Path of the Paddle traces route along Canadian wilderness waters
Over 680 miles of canoe route through northwestern Ontario from Thunder Bay on Lake Superior to Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba.
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Superfluous stars: Boundary Waters gets rare “Dark Sky” designation
BWCAW awarded prestigious Dark Sky status from international organization concerned with light pollution.
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.
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…
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.
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.
More water bodies in northeast Minnesota fail state pollution standards
State agency finds many lakes and streams are contaminated by pollutants across the Boundary Waters, northern Minnesota region.
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…
Forest Service requests input on outfitters, resorts, and other commercial services
Federal officials are examining whether the supply of services meets the public needs, and how to manage contentious issues like crowding and motorized use.
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.
Wilderness Voices: Kelly Beaster
“While I create each drawing, I get to re-visit past trips and adventures, and I notice things from the drawing itself that I didn’t from the photograph, details that were always there, but the drawing has brought out new details…”
Wilderness Voices: Travis Novitsky
“Some of my most unforgettable moments are sitting on the shores of a boreal forest lake on a calm night with no wind, watching the northern lights dance overhead while the haunting calls of loons echo across the water.”
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.
BWCAW permit reservation system re-launch date announced, outfitters say process flawed
A second attempt to open up wilderness permit reservations will take place in late February, while Boundary Waters businesses say they were never consulted while the system was in development.
New BWCAW permit system fails on first day, reservations remain unavailable
The web site used to reserve Boundary Waters permits apparently could not handle the traffic of eager wilderness users seeking to reserve permits for this year’s quota season.
Teenagers invited to enter wilderness essay contest for a chance to win a “no parents” Boundary Waters trip
An essay contest for high school students seeks to encourage outdoor experiences and promote paddling to a new generation.
Winter Patrol in the Boundary Waters
How is the BWCAW patrolled in the winter? When snow covers Boundary Waters lakes and portages, wilderness rangers turn to sled dogs, snowshoes, and cross-country skis to complete their work…
The Banadad Ski Trail – from historic logging road to winter wilderness experience
Snow underfoot, dark pines above, a white path beckons cross-country skiers into the Boundary Waters and offers glimpses into its past.
Boundary Waters created out of conflict and compromise 40 years ago today
Watch an award-winning student film about how the BWCAW Act of 1978 came to pass, and learn more about the long road to wilderness protection.