Wilderness Canoe Camping Trips

     The answer to the question, "How do I plan a Boundary Waters Trip?" is very simple, you just call an outfitter, preferably Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.   We can help you plan a BWCA canoe trip within a few minutes of speaking with you.

     The benefits of using the services of a canoe outfitter to help you plan your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip are endless.  We've been outfitting canoe trips into the wilderness for 20 years and we know the lakes and the routes.  We know what type of fish are in which lakes, the degree of difficulty of the portages and the best places to camp.  We also know where you are most likely to run into a moose and when you're most likely to see people.  We can tell you lots of valuable information about planning a Boundary Waters Canoe Trip but you have to give us a call first.

     It's our job to outfit folks into the Boundary Waters and to make sure they have a good time and return year after year.  We'll help you plan your Boundary Waters trip, we're ready and waiting to do so. 1-888-CANOEIT

     Do you have your canoe trip planned for the summer yet?  If not then there is still plenty of time to get your BWCA or Quetico Park wilderness adventure on the calendar.  There are permits available and summer is just around the corner.  We can help you plan a great canoe camping trip.

     Our first canoe groups will be heading into the BWCA and Quetico Park later this week.  The water temperature is still pretty cold but they have lots of experience so we're not worried about them paddling the wilderness waters.  They'll paddle close to the shore, wear their life vests and won't take any chances while out in the canoe country. 

     The forecast calls for the temperature to reach 70 degrees by Wednesday but then it will drop back into the 50's for the weekend.  If I had a clear schedule I think I'd be planning to go camping in the BWCA yet this week.  But it will have to wait until after the Ham Run Half-Marathon on Sunday.

     I think this is finally the year for an early season Boundary Waters canoe trip.  How about you?

     If you’re looking for a true wilderness then visit the Boundary Waters in October.  BWCA permits are based on a self-issuing process due to the lack of visitors during this month.  No people, no bugs but lots of places for you to enjoy the solitude of the BWCA.

 

     The month of October is known as the Harvest Moon and Falling Leaves moon.  After the fall colors have reached their peak and dried up then the winds blow the leaves to the forest floor.  The decomposing leaves produce the unique smell of fall in the air.  The air is somewhat chilly with the average daytime high of 51 degrees and a nighttime average of 32 degrees.  The sun can still be hot but the hours of daylight are dwindling and night fills the sky longer.

 

     The night sky is the focus in the Boundary Waters in October.  Two different events keep canoeists eyes on the sky during the evenings.  The Draconid Meteor Showers are seen at nightfall and occur the 2^nd week in October.  They are best seen without a moon as are the Orionids.  The Orionid meteors are the third week of October and display about 15 meteors per hour and leave long trains.  After midnight is the best time to see the Orionids.  Be sure to check the calendar to see the exact dates for each year and plan your BWCA trip around them.

 

     The BWCA lakes turn over in October and the water is chilly at around 40 degrees.  This is when whitefish and lake trout spawn and large northern pike can be caught.    Walleye move shallower once again making them easier to catch.

 

     The Boundary Waters is quiet in October as wildlife prepares for winter.  The snowshoe hare will be changing colors as moose and deer enter their rut.  Some ducks will be present like the Golden Eyes and Mergansers but soon they along with the loons will leave for warmer temperatures.  Snow buntings will appear as the other winged wonders disappear.  The Black Bears will be looking for a place to spend the winter months and other animals will be busily preparing for snowfall.

 

     With a little extra caution and clothing October can be a wonderful time to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  Camping can be a bit chilly but the lack of people and ultimate solitude makes October an incredible time to experience the wilderness of the BWCA.

     Is mealtime your favorite time when you're camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?  If so, then I bet you have some sort of method of madness for what you put into your BWCA food pack.  I have a method of my own when I'm on a solo BWCA canoe trip just as everyone has their own including the Voyageurs from many moons ago.

