Boundary Water Canoe Area
One thing I didn’t know going up to the Boundary Waters was that it was one specific set of lakes that are actually considered “Boundary Waters” and they have very specific rules!
These lakes don’t allow ANY motors of any times – so boats, drones (whoops), and even power tools to clear paths – everything is done old school and to preserve the idillic void of sound pollution. Honestly – I have never heard peace and quiet like I did there. It’s hard to explain what utter silence sounds like.
Getting Ready
We travelled in from out of town and needed to rent equipment in order to travel the boundary waters.
We went to an outfitter called Hungry Jack Outfitter and they provided us with canoes. We upgraded to the kevlar canoe which is ultra light (45 lbs for a 2 person canoe vs 65 lbs with aluminum) and was easier to carry through trails when you are portaging. One thing to be aware of is that they scrape easy on the bottom so we had to take extra caution in order to not damage the canoe but kevlar is 100% the way to go with you plan to portage.
Hungry Jack Outfitters also supplies people with all the equipment and food for people who want to actually camp in the BWCA for an extended period of time – they even plot out a course and will drop you off and pick you up if you’re a little more adventurous and want to sleep under the stars there.
Another note is that going into the BWCAW part you need a permit and it costs $16 a person and there is a reservation fee (but according to HJO website they don’t require you to pay if you go through them – if I read that right).
Another necessity is a map and waterproof bags! you will 100% need a map because it can be confusing and you will want to keep that map dry and any phones or anything you have with you.
PACKING FOR TRIP
We packed lunches both days and brought it with us along the portage – just sandwiches – whatever you pack in has to be packed out. Carrying all the water and food in was heavy but once we ate it all our light lessened.
Another item you may forget is to bring a beach towel! Just nice to have something to dry with or even sit on if your butt starts hurting.
Our route in the BWCA Day 1
For our first day we launched from HJO on Hungry Jack Lake and went…
- Hungry Jack
- Bearskin Lake
- Duncan Lake
- Rose Lake
Hungry Jack is not considered a part of the “Wilderness” portion of BWCAW and neither is Bearskin Lake – Duncan is the first “official” BWCAW lake.
Along the way we saw different animals and it was really peaceful – when we got to Rose Lake we stopped at Rose Falls before going to Rose Lake.
Rose Lake is really pretty and it’s neat because just across the lake is Canada – so you sit on one side and view another country across the boundary waters.
We did end up flying a drone here at Rose Lake and then promptly got yelled at and where told we could be fined – but I really didn’t know it was THAT serious… oh well – just a warning for you!
Because we were in the Kevlar Canoes we were very careful pulling up to each portage and got out in advance so the canoe didn’t scrape. I highly suggest water shoes or old tennis shoes or something like chacos because you will want something sturdy (but the tennis shoes won’t dry out as well so just a warning).
The black circles are where we portaged through each lake.
BWCA Day 2
Day 2 we didn’t portage this day – it was SOO windy so we picked out one lake to canoe through and that lake was Little Iron Lake into Iron Lake.
Again we rented canoes from Hungry Jack Outfitters and we drove it this day – put it in the back of the truck!
The wind this day was SOOO intense and my arms hurt from rowing but not as much as Ricky’s because he let me try and fish while he paddled! He’s a keeper – the only keeper I got that day. Our lure wouldn’t go down deep – I don’t think we had the right gear but I hear there is good fishing and can be moose spot on this lake! That was my only wish this whole trip was to see a moose! It didn’t happen sadly but I did buy a shirt with a moose on it!
Along the way we did see a beaver make its dam, ducks and other small animals – Linnie I think at one point was going to jump out and chase them.
On our way back the wind was so strong the guys were using their life vests on their heads as a sail – so funny!
This day was rougher and rowing the day before – we were all pretty tired.
