Sorry if this isn’t allowed, but I’ve seen a lot of questions about the status of the BWCA on Reddit, so I thought I’d share this upcoming webinar from Save the Boundary Waters.

Save the BWCA is hosting a webinar next week to discuss our strategies and plans to protect the Boundary Waters under the upcoming administration. We defended the Wilderness during the Trump administration, and now we have updated plans to continue that protection. https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/election-results-webinars

Join one of our post-election webinars on Wednesday, November 13 (two times available) to hear from our team about the election’s impact on our work and how you can help. 12:00 PM & 6:30 PM

I’m in the market for a BWCA branded hoodie, t-shirt, and maybe a hat and other gear. Want to show off my BWCA pride lol. Any Twin Cities retailers that carry this type of stuff? Preferably in the SW-ish metro.

I know most outfitters have online stores and could ship stuff, but I prefer to be able to feel the fabric and try clothes on in person.

Hello -

Looking to plan a trip for 4 people 2 canoes next summer. I have a lot of questions - I have gone on canoe portaging trip to the BWCA before but never needed to do planning myself. The group does have all the needed equipment for the trip. I would love to be able to chat over text (or voice if preferred such as discord) with somebody that could answer questions such as

• When would you recommend going? (best months or days of the week?)
• What routs would be fun? (Looking to avoid fire damage, don't mind large portages)
• Looking for info on route building has been difficult, is paddle planner the best way to do this?
• How does the permit system work? Does this only give me an "entry" and then I can go any place?
• What if I cannot find a camping spot?
• (Many other general questions that might pop up)

If you don't want to give away your secret spots that's ok, just looking for some general help on how to get started! I am aware that sometimes you cannot have the perfect trip but I'm looking to give my group the best experience possible. I have gone fishing on Sag many times in the past in small motorboats 10+ times over the years and it's always been a wonderful time, looking for a new adventure but have seen some routes recommend that area and am not opposed.

Get out to the Boundary Waters. Go now, go often, because with Trump back in power, our cherished wilderness may not survive this time. His administration has shown zero respect for environmental protections and will likely only double down. Public lands and clean waters are at risk of becoming casualties under his anti-environment agenda. Imagine a border wall slashing through the pristine wilderness between the U.S. and Canada—nothing feels far-fetched anymore.

And let’s be honest about who’s enabling this destruction. Trump’s voters have put him back in a position to gut environmental protections without a second thought. They’ve aligned themselves with a man who’s shown blatant disregard not just for the planet, but for people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and our democracy itself. This is not just about “differing opinions”; this is about values, about decency, about humanity.

If you supported him, look at the damage that choice has made possible. This goes beyond party lines—this is about preserving what’s left of our natural heritage and our civil liberties. You are complicit in the degradation of both.

For those of us who know better, who still value clean air, safe water, and equal rights, let’s savor these places while we still can. Take it all in, because if Trump’s enablers have their way, there may be nothing left to enjoy or protect.

EDIT:

It’s no surprise that this post has attracted a wave of negativity from Trump supporters, who seem determined to defend a leader with a history of undermining environmental protections, disregarding civil rights, and threatening the foundation of democracy. This response only reinforces the very issues I spoke about.

If you’re here to downplay the risks to our natural spaces, ignore the harm done to marginalized communities, or turn a blind eye to erosion of democracy, then you’re only proving the point. Supporting policies and leaders that promote exclusion, bigotry, and environmental degradation speaks volumes about your values—or lack thereof.

For those who genuinely care about the Boundary Waters, about protecting these places for future generations, and about a future that includes everyone, now is the time to stand up. We have to protect what’s left of our wild spaces, human rights, and shared future.

Let this post serve as a reminder: there are many of us who won’t stay silent.

Trump won. He recently stated he would reverse BWCA protections in his first 10 minutes in office and open the surrounding lands to copper mining. Is it time to create a naval militia of canoes and paddles to stand against these thugs? I’m filled with despair and sadness at the idea of losing the place that has been so special to me my whole life. I feel helpless to defend our BWCA.

Wont be long until the place we know turns into a toxic sludge.

I am taking in my buddy who went last year, and someone else who is claiming to have a decent amount of experience with canoeing and whatnot. I’m thinking of going into basswood, since we can motor the majority of the way. Anybody have any input or ideas?