     A scientist named Kennicott had this to say about the Voyageurs' food after traveling with them.  "Pemmican is supposed by the outside world to consist only of pounded meat and grease; an egregious error, for from experience on the subject I am authorized to state that hair, sticks, bark, spruce leaves, stones, sand, etc. enter into its composition. It is very rarely that the Voyageurs reject anything in the shape of fish or bird...I think they would eat eggs so nearly hatched that the chick could almost peep."

     Most BWCA canoe trip enthusiasts aren't packing Pemmican or purposefully eating hair, sticks or bark.  I do know some folks who will kill and eat a grouse and I have even heard of a modern day Voyageur eating a birds' egg but this is seldom done in today's world.   

    However there are many people who take canoe trips into the Boundary Waters who bring along items to prepare fish for a meal.  Whether it is shortening & fish breading for frying or butter & garlic for grilling some folks plan to eat fish while in the woods.

     Then there are those people who want to eat in the Boundary Waters like they eat when they are at home.  This doesn't work well for me but if you don't mind carrying a ton of weight then pack in the potatoes, carrots, whole onions and fresh fruit.  You may as well bring along a cooler for all of the meat and other fresh food you plan to bring along as well.

     Maybe at home you eat lots of pre-packaged foods so in the BWCA you don't have to adjust your diet much from the pasta, rice-a-roni, hamburger helper and lipton noodles.  Carbohydrates from a box or pouch can easily be found and lately you can find meat in a pouch too.  Tuna and Spam come in pouches and I'm guessing chicken won't be far behind.

     In other people's food packs for their BWCA trip you might find everything dehydrated.  From the strawberries for their just add water shortcake to their astronaut ice cream if it's hydrated then it's not going into their food pack.

     Somewhere in between all of these Boundary Waters food pack options is a happy-medium.  That's what we like to supply at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.  Just the right mix of fresh foods, dehydrated items and things off of the grocery store shelf.  We've been packing for BWCA canoe trips for 20 years and we know what tastes good because we've tried it all.

     You may not eat just like you're at home while on your Boundary Waters canoe trip but believe me, nothing tastes bad when you're sitting beneath the stars and listening to the call of the loon.

 

      While most of the population is thinking about fireworks and 4^th of July parades I’m thinking July is a great time for a canoe camping trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  With its warm temperatures, good fishing, refreshingly cool water temperatures and blueberries ripening there may not be a better time than July to visit the BWCA.

 

     Smallmouth bass and northern pike are two easy species of fish to catch in the Boundary Waters especially in July.  Troll a lure in a lake inhabited with fish and you’ll have a difficult time keeping the fish off of your line.  It’s almost guaranteed you’ll catch something if you put your time in.  While some fish snobs don’t like to eat smallmouth or northern pike the people who remove the y-bone and eat these species are in for a real treat.  The fish that come from the cold waters of the Boundary Waters taste absolutely delicious when they are prepared fresh.  A shore lunch is just one of the many good things about paddling the BWCA in July.

 

     The warm air temperatures combined with the warm water temperatures makes July a perfect time for people who want to spend time swimming.  It’s so refreshing and fun to swim from BWCA campsite to campsite or out to an island.  Hours of entertainment are provided for families with kids who want to spend time swimming.  It’s a very comfortable time of the year not only for swimming but also for sleeping in a hammock.

 

     The nights are warm and the bug population has dropped considerably by July in the Boundary Waters.  It makes evenings by the campfire even more enjoyable.  The nights get a little bit longer in July but not by much.  By mid-month the sun rises around 5:24 AM and sets around 9:00 PM.  There’s plenty of daylight to paddle, swim, fish and pick berries.

 

     There’s nothing more satisfying than filling a camp cup with fresh blueberries while you’re out in the Boundary Waters.  They taste wonderful in pancakes or when eaten by the handful.  In addition to blueberries you may find some strawberries left from June and perhaps ripening raspberries.  The wild roses will be blooming along with the Blue Flag Iris, Twin Flowers,  Cow Parsnip and many other colorful and fragrant wildflowers.

