Carl Madsen in the bow paddles out of the BWCA Wilderness with a guest, another canoe in tow, after helping them exit the wilderness Aug. 7. Photo by Mike Seim
Canoe Outfitter Paddles and Portages 28 Miles Following Rescue in BWCA
By Joe Friedrichs
Carl Madsen is a co-owner of Rockwood Lodge and Canoe Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail. On August 7, Carl paddled and portaged 28 miles to help a paddler in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The paddler rented a canoe from Rockwood and her paddling partner had been flown out that morning in Beaver float plane from Kiskadinna Lake in the BWCA after suffering a health-related emergency (hernia). Carl shares the epic story of paddling in and out to Kiskadinna to help the other person involved exit the wilderness safely.
The video below is Carl Madsen speaking with Joe Friedrichs at Rockwood Aug. 9.
Subscribe to Paddle and Portage to support news and information from and about the Boundary Waters region.
Other Recent Articles
Missing Hiker Found Alive & Alert at Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park. P&P file photo A hiker missing at Isle Royale National Park for a week has been found on the remote Lake Superior island. Craig Berg, 70, has been found alive and alert, the National Park Service announced Sept. 12. Berg, missing since...
A Tour of Areas Burned in 2026 BWCA Wildfires
The Sioux River North Entry Point in September 2026. Photo by Joe Friedrichs The fires that shut down the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this summer made national news. Paddle & Portage media was invited Sept. 9, along with other members of the press, to...
The Politics of the Boundary Waters Rolls Into September with Candidate Forums in Ely
Aaron Kania, left, and Ely Mayor Heidi Omerza (center) talk about the Boundary Waters with a group at the college in Ely. Photo by Joe Friedrichs Mining near the Boundary Waters will be in the political spotlight this month as a pair of political forums take place in...