, until a new appraisal is completed.
Choose Your Own Adventure – Fall Hike on the Upper Gunflint Trail
A fall hike along the edge of the Boundary Waters. Ada Igoe shares one of her favorite trails, easily accessible from the Gunflint, on marked ski trails through aspen and jackpine to incredible vistas…
International ranger crew partners to improve flood-prone portage on Granite River
Quetico and Boundary Waters crews come together on the border of the U.S. and Canada to reduce hazards on portage and facilitate wilderness visitors.
Volunteers save the Powwow Trail
Volunteers and a nonprofit group worked tirelessly to clear deadfall and regrowth from the Powwow Trail in the BWCAW, after Pagami Creek Fire.
Measuring dark night skies in Quetico-Superior a first step in light pollution protection
Wilderness rangers recently traveled through Quetico and Boundary Waters to take measurements of the night skies are, as regional efforts get underway to recognize and preserve its darkness.
Prescribed fires planned this fall in the Boundary Waters to protect outside areas
Fires will reduce the amount of flammable forest materials in areas hit by the 1999 blowdown, and hopefully reduce the risk that a wildfire could escape the wilderness.
Paddlers break 50-year-old speed record for Border Route
Canoeists cover historic route through heart of Quetico-Superior in less than three days, cutting considerable time off the previous best.
Forest Service finalizes plans to cut and burn 17,000 acres near the Echo Trail
Superior National Forest officials recently concluded the lengthy development of a plan to manage significant swaths of public land near and in the Boundary Waters.
Watch: Forest Service releases new videos for Boundary Waters visitors
Replacing the previous video that was required viewing for permit-holders, a new series of three short videos is updated in strategy, style, and content.
Boundary Waters permit reservation system reopens in wake of earlier failure
After crashing on its first day at the end of January, the system that lets people plan wilderness trips re-launched successfully, though a key Congressman is seeking to force the Forest Service to bring back the lottery for motorized trips.
“The BWCA is at stake” says former supervisor of Superior National Forest
“We must stop the political do-over on the Twin Metals mine. Experience shows that pollution is probable. It may be catastrophic.”