 

     Also appearing in July are newborn loons.  Loons in the BWCA usually have their young around the 4^th of July.  Look carefully if you see a loon because there’s a good chance there’s a little one riding around the back of their parent.  You may also see moose with their young in the water eating underwater plants or cooling off in the mid-day heat.

 

     The lack of bugs, addition of blueberries and good fishing are just a few of the reasons to visit the Boundary Waters in July.  With the solitude, scenery and serenity found in the BWCA it’s difficult to understand why anyone would want to swap fireworks in a city for fireflies in the wilderness.  But that’s what keeps the numbers down in the Boundary Waters in the beginning of July so I guess we should be thankful for the folks who have to stick with their city traditions for the 4^th of July and who leave the BWCA for the rest of us.

     Every year we outfit a fair amount of Boy Scouts for their canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  There is a Boy Scout Base over on Moose Lake outside of Ely, Minnesota but we have been told time after time that Scout Troops would rather outfit their BWCA trip with us. 

     We've heard from Boy Scout Troops who have outfitted with the Sommers Boy Scout Base and they have said our equipment is much nicer and the prices for outfitting with Voyageur are less expensive.  The quality of equipment is important when you're out in the wilderness and any little discount helps when it comes to how much a BWCA trip costs especially for Boy Scouts who often have to fundraise for all of their money.

     Another reason Boy Scout Troops like us is that we're located at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Moose Lake where the Scout Base is located is quite busy and and our location is less hectic.  Scout Troops love to be made to feel special and at Voyageur we make them feel very special.  We provide each Scout with a map, t-shirt and patch when they choose the complete outfitting package.

     Unlike the Boy Scout Base or other Boy Scout destinations you don't need to reserve your space at Voyageur three years in advance of your trip.  You can reserve now for a trip this summer or you can even wait until April or May to let us know.  Chances are there will be plenty of permits available for your Scout Troop to camp in the Boundary Waters.

     We love to outfit all types of groups and individuals at Voyageur and we'd love to see you all this summer.  If you know of a Boy Scout Troop that might be interested in a BWCA canoe trip then be sure to tell them about Voyageur, we'll take great care of them.

     Every once in awhile we'll hear the question, "Why should I paddle with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters?"  Our first thought to this question is, "Because we're the best!"  And while this statement is true it might sound a bit like bragging so we usually tone it down a little bit.

     Our answer to why take your BWCA trip with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters goes something like this.  We've been year round residents at the end of the Gunflint Trail since 1993 and have been outfitting BWCA trips since then. 

     We're 56 miles from the nearest town of Grand Marais, MN and you are already in the wilderness when you begin your trip up the Trail.  Just by driving the Gunflint Trail and coming to Voyageur you're farther into the wilderness than some people get on their Boundary Waters canoe trips.

     We love what we do and where we live and this shows.  Our enthusiasm and love of the wilderness is evident and we want to share this love with as many people as we can.  We take pride in being the best there is in BWCA trip outfitting.  We're knowledgeable about the Boundary Waters, Quetico Park, wilderness fishing and camping and everything Gunflint Trail. 

      We have an excellent facility and incredible staff and we provide a one-of-a-kind outfitting experience.  We guarantee your satisfaction with Voyageur and the number of repeat customers we have speaks loudly.  

     There it is in a nutshell.  While it may be easier to just say we're the best it's probably better to give the lengthy explanation, even though we really are the best!

     There are ways to improve your odds for catching fish on a Boundary Waters canoe camping trip.  I'll share with you five sure fire ways to experience success on your BWCA canoe trip.

     Make sure the Boundary Waters lake you are fishing in has the type of fish in it you are trying to catch.  There's no bigger waste of time than jigging for walleye when you're on a lake that doesn't contain walleye.  The MN DNR has a listing of most of the lakes in the BWCA and what type of fish are in them.  Make sure you're using the right technique to catch fish on the right lake.

