Mid-october in the BWCA...don't miss it!

Spent a few hours on Bass lake to Low lake yesterday and the leaf colors were still good, the waters were smooth as glass. I was the only one on the lake except for 2 young loons. They flapped their wings as I got close to them and wailed a bit as if to say "we're here for a few more days and then flying south."

The portage from the Echo Trail to Bass lake is about 270 rods, wide and easy to walk. Took about 15 minutes as I needed to stop to enjoy the colors and smell the Fall leaves.Used a Wenonah Canak. You should try this boat sometime. Easy to carry with a pedestal yoke, weighs 42 lbs, center sliding seat and has excellent glide. I used a kayak paddle. The Canak tracks fairly straight, easy to maneuver.

Have you canoed, kayaked or hike the BWCA this time of the year? There are less people, no bugs, the crisp air is so refreshing, the juncos (birds) will be skittering along the shoreline guiding you as you move, eagles and loons are still here. One does have to come prepared for a change in the weather. Bring hats, gloves, warm socks, jacket, and step gingerly at the portages trying to keep your feet dry.

Canak - not a canoe/not a kayak

Bass lake

Dry Falls

October 2013 Store Hours

It's that time of year again when we start to think about closing for the season.  We have had a great summer and enjoyed meeting new customers and seeing previous customers.  We will be around for the month of October, but will have shorter hours.

If you are interested in an October 2013 trip please call and schedule your trip with us.  We would be happy to be around for when you need us.  We answer the phone and emails year round.

October 2013 Store Hours

Oct. 7-15, 2013 - 8 AM - 5 PM (unless by appointment)

Oct. 16 to end of the month - By Appointment ONLY

To make an appointment please call 218-365-3149 or 800-950-2709

Don't miss the BWCA this Fall

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is ablaze with Fall colors right now.  We drove the Echo Trail on a guided day trip to Hegman Lake and then east on the Fernberg Road to deliver canoes and kayaks this past weekend. The tree colors were fabulous with the contrast between the conifers, maples, birch, aspen and oaks.

Near the pictographs on Hegman we stopped to see pitcher plants, insect eating plants that look like water pitchers, growing in a bog. We were the only canoe on the lake...what a joy that was. My guest from Phoenix AZ commented that our day trip was the highlight of his visit. And no BUGS!

Spend time in and around the BWCA this time of year. You will not be disappointed.

Hegman Lake pictograph rock face

Early morning on South Hegman

BWCA still open, October 2, 2013

Due to the lapse in federal government funding, the U.S. Forest, as with other federal agencies, is closed with the exception of certain essential services.  

For general information on Forest Service shutdown procedures, please visit their website:  www.fs.usda.gov

According to the hosts at Fall Lake campground, and the concessionaire at Fenske Lake, Birch Lake, and South Kawishiwi River campgrounds, those facilities remain open at this time, but may be given a 48 hour notice to close as well.

For information about available government services, visit usa.gov

To view U.S. Department of Agriculture Agency Contingency plans, visit: http://www.whitehouse