I’m getting ahead of myself and am starting to get really excited for my annual trip next summer. My group has gone on trips to different lakes for the past fifteen years, and we always go around the second week of June. We fish hard, catching and eating lots of walleye.

What kinds of foraging or bushcraft skills could I practice while on the trip? Just looking for different things I can do while sitting around the fire, or different things to try out. Any berries or forgeable food or supplies to look for? I’ve created clothespins and tent stakes, but other crafts in that vein would be awesome. Thanks!

EDIT: I seem to have stirred up something by using “bushcraft” in the title of the post. My intention isn’t to chop down a bunch of trees and create a homestead. Far from it. I think “survival skills” would have been a better descriptor over “bushcraft skills.” Things like “practice starting a fire with a magnesium stick.” I guess I’m just looking for something fun to do to pass the time while I have survival tools like a knife and a hatchet at my disposal.

I’m looking to learn, not looking to be disrespectful to the space and break the rules. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I am a scientist from Australia + I am looking for participants, around the world, for some new research I am doing.

Are you the parent/caregiver of a child aged 2-12 years? If so, we kindly invite you to participate in our short online survey about sharks. We are interested in what children know about sharks, so this survey involves you completing a couple of questions about sharks, and then asking your children some questions about sharks. You will then be asked to write what your children say or what they do (e.g. if they use hand gestures).

LINK TO SURVEY:

https://research.unisa.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=XYPHMNMKFEJR7H4P

Please also feel free to send to any one you know who might be interested.

The survey takes approximately ten minutes per child to complete, if you have more than one child aged between 2-12 they can all participate.

This study has received ethics approval from the University of South Australia (#206267). If you have any queries, please contact the lead researcher: Brianna.lebusque@unisa.edu.au

Hello,

I am pondering a couple route options for my son’s first trip in June.

First option is Sag—>Ester, fishing in that area (Ashdick, PMA, Rabbit, or SAK)—>Spice or SAK, Alpine, then Grandpa, with fishing on Roy and Grandpa, exit out Sag.

I like this route because I’m more familiar with it having traveled most of it before. Mostly shorter portages but plenty of big water which I don’t like as much. We want to catch pike and bass.

Second option is Clearwater—>Caribou, fishing in that area (Caribou, Deer, Moon). Go see Johnson Falls. Hike the Clearwater Palisades. If time and energy allows or the fishing isn’t great, we could try for pike on East Pike.

I like this route because the fishing is supposedly solid on Caribou, plus there’s plenty of other options for things to do if fishing is poor. My main concern is campsite availability on Caribou during this time of year. We plan to enter on a Sunday morning early, does that help? Backup options would be to stay on East end of clearwater or on Deer. Also all of these lakes are big east/west water so wind could be an issue. And the portages are pretty long for my son’s first trip too.

Which one?

Had a few really incredible experiences with these two this year, one of which spent relaxing on the same small island for about an hour and a half. So much animal activity this year. 💗💗

It's a picture I took of a picture my friend took that my kids found. I was the age they are now. I'd guess it's Frost lake.

Looking to add a luxury item this year… a camp chair. Anyone have a reasonable (less than $75) chair they recommend?

It was cold, fire ban wasn’t great, but we had a blast.

Last week I spent 5 days and 6 nights. I didn’t expect the melancholy of leaving these woods. Magical place.

Nothing quite like the Northwoods. 🥺🥰🌲

Not a BWCA Q but very nearby. If anyone can answer this it’s this group…

Looking to camp up near Grand Marais this weekend. Trying to choose between Two Islands CG (national forest) and Twin Lakes CG (state forest). They are only 3 miles down the road from each other but it appears there is no bridge over Pine Lake, requiring a 45min detour. Anyone have any info here?

Also, grouse hunters, if you know the area where would you camp? Which area has better access to birds? Thanks!

Currently planning first trip to the BWCA. Should have a good sized group of guys going, and we’re currently planning for middle of May in 2025. We will enter on fall lake and do the horse lake loop.

Is it usually pretty busy that time of year? For seasoned vets, are there any major changes you make to your gear or routes for spring trips? Is spring thaw a major concern as far as currents go?

Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all, I have enjoyed looking through this sub while researching for the trip.

Bruce Kerfoot, who along with his wife Sue ran the historic Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters in far northeastern Minnesota for half a century, has died.

In a post on social media, Kerfoot’s family said he died in his sleep Wednesday night. “The family has some peace knowing he and Justine are paddling together to their shore lunch spot,” they wrote.