     When you're on a Boundary Waters fishing trip make sure you bring along a good variety of lures and plenty of them.  There's nothing more depressing than losing the hot lure and not having a replacement one in your tackle box.   You'll no doubt lose a lure or two by getting them snagged on logs or rocks so bring along plenty of them so you don't find yourself without the one lure that was working the best.

     Before you head into the wilderness waters of the BWCA make sure you have good line on your reel.  Replace old fishing line with new 8-10 pound test and plenty of it.  Remember you'll get snags and tangles and you want to have enough line even if you have to cut it a couple of times.

     Go through the hassle of bringing along live bait.  Chances are you'll be able to catch plenty of fish in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness without live bait but why take the chance?  You can increase your chance of catching fish by having a good variety of bait for the fish to choose from.

     Lastly, spend plenty of time fishing while you're on your Boundary Waters canoe trip.  If you're constantly paddling from campsite to campsite then you won't have as much time to fish.  You'll lower your odds for catching fish if you don't spend enough time fishing.  Plan to set up a base camp and spend the majority of your time with your line in the water.

     Consider these five BWCA fishing tips when you're planning your next Boundary Waters Canoe camping trip.  You'll improve your odds of catching fish and of enjoying a fresh meal of fish while on your Boundary Waters fishing trip.

     We love to help our guests reserve their Quetico Park permits for their annual wilderness canoe trip.  Our jobs just got easier because the Quetico Provincial Park finally accepts reservations online. Most of the details are the same including the overnight camping fees for children and adults at $8.50 & $21.50 respectively.  There's still a reservation deposit of $100 required that gets applied to your overnight camping fees upon your arrival at the Ranger Station.  Reservation and cancellation fees depend upon whether you make your reservation online or call it in.  You can find those rates on their website.  

     We'll gladly still reserve your Quetico permit for your canoe trip but if you want to reserve your own online then visit their website and follow the directions below.

Pick your reservation type- Quetico is a backcountry reservation

1. Choose your arrival date(can only reserve 5 months in advance of the start date of your trip)

2. Pick your park- Quetico Park
3. Pick your party size- 9 or less*  Next you start an entry search by choosing one of      the options to the right. Find on Map, In a List or On a Calendar.
4. Pick your Residency- Non-Resident or Canadian
5. Pick your entry Point- Cache Bay is our closest

     You'll then be prompted to reserve or start a new search.  As with any website it's easier to create a profile before you begin the reservation process so you don't lose any of your reservation information.  You'll need to submit payment in the form of a credit card so have one nearby.

     If you'd rather make your reservation by telephone then check out the information below.  For questions regarding reservation policies you can find those  ONLINE.
 

From the Quetico Park website...

To make a reservation, cancellation or change by phone, please call:
1-888-ONT-PARK
1-888-668-7275

Simply call our toll free hotline (14 hours a day, 7a.m. to 9p.m. EST, seven days a week, 363 days a year).

Before you call remember:

• When making a telephone reservation, you will be asked for the following information:
  • park name
  • arrival/departure date
  • type of site required (hydro, tent or trailer, lakefront etc.)
  • your name, address, postal code, telephone number and email address
  • number in your party
  • method of payment (e.g. credit card number and expiry date)

     Yesterday we received a letter from the USFS outlining changes made to Boundary Waters entry point quotas and campsites.  According to the Forest Service 114 campsites were affected by the fire.  Not all of those received equal fire damage and out of those only 75 campsites will be closed at the beginning of the 2012 season. 

     The Forest service will open the BWCAW campsites when the sites are safe and rehabilitated.  Some campsites just need some snags removed while others need attention to prevent erosion.  The USFS said, "Forest Service crews will be opening most campsites early in the 2012 season."

