BWCA

Three wildfires spark in the Boundary Waters after lightning storm

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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.

Campsite on ice BWCA

Good winter camping etiquette in the Boundary Waters

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Minnesotans have become increasingly interested in winter camping, particularly in the BWCA. But, as in other seasons, it’s essential to minimize your impact and practice good etiquette. We’re sharing both written and unwritten guidelines to help everyone enjoy a positive experience while protecting the natural environment.

Paddling to Crooked Lake Pictographs

Paddling through time: visiting Crooked Lake pictographs

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Just north of Lower Basswood Falls in the BWCA, a striking set of pictographs appears on a granite wall, one of at least forty sites scattered across the wilderness. These culturally significant images connect deeply to the history of the Anishinaabe people, who regard this land as sacred.

How would reversing the Roadless Rule affect the Superior National Forest?

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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.

Closure order issued near the Horse River in the BWCAW

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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.

Hiking one of the BWCA’s most remote trails: The Sioux-Hustler

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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.

8 must-see waterfalls in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

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Waterfalls and cascades appear throughout many parts of the BWCAW. These natural features, often found between lakes and rivers, add excitement and beauty for paddlers and anglers exploring by canoe. Many portage trails follow these dynamic stretches of moving water. In fact, these waterfalls are a big reason portages exist in the first place.

Canoe on shoreline Frear Lake

Paddling and camping the Timber-Frear canoe route

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The Timber-Frear is located about 15 miles northwest of Tofte in Superior National Forest. If you make the trek, consider extending your trip to explore additional camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities in the area. The route is about 10 miles long and can be explored as a day trip.

aerial view of spruce budworm affected trees

Worst Spruce budworm outbreak in northern Minnesota since 1961

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The Spruce budworm, native to Minnesota, has spiked in numbers as state and federal agencies, along with conservationists, are working to mitigate the issue. Repeated and sustained outbreaks, seen in dead or dying balsam fir and white spruce are a signal of poor forest health…

All-women expedition from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay

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A four-person paddling crew will tackle 1,200 miles of historic routes between Minnesota and Canada. Their journey will take them from Grand Portage on Lake Superior to York Factory on Hudson Bay this summer and is expected to take 85 days. Through their journey, they aim to inspire young women and girls while advocating for gender equality in paddlesports.

Wood Lake Fire suppression efforts

Wood Lake fire burning in BWCAW grows to 45 acres

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A fire detected September 10 is burning on an island of Wood Lake within the BWCAW, partially contained, according to the USDA Forest Service. The fire is suspected to be human-caused and is burning in an area that is difficult to access. Some portages, lakes and entry points are closed.

Some BWCAW entry points closed due to storm damage

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Heavy rainfall from severe thunderstorms caused extensive damage to roads and flooding within the Superior National Forest (SNF), including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). In response, the USFS – Superior National Forest has closed several entry points. As a result, individuals with BWCAW permits reserved through June 22, 2024, are being notified directly of the cancellation and refunded.

Map of land protected near BWCA from mining interests

Advocacy group purchases land near the BWCAW

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Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness recently purchased 361 acres of land along the South Kawishiwi River. This scenic river borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and is considered one of America’s most endangered rivers.