Kerfoot’s mother Justine, along with his grandmother, ran the resort on the Gunflint Trail beginning in the late 1920s. Bruce and Sue Kerfoot took it over in the 1960s, and operated the iconic resort until they sold it in 2016.

Kerfoot was born at the resort, only leaving to go to college and to serve in the military. “He would always say he was the first white man born on Gunflint Lake,” said Bonnie Schudy, who worked for the Kerfoots at Gunflint Lodge for 15 years.

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/10/10/bruce-kerfoot-resort-owner-bruce-kerfoot-dies-legend-gunflint-trail

My buddies and I have talked about changing it up next year and looking at a motor lake in the BWCA. What outfitters rent boats up there, I know it’s only a few lakes but was curious if we could make something workout.

I’ve always gone up Gunflint or Sawbill. I love driving up the NS of Superior. I’ve never been in the western side by Ely.

How does the western side of the BWCA compare to the east? Is the landscape the same? Are the lakes different? Is the vibe different? What feels more secluded?

I really like the rocky feel of the eastern side and would probably miss that if it’s different in the west.

Hello all - just got back from a trip through seagull out to Ogish. Wondering if anyone else has run into brook trout in Ogish? Checked the DNR website and they don’t list it as a species in the lake. Is it worth bringing up with them or just a fluke maybe?

Effective today, October 8. I thought there was an awful lot of plane activity yesterday afternoon. We live near the seaplane base in Ely so we see/hear the USFS Beavers taking off all the time. Most likely human caused but still "under investigation." Some people are obviously not obeying the no fire rule. SMH.

From USFS website:

Closures and further information: The public is asked to stay out of the east Shell Lake area for safety reasons. Additionally, the Superior NF is putting on a temporary closure to the loop portion of the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trail (the trail to Devil’s Cascade remains open), two campsites on the east side of Shell Lake and the campsite on Agawato Lake. 

It doesn't appear any area EPs are closed at this time.

Found this fresh right outside our campsite. Any idea what animal this skat came from?

Otherwise, I'll gladly keep it!

The first two days of our loop trip were spent paddling west into strong winds and we lost a bit of time to it. Once we started heading back east we made up for lost time by fashioning a sail out of our tarp and some sticks. It was a huge success and we topped out at 6mph at one point!

https://preview.redd.it/jkq6qs5i77td1.jpg?width=8192&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3c7dee4e63908bd20082ae3b2f4340966f3a179

Decided to mix it up this year with a river-heavy trip. Headed out on the 1.4 mile portage to Stuart River (EP 19) and followed the river to Stuart Lake. Many beaver dams added to the already long day, but it was very impressive to see how industrious they really are. Winds were vicious on Start Lake and my solo canoe wasn't loaded quite right, so it was a little hairy getting to camp. That evening learned of the fire ban, which was unsurprising given the conditions, but kinda wished it come out a day earlier so I could have ditched my knife and saw. Leaving Stuart Lake, I followed the Dahlgren river, which was calm and beautiful and full of wildlife. Heard, smelled and saw moose sign, but no sighting this time. Connected to Boulder River and camped on the southern edge of Lac La Croix, with amazing views and a great sunset. Followed Boulder River back downstream to Lake Agnes, where I finally saw signs of other people on day 3 of the trip. Agnes was gorgeous and the peninsula sites on the NE corner are among the best I've ever had. From Agnes, I followed Nina Moose River down to Nina Moose lake, with a few more beaver dams along the way. Nina Moose was also windy but beautiful, and home to an incredible quantity of trumpeter swans, which was a lovely sound to fall asleep to. One upside of a fire ban is you are even more quiet and get to enjoy more wildlife, as well as the reduced light pollution making for an even better display of the Milky Way. On the last day, I followed my final river, Moose River, out to the car. Fall trips are always fantastic, and this year didn't disappoint. Rivers are are a great way to see more wildlife, less people, and minimize my exposure to big lakes in high wind; all priorities for me on a solo trip.

https://imgur.com/gallery/boundary-waters-2024-fall-trip-xBeu4g1

Voyageur canoe outfitters is running their annual sale on used gear! Contact Matt at 218-388-2224 for questions and pricing! Great way to get into a Kevlar or upgrade your portage packs

https://www.startribune.com/trial-by-portage-when-are-we-too-old-to-test-ourselves-against-minnesotas-remote-wilderness/601155611