Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota (Photographer's Choice)
Within Minnesota's Superior National Forest lies the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This labyrinth of lakes and rock has been specifically protected as a true American wilderness; no roads, powerlines, or motorized craft may enter its borders, so the Boundary Waters has changed little since its unveiling when the glaciers melted 10,000 years ago. Over one million acres in size, the BWCAW extends nearly 150 miles along the Canadian border adjacent to Quetico Provincial Park. Read More »
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Highlights
- The three-day Pine Creek Loop in the BWCA's southwest unit is a classic paddle for quiet and solitude. Because Vermillion and Trout Lakes flanking the entry portage are congested with motorized boats, you’ll quickly abandon these lakes for a motor-free area with startlingly low visitation.
- Top out in Minnesota by ascending 2301-foot Eagle Mountain. The seven-mile round-trip hike can be tackled in both summer and winter (with snowshoes). It gets a little gnarly in the winter, so navigation is key when the trail is snowed under.
- Be a spectator (if not a participant) in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, held each January. The 490-mile race has several checkpoints on the North Shore between Tofte and the Grand Portage finish line.
- Explore the eastern terminus of the rugged Kekekabic Trail, near the end of the Gunflint Trail at mile 48. The Kekekabic is tough to follow in the summer and even tougher in the winter, but the six-mile out-and-back hike to Bingshick Lake is worth the effort.
- Within Minnesota's Superior National Forest lies the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This labyrinth of lakes and rock has been specifically protected as a true American wilderness; no roads, power lines, or motorized craft may enter its borders.
- Waterfalls, sheer rock cliffs, and deep, crystal-clear lakes abound. Moose, deer, beaver, and otter are just a few of the mammals you may encounter during your travels. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is also one of the largest bald eagle nesting areas in the lower forty-eight states. Ospreys, loons, ducks, and songbirds fill the woods and waterways with their enchanting songs and calls.
- Smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and lake trout are abundant throughout both the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park. With "canoe only" access, fishing in these wilderness lakes is superior to areas more exposed to public use.
- Forest Service campsites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are sprinkled with many lakes, and each has a backcountry latrine and steel fire grate. Camping outside of the Forest Service campgrounds is prohibited. Sites cannot be reserved, and while there are usually plenty to go around, it is wise to find your spot early in high-traffic areas.
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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Travel Q&A
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What You Can Do in Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Articles & Advice on Boundary Waters Canoe Area
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- Canoeing on the Edge
- Trips in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area
- On Trail in Minnesota
- A Day with the Pioneer of Guided Dogsledding Adventure
- Top U.S. Flatwater: Midwest
- Boundary Waters: Minnesota
- Top Ten Canoe, Kayak, and Raft Camping Trips
- North Woods Nirvana: Boundary Waters Wilderness, Minnesota
- Skiing Minnesota's Gunflint Trail
- Trail Systems
- Top Snowshoeing in Minnesota
- Winter in the Land of 10,000 Lakes
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Parks Near Boundary Waters Canoe Area
- Superior National Forest, MN
- Superior Hiking Trail, MN (31 mi.)
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI (70 mi.)
GEARZILLA: The Gorp Gear Blog
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