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BWCAW Overview
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a 1million acre area found in northeastern Minnesota. It is a canoeists paradise and offers camping, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and even dog sledding opportunities for any outdoor enthusiast. The BWCAW has over 1,200 miles of canoe routes and draws roughly 180,000 people every year. The BWCAW is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System as well as the Superior National Forrest. The entire region is designated for canoe travel only, however, a few of the lakes at the outer edge do allow motorboats on them with 25 hp motors or less. Roughly 70 miles of hiking trails criss-cross throughout the area and offer well maintained trails and beautiful scenary along the way.
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Camping
Camping is the one and only way to go when traveling through the BWCAW. There are designated campsites on nearly every lake. Although they are on a first come, first serve basis, it is usually not very difficult to find an open site. Each campground is maintained by the forrestry services and contain a fire grate, cleared areas for tents, and a GL (government latrine). There is no running water or electricity, which adds to the fun. Water can be gathered from the deepest part of a lake. Filtration is recommended, however I have been there four times and drank the water without filtering it and have never gotten sick. Make sure to check for fire restrictions before going on your trip to see if any fire bans have been administered for the Boundary Waters.
Fishing
Fishing in the BWCAW is some of the best in Minnesota, if not the entire midwest. The BWCAW has over one thousand lakes that you can access through small connecting streams or portages. The main species of fish that these lakes hold are northern pike, small and large mouth bass, lake trout, and walleye. Fishing out of a canoe is an experience in itself, and one that you will never forget. The vast characteristics of lakes in the Boundary Waters offers fishers with any range of experience, an opportunity to be successful. Catching a few fish and then paddling to shore for an afternoon fish fry just can't be beat.
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Permits
The BWCAW is protected through a permit quota system. This means that anyone who wishes to go to the BWCAW must first optain a permit, so the area does not become over used. Permits are relatively easy to obtain and only cost per person, per trip. Groups are strongly welcome, but you can have no more than 9 people on a camp site. To get a permit you must fill out an application, which you can download here , or send in to the address below.
P.O. Box 462
Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
Phone: 877-550-6777 (toll free)
TDD: 877-TDD-NRRS (toll free)
FAX: 518-884-9951 |
