Think it’s too late to plan a Boundary Waters trip? Think again. With the right maps, resources, and a little flexibility, you can plan an unforgettable last-minute BWCA adventure. From securing permits to packing smart, here’s how to make it happen.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins recently announced plans to withdraw the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 59 million acres of National Forest from new roads and timber harvests. In Minnesota, many of these areas border the BWCA. If implemented, the change could significantly affect how parts of the National Forest are managed.
Near Birch Lake Reservoir, Jeff Hanson’s mobile lab is testing a potentially proven, cost-effective method to remove sulfate from watersheds flowing into the Boundary Waters. This pollution, a byproduct of taconite mining, harms humans and contributes to toxic mercury levels in fish.
The Eighteen Lake and Divide Lake Trails can be found in the Superior National Forest, not too far from Highway 1 near Isabella. Its possible to hike both trails in a day and enjoy the Boundary Waters landscape and end the day with a sunset picnic.
A slight chill hangs in the air. Maple trees begin turning deep red at their tips. Fall settles into the BWCA, bringing solitude and silence. Our top tips to help you plan a canoe trip and enjoy one of the best times to explore the northwoods.
Blue-green algae is spreading in BWCAW lakes. A $1.3 million grant will be used to study its impact. While visitors should assess their own risk, the researchers also provide tips to help limit exposure.
The Northern Lakes Scientific Advisory Panel reports that walleye in Crane Lake, gateway to Voyageurs National Park, contain four times more mercury than those in nearby unimpaired lakes. Upstream sulfate pollution from taconite mines may be to blame.
Legislation introduced in Congress would reinstate Twin Metals Minnesota’s federal mineral leases and reverse the 20-year mining moratorium near the BWCAW.
Test your gear before every trip, consider your backup plan, treat your list like Santa, prepare for bad weather, and a few more mistakes we’ve learned from the hard way…
The USFS has proposed increasing BWCAW recreation fees. Members of the public weighed in at an open house at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station.
While the overall number of visitors has remained steady since the pandemic, the number of visitors increased between May 1 and September 30 last year. This was largely due to a rise in day-use (non-motorized) permit reservations. Off-season visits also grew, though summer continues to draw the most traffic.
Dreaming of a family camping trip but want to ensure it’s fun for everyone? Check out these tips to make your next trip your best trip.
For those who truly want to get off the beaten path, the BWCAW’s twelve Primitive Management Areas (PMAs) offer the most remote and untouched wilderness experience. Exploring these areas involves risk and demands strong outdoor skills with proper planning. Help may be hours or even days away, and local resources are limited.
The U.S. Forest Service–Superior National Forest is inviting public comments on a proposal to increase recreation fees in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The Forest Service would use the additional revenue to improve campsites and portage trails, expand outdoor education programs, and support Search and Rescue operations.
Volunteers are needed to count loons this summer. The Minnesota DNR is seeking people to observe and count the state bird between July 4-14 for their monitoring project. The information gathered will help protect and support the continued health of the birds. Current populations hover around 12,000, more than any other state besides Alaska.
June 11 Update: In a win for wilderness and conservation efforts, Congress is set to remove Section 80131 from the draft budget bill. This section would have directed officials to move forward with reinstating copper-nickel mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
A lightning strike sparked a wildfire near the Horse River in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This comes after an active wildfire season has scorched nearly 30,000 acres in the Superior National Forest this year. The Forest Service has issued a closure order for the route along the Dog Sled Portage and has encouraged visitors to avoid the area.
Just 40 miles from Ely, Lake Jeanette offers opportunities for secluded camping, swimming, paddling, and fishing. The Astrid Trail is accessed from the campground, with more than seven miles of hiking and connects four smaller but equally gorgeous lakes.
Tucked deep within Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, just miles from the Canadian border, the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trail offers a truly remote experience. This 32-mile loop winds through rugged boreal forest, quiet lakes, and historic logging paths, giving hikers a rare opportunity to experience true solitude. Learn more about the experience and tips for planning your adventure.
President Trump recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate domestic mineral production in northern MN, including the proposed NorthMet mine. Advocacy groups criticize the effort, saying the current administration is ignoring science.