The Boundary Waters is famously canoe country and largely motor-free. However, there are some entry point lakes that allow motorboats, and outfitters have used this ability to provide paddlers with a head start through boat shuttling or towing services. Getting a tow in the BWCA is a great way to get a head start on […]
BWCA Tow Boat Services (Updated Listings) Read More »
Moose Lake is the most popular entry point into the Boundary Waters. One major draw is that it allows deep access to the BWCA without a lot of portages. In fact, it’s a popular choice for paddlers headed all the way toward Canada’s Quetico wilderness. Plus, being located in the Kawishiwi Ranger District, the nearest
Easy BWCA Routes from Moose Lake (entry point 25) Read More »
There’s almost no more iconic creature to the Boundary Waters than the gray wolf. This article will help you identify evidence of wolves on your Boundary Waters trip (and maybe see one). Often heard and rarely seen, these massive canines are extremely secretive. They prefer to spend their time in dense forest and don’t often
Are there Wolves in the Boundary Waters? Read More »
If there’s one animal that is the face of the Boundary Waters, it is the moose. Weighing over 1,100 lbs and standing six feet tall at the shoulder, the North American Moose is the largest mammal of the BWCA. These majestic creatures are said to have migrated to North America from Siberia just 70,000 years
Are there Moose in the BWCA? Read More »
After a careful look at ATT, T-Mobile, and Verizon cell coverage maps around the Boundary Waters, it’s safe to say that finding a cellular signal is unlikely and shouldn’t be a major part of your emergency planning. Speaking from experience, don’t count on being able to live-tweet your BWCA adventure. But does that mean you
How to be Reachable in the BWCA (Without Cell Phone Coverage) Read More »
Food storage is something every paddler thinks about in the Boundary Waters. The reasons are that 1) bears will eat your food and 2) food is heavy. There are certainly best practices when it comes to food storage, but what is actually required by the Forest Service? In this post, we’ll cover the Boundary Waters
2023 BWCA Bear Canister Rules Read More »
Swimming in the Boundary Waters is a wild, invigorating experience. With cool, clear, and clean water all around you, there’s nothing like a dip after a long day of paddling. The sun does a good job of warming the top few feet of water. But it’s not warm by any means. You’ll want to sprawl
Swimming in the Boundary Waters (Water Temperature, Depth, and Safety) Read More »
Looking for an upgrade to the tent-and-mat accommodations in the BWCA? Maybe enjoy a flush toilet with four walls and a roof? Or maybe you are hoping for something quiet and warm for a winter escape? There are a handful of remote cabins for rent in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area that may
Remote Cabins Near the Boundary Waters Read More »
Cell phones have become a staple and lifeline in most day-to-day emergency planning. But there’s a vastly different signal quality in the wilderness is compared to the side of a highway. Many paddlers who relied upon making a call for either an emergency or for their pick-up ride at the end of their trip have
Cell Phone Coverage in the Boundary Waters (Comparing Top 3 Carriers) Read More »
The beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is breathtaking; however, you may not be able to capture your own aerial footage due to drone restrictions in the area. Drone operation is prohibited in the BWCA Wilderness. “Drones” refer to any recreational unmanned aerial system. The National Park Service (NPS) has banned the use of
Are Drones Allowed in the Boundary Waters? Read More »