     The were 23 lakes with campsites that were affected and of course none of these were near the Gunflint Trail.  The lakes included are, One, Two, Three, Four, Hudson, Insula, Horseshoe, Brewis, North Wilder, South Wilder, Harbor, Clearwater, Gull, Pietro, Hudson Pond, Baskatong, Bog, Isabella Lake, Isabella River, Kawashong, Quadga and Rice.  The reductions range from 1 campsite removed up to 13 on Insula. 

     In order to prevent crowding in this area of the Boundary Waters the USFS has reduced quotas for entry point lakes.  According to their document there will be no quota for Little Isabella River, Bog Lake or Island River and the Pow Wow Hiking Trail is closed until further notice.   Isabella Lake will have 1 permit a day as will Snake River.  All of these areas have restrictions regarding day use and directions which one may go so be sure to check with an outfitter or the USFS before traveling.  Lake One lost 4 permits a day but gained 2 permits called Lake One Restricted. 

     The Lake One Restricted will be in place until the other four permits are added to the regular Lake One quota.  Folks entering the BWCA with the restricted permit will not be allowed to camp on Lake One, Two, Three, Four or Hudson at any time.  This isn't a problem for people who want to travel on the fist and last day of their canoe trip.

     On the Gunflint Trail we're thankful to have all of our entry point permit quotas in place and campsites ready for use.  We can start reserving BWCA permits on January 25th so give us a call 1-888-CANOEIT or send us an email to get yours reserved.

     Have you ever spent 77 consecutive days in a canoe? A few friends and I spent our summer between the mesh seat and the portage pads of a couple of Wenonah Champlains.
     Wenonah makes awesome canoes and the Champlain was nothing but impressive.  It's the perfect canoe for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the perfect canoe for any trip! It is obvious that Wenonah got it right when they designed this boat. It has plenty of room for packs, gear, fishing tackle, and even a duffer (or two). The canoe tracked like a dream across the big water of Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnipeg. In the white water on the Hayes and God's Rivers in Northern Manitoba it did exceptionally well! Even though the canoe measures at about 18 feet, it paddles like a 16 footer in the rapids. Easy to maneuver around obstacles and keep pointed down river.
     Voyageur Canoe Outfitters   outfits their BWCA canoe camping trips with Minnesota Made Wenonah canoes.  You can test out the Champlain on your next Boundary Waters or Quetico Park adventure with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.

Name: Andrew Spaeth
City: Truckee
State: California
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than reading about our guests positive experinces in the wilderness canoe country.  We take great pride in offering the best service and quality there is in canoe trip outfitting in the Boundary Waters canoe Area Wilderness.  At Voyageur Canoe Outfitters we know your time is important and that's why we want to make the best of it when you're depending upon us for a wonderful BWCA canoe camping trip.
     Want to share your experience?  Then please do so on this blog or on Trip Advisor.  We'd be very appreciative and would love hearing all about your trip.

     Our canoe camping guests at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters are loving the fall colors and solitude of the BWCA.  "This is my favorite time of the year to paddle!" exclaims one of our campers.  Of course, there's plenty of reasons to love a fall canoe trip into the BWCAW and one of them is because it's even more of a wilderness with far fewer people out enjoying it.

     I love being the only person on a lake and not seeing anyone else for days.  It's the time of the year when I go out to do a solo trip because I really enjoy the solitude.  I like to swing in my hammock and sit by the lake without any bugs buzzing around.  It's a great time to gaze at stars and sleep beneath them.  Some people get lonely or don't like being in the woods alone but I crave it.   And as I write about it I get even more anxious to get out canoe camping in the Boundary Waters.

     I suggest you come up and enjoy a fall canoe trip with Voyageur.  It doesn't have to be solo and I guess you could come and enjoy the BWCA on day trips and stay in a cabin.  Whatever you do, just don't miss this awesome time of the year in the Boundary Waters or Gunflint Trail.    

