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.
Winners of 2023 Boundary Waters Photo Contest
Each year the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness receives thousands of submissions…
A year of wonderful wildlife, superior splendor in northeast MN
Top outdoor experiences in northeast Minnesota – from camping in Superior National Forest, an epic hike on the Superior Hiking Trail to a BWCA adventure, get inspired for your next trip
Fernberg Road plan for logging, burning to reduce wildfire risk
Forest Service seek to create firewall between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and help protect private property.
An unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of the BWCA
No matter how well you plan your BWCA canoe trip, not everything goes as expected. This journey through the Boundary Waters was no exception. Rough water, difficult portages were just the beginning.
Superior National Forest invites public to open houses
Events will offer interested groups and individuals informal conversation with Forest Service leaders.
Forest Service taking input on BWCA towboat limits
Agency kicks off review of commercial motor use with comment period on issues to consider.
How does a forest wildfire affect water quality?
New study says lakes near the 2021 Greenwood Fire saw significant and surprising impacts.
Magical history tour through the BWCA
Dig into the history of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, your next trip will be richer with an appreciation for how it came to be.
Boundary Waters Boy Scout camp celebrates a century of wilderness adventure
Program based near Ely has helped young people explore and experience canoe country since 1923.
Plan the perfect BWCA day trip
There are few places in the world where you can experience the wild solitude and dark skies found in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. A BWCAW day trip is a great way to experience the magic of this special place.
The top 10 clearest lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Which lakes in the BWCAW are the most crystal clear? Satellite data analyzed by the University of Minnesota yields insights. #10 – Lac la Croix…
How to visit Eagle Mountain – the highest point in Minnesota
Looking for a hike where you’ll be be challenged and rewarded with solitude and scenic vistas? Then Minnesota’s Eagle Mountain is for you!
Spice Lake Wildfire in Boundary Waters Canoe Area
A wildfire is currently burning near the end of the Gunflint Trail in the BWCAW. The US Forest Service says the fire was detected between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Campfires banned in BWCA due to dangers caused by drought
Local, state, and federal agencies announce prohibitions to reduce wildfire risks.
Report documents how “model mines” actually contaminate environment
Professor of geology studied several mines that supposedly have not polluted, and found they don’t meet proposed Minnesota standards.
Federal judge considers motorized towboat ban in Boundary Waters
Group requests injunction to prohibit activity they say illegally degrades wilderness as lawsuit over issue proceeds.
New film explores the dark skies of Minnesota-Ontario
‘Northern Nights, Starry Skies’ features inspiring images, cultural knowledge, and light pollution threats.
Boundary Waters receives ‘International Quiet Park’ designation
The BWCAW’s lack of human noise is recognized as increasingly important. This award honors the quietest places in the world.
Retracing Arthur Carhart’s BWCA canoe route 100 years later
Three paddlers follow famous 100-mile route that helped shape the concept of wilderness.
Beyond the Boundary Waters Mining Ban: What’s Next for Minnesota Wilderness
After last month’s announcement that protects the BWCAW for 20 years, more threats and protection work remains.
Wilderness advocates ask court to enforce Boundary Waters motor limits
Wilderness Watch requests halt to commercial motor use in Boundary Waters until Forest Service comes up with management plan.
Boundary Waters permit reservations available starting Jan. 25
The Forest Service urges wilderness visitors to plan ahead and secure BWCAW permits now.
Scientists search for cyanobacteria in the Boundary Waters: Part II
“Soon enough we were afloat again on the other end of the portage — and then we were paddling through green slime. The cyanobacteria in a shallow bay on the west side of the lake was ten times thicker than on Sawbill…”
Scientists search for cyanobacteria in Boundary Waters: Part I
Intense study of several northern Minnesota lakes seeks answers about past and future of region’s famous waters.
Historic photos celebrate centennial of Superior National Forest recreation plan
Forest Service notes anniversary of first major call to protect canoe country.
Remote Boundary Waters outfitters connected to power grid after six decades
After decades managing their own electrical generation, federal grant makes power project possible.
Film about Emily Ford’s winter crossing of Boundary Waters to premiere at Banff Festival and online
“A Voice for the Wild” documents the Duluth-based adventurer’s 200-mile trek in February 2022.
Report on 2021 Boundary Waters wildfire explains fire management options and benefits
The Fourtown Lake Fire was allowed to burn to some extent, helping restore a healthy forest and reducing firefighting resources needed.
Duluth man sets new speed record crossing Boundary Waters by paddleboard
Paddler covers 250-mile Border Route in five days, fastest known time using a stand-up paddleboard.
Forest Service reports illegal trail markings on Boundary Waters wilderness hiking path
Vandals illegally blaze protected hiking trail in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Forest Service asks for information about painted markings on wilderness path.