After our family trip to the Minnesota North Shore and a day trip to the Boundary Waters last summer, I was excited to see a Living Social deal at the end of the summer for an everything included Three Day Boundary Waters Canoe Trip, good for one year.
So after consulting with a friend, we decided it would be a great weekend getaway for the husbands and two deals were purchased. What is nice about going through an outfitters, is that they give you everything that you need for your trip, including canoe, tent, sleeping bags, cooking stuff, and even all the meals. You just bring your personal items and fishing poles!

Last Thursday, my friend and I made the 7-hour trip north to the Boundary Waters. The first night is spent in a bunk house at the Outfitters, where they give you instruction on the equipment and how to survive in the Boundary Waters without getting eaten by a bear or losing all your equipment in the middle of a lake.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, they headed out for the wilderness. We spent the next 2-1/2 days canoeing, fishing,
cooking over an open fire, playing Camp Cards and reading by flashlight.

We had a little bit of stormy weather, which was not fun. Although we protected all of the food supplies by hanging it in a tree (like we were taught at the Outfitters), there was no sign of a single bear. Or coyote. Or eagle. Or even squirrel. Apparently all the wildlife in the Boundary Waters takes their vacation in August. Including the fish. My friend caught 4 fish the whole time. Me, I caught none. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

We did see some incredible sunsets though.
It was a great weekend of male bonding. We learned a lot and would definitely do it again.

The people at Voyageur couldn't have been better and we would definitely go back to them again.

Name: Carl
City: Chaska
State: MN
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     We know kids these days don't spend enough time in the great outdoors. Soon they will get even less when school starts back up.  Why not give them some time to play and take advantage of all of the benefits of outside play by bringing them to the BWCA?
 
     The Boundary Waters provides a great place for kids to use their imagination.  Yesterday my son and his friends were pretending they were Rescue Swimmers as they jumped off of rocks and swam to a small island in the BWCA.  Pine cones have a number of uses for a child with an imagination as do sticks and other items found in the woods.  Creativity explodes while kids are in the BWCA.

     Kids learn self-discipline and enhance their problem-solving skills by spending time outside.  There are so many things to learn and opportunities to grow while canoe camping in the wilderness.  It's a great place to bond as a family before the busy school year starts back up.  Give your children and yourself a lasting gift this year and come on up to the Boundary Waters today.

     Ten miles in just under ten hours of canoeing on the Hayes River for the Voyageur Expedition Crew.  The day included a kilometer long portage around Robinson Falls and concluded with camping on Logan Lake.  With a somewhat early quitting time I hope the Voyageur Crew had time to catch some trophy fish.  Tomorrow they will experience some rapids along the Hayes River before they get to Oxford Lake.

     On a website I read a person should have at least 18 days to paddle the Hayes River from Lake Winnipeg to the Hudson Bay.  The Voyageur Crew has canoed almost 1000 miles and only have about 300 more to go.  With the amount of current in the river and the way the Voyageur Crew has been paddling my guess is they could be done with their trip by the end of the month. 

     If they are going to take some time to enjoy the scenery and the wilderness then they are going to have to do so soon.  Otherwise they will be in polar bear country where extended stays are not advised.  

From the Canadian Heritage River Site...

     The Hayes River provides an outstanding opportunity to learn about Canada’s history and experience its wilderness. Nine lakes and the connecting river offer alternating whitewater and flatwater paddling, the beauty and wildlife of the boreal forest, and outstanding fishing. Sport fish species include northern pike, walleye, perch, goldeye, whitefish, brook trout and lake trout.
     In the lowland portion, with the portages and obstacles behind, the paddler can quickly cover long distances in a very different environment, adding a new dimension to the traveling on the Hayes. Watch for foraging harbour seals, beluga whales and polar bears in the lower 10 km of the Hayes. Plan to spend time visiting the York Factory National Historic Site while in the York Factory area between June and September.
     The Hayes offers unparalleled wilderness canoeing and kayaking. Its remoteness and difficulty calls out to those experienced in whitewater navigation and familiar with the demands of the northern forests. Travelers should take special care to properly equip themselves and should take precautions to avoid bears, particularly polar bears on the northern reaches of the river. Paddlers should be prepared for challenging rapids, insects, extreme water and weather conditions and remoteness.
     Wilderness camping is possible at numerous sites along the river. However, camping is not permitted at York Factory National Historic Site due to the possibility of polar bear encounters. All fly-in/fly-out and provision arrangements need to be made ahead of time. Outfitters and guides are available to assist in trip planning and implementation.

Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition July 9th

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures

     There's more than one great entry point into the Boundary Waters accessed from traveling the Gunflint Trail.  Most of the BWCA entry points are found by traveling down a gravel road for a mile or two but there is one where the parking lot is just off of the Gunflint Trail.
     Larch Creek, Entry Point 80 into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a great place to begin your BWCA canoe camping adventure.  It's perfect for a day trip or a multiple night wilderness camping trip.  You can choose to do a base camp on Larch Lake and come back out the same way or paddle in through the Creek and come out through Saganaga Lake or Gunflint Lake via the Granite River.
     Larch Creek is a little bit different than your typical entry points into the Boundary Waters. It's a narrow, winding creek surrounded by Larch trees and tall reeds.  The creek is quite shallow and there are numerous beaver dams along the way.  Paddlers must be prepared to get out of their canoe to make it over the beaver dams and should plan on getting their feet wet as with any other time you get into and out of a canoe. 
     Larch Lake was affected by the Ham Lake Fire in 2007 so there is new growth of jack pines everywhere.  There are some older trees along the lakeshore and quite a few at the island campsite.  The island campsite is like an oasis in a desert and it's an absolutely perfect BWCA campsite.  The other campsites on Larch are a little grown over but the one in the back bay is nice too.
     If you feel like traveling and camping at a different site then you'll head to the Granite River.  The River flows north to Saganaga but the only place you'll find much current is at the rapids and there are portages around those.  It's just as easy to paddle upstream as it is to paddle downstream.  It's farther to travel out to Saganaga so if you want more paddling then north is the direction to go and if you want less paddling and portaging you can travel south to Gunflint Lake.
     Larch Entry Point is a great Boundary Waters Route for anyone but especially for those without much canoe camping experience.  If you don't have much time then it's also a good entry point into the BWCA because you can be into the BWCA in minutes and camping in no time.  The only time Larch isn't a good Boundary Waters route is when the creek is too low to navigate.  If it's been really dry for a long time then the water levels can make the creek almost impassible.  
     Any other time Larch is a great place to enjoy the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.       


View Boundary Waters Route Larch Creek in a larger map

     The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been in the news lately.  They say, "Bad news is better than no news." but they also say, "No news is good news."  I don't understand or agree with either of these statements but the BWCA is in the news.

     Last Thursday night around 7pm a son left a campsite where he, his brother and his father were camping.  He paddled away from camp to go fishing for awhile but he never returned.  He wasn't wearing a life vest and maybe if he had he'd still be alive today.  We'll never know because since Thursday his body has sat at the bottom of Swan Lake in over 80 feet of water.  Recovery efforts have not been successful due to the location and weather.  I imagine they will be able to retrieve his body or it will eventually float to the surface.  But the life in his body is gone and no amount of time or effort to retrieve his body will bring it back.  Tonight it will be a full week since he sunk to the bottom of the wilderness lake.  Even if the life jacket wouldn't have saved his life it would have made recovering his body alot easier and it would have made things a little less painful for his family and loved ones.  Please wear your life vest, it only works if you wear it.

     On Monday a small fire on Gaskin Lake was reported by a group camping in the Boundary Waters.  It's a small fire on a peninsula that isn't expected to grow in size and the USFS is keeping an eye on it.  Similar to the small, cigar shaped fire back in 2007 that was expected to burn out into the wilderness never to be seen again.  Only Mother Nature had other ideas and that was the start of the Ham Lake Fire.  Structures were burned to the ground and people's homes and lives were disrupted and changed forever. 

     One person was responsible for the Ham Lake Fire.  An individual who was careless with his campfire.  Something many of us have been at one time or another.  Maybe we've thrown paper on a fire, left the fire from breakfast smoldering while going out fishing during the daytime or not made sure the coals were cool.  Then "Poof" that's the time a major wildfire starts and we're responsible.  It could happen to any of us and maybe the Gaskin Lake Fire was from a lightning strike, then again, maybe not.  Being responsible for a wildfire is a huge burden to bear and the person who started the Ham Lake Fire couldn't handle it and took his life.   Be careful with fire folks.

     I don't want to read about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the news unless it's a report of a great canoe camping trip.  I don't want to read about you in the newspaper unless it's because of some great achievement.  The BWCA is a great place let's keep things positive by using caution with fire and always wearing your life vest.

     The Voyageur Crew never ceases to amaze me. Today they paddled 24 miles across the big bay of Lake of the Woods. They have left behind the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Quetico Provincial Park and now the state of Minnesota and the United States of America.  The rest of their canoe camping trip will be in the great country of Canada.
     Their adventure on Lake of the Woods continues tomorrow.  Having paddled on the Lake of the Woods with Mike many moons ago, I am envious of the Voyageur Crew. 
      Mike began his canoeing career as a camper and guide at Lake Trails Base Camp. I fondly recall the summer after my Junior Year in High School when Mike asked if I wanted to be a camper for a session. I was a bit perplexed when he said there wasn't electricity on the island.  I kindly declined since there would be no place to plug my curling iron in.
     Things have changed over the years and flat irons have replaced curling irons.  I've also adjusted to no power and living in the middle of nowhere. I would love to be able to join the Crew on this amazing expedition and am so proud of them and their accomplishments.
     There are amazing adventures awaiting the Voyageur Crew and you if you're interested in paddling the BWCA with Voyageur this summer, just give us a call! 1-888-CANOEIT! 

Day 19 Progress on the Voyageur Expedition

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     If a man's best friend is his dog then he's in trouble no matter where he goes! But seriously dogs and family pets are very important members of the family and some people would rather stay home than go somewhere without their pet.  While I love my dog I do leave him home sometimes but he usually comes along when I go on a canoe camping trip in the Boundary Waters.
     My dog has grown up at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters in the wilderness where loons call, moose mosy and fish splash next to the canoe.  Even with all of his canoe time he is still an animal and an unpredictable one at that. 
      Last year I was paddling a canoe in the BWCA with my nieces and Rugby decided to take a leap for Josh who was in a kayak next to us.  Rugby had never jumped from a canoe before and we have no clue what possessed him to do it that day but he did.  We struggled in the wind and the waves to scoop him back into the canoe and thankfully we didn't tip in the process.
     Things could have turned out differently had we capsized the canoe or kayak in the Boundary Waters.  I was responsible for my two nieces, my daughter, my son and my dog.  The water and air temperature were warm and we were close to shore however I risked the safety of my people family to save my dog.
     Every time I hike a BWCA portage or let my dog off the leash at a wilderness campsite I risk losing him.  If he gets on the trail of a moose, deer or grouse he could easily become hurt, lost or worse.  It's very sad to see a sign at a BWCA canoe landing that announces a lost dog.  It could happen very easily and I worry about his well-being and how I would feel if something happened to him.

     Taking responsibility for your dog is a necessity if you want to bring it into the BWCA wilderness with you. You must protect other visitors, wildlife, the wilderness and the dog itself. The owner must be responsible for picking up after their pet, keeping the dog quiet, making sure the dog doesn’t harass wildlife or defecate at campsites, dig up lichen or get into someone’s packs at a portage. The dog may always stay at your side while walking in a park but on a wilderness portage it may not act the same when it is unfamiliar with its surroundings. Even if the dog is leashed it can escape with the leash on and become tangled in brush, injured or worse yet, it can become lost in the wild never to be seen again.