Paddler Nick Hasslen of Minneapolis embarks on a canoe trip as Gunner, an 11-year-old golden retriever lab mix, hangs out by the shore of Poplar Lake at Rockwood Lodge & Outfitters along the Gunflint Trail. All photos by Erica Dischino
The Dogs (and cat) of the Gunflint Trail
By Erica Dischino
EDITOR’S NOTE: Erica Dischino is a photographer who lives in Duluth. She works on an annual summer photo essay for Paddle & Portage. This is Erica’s summer 2026 photo essay. You can view some of her previous work here.
If you appreciate Erica’s photos, please support Paddle & Portage media so we can continue to create projects like this. One-time contributions, monthly memberships, or annual memberships are all available by clicking here.
GUNFLINT TRAIL – Riding up to Rockwood Lodge & Canoe Outfitters on the shores of Poplar Lake, I was greeted by Gunner, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever Lab mix. I hopped out of the car and his wagging tail and playful smile were begging for some pets. Once he felt I gave him enough attention, he decided to lead me to his humans.
Gunner grew up at the lodge and for over a decade has spent time with visitors before they embark on their outdoor adventures into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. He’s usually one of the first faces to greet guests and the last to say goodbye.
Gunner is not the only dog along the Gunflint Trail. In fact, most lodges, camps and outfitters in the area house some version of a furry friend. Dogs offer an unmatched companionship that is necessary for life in the woods. Visitors and residents alike value their loyalty, warm welcome, and comedic relief.
Dogs have even become a drawing factor for guests when choosing where to stay. White Pine Lodge dog Clarence, a ten-year-old Golden Retriever, is somewhat of a local celebrity. His humans, Allison and Chris Short who own White Pine, said that lodge-goers will even bring treats for Clarence anticipating his presence.
Canines and cats alike offer emotional support and safety. They warn of any trouble, lead visitors in the right direction, and are integral to many businesses along the Gunflint Trail. While they offer warmth and fuzzies, they are functional to the lodges and camps day-to-day operations.
In this photo essay, I invite you to join me as we travel to numerous outfitters and lodges and meet some of the resident pets who call the Gunflint Trail their home.
Cassidy Ritter of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters plays with Bosley, a seven-year-old Australian Shepherd. “He is very protective and a great snuggler,” Cassidy said about Bosley. “He’s great with kids.”
Clarence, a 10-year-old golden retriever, poses in the White Pine Lodge. Clarence’s humans are lodge owners Chris and Allison Short. “He’s really good with all of our guests,” Allison Short said. “He’s sort of a celebrity.”
Owners of Birchwood Wilderness Camp Ashley and Victor Bredemus with their son, Kit, ride their boat with their two dogs Maxine, a three-year-old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and Arlo, a seven-year-old Shiloh Shepherd.
Borderland Lodge owner Stephanie Shea hangs out with lodge dogs at Borderland Lodge on Gunflint Lake.
Ada Igoe, owner of Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters, visits her four-year-old lodge cat Matilda. “She’s a good emotional support cat,” said Ada. “She loves to help with reservations and meow in the background.”
Guest Nick Hasslen of Minneapolis is greeted by Gunner, an 11-year-old golden retriever lab mix at Rockwood Lodge.
Cassidy Ritter of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters plays with Bosley at the end of the Gunflint Trail.
Fin, a six-year-old rescue mix, shakes off near Gunflint Lake at Borderland Lodge.
Clarence jumps into Poplar Lake to retrieve a ball in the water at the White Pine Lodge.
Gunner, an 11-year-old golden retriever lab mix, with Jack, a 14-year-old tri-color English setter, hang out on the front steps at Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters.
Arlo, a seven-year-old Shiloh Shepherd, howls at Birchwood Wilderness Camp. “Arlo is the camp nanny and she’s so loyal,” said Birchwood owner Ashley Bredemus. “She would never hurt a flea.”
Bosley hangs out at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.
Clarencebdries off after jumping into Poplar Lake to retrieve a ball in the water at White Pine Lodge.
Ada Igoe, owner of Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters, visits her lodge cat, Matilda. “She’s a good emotional support cat,” said Ada. “She loves to help with reservations and meow in the background.”
Kristin Middlesworth of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters poses for a portrait with Lido, a seven-year-old Tree Walker Coonhound. “He’s a lover of every human and every dog,” Kristin said about Lido.
Owners of Birchwood Wilderness Camp Victor and Ashley Bredemus with their son, Kit, pose for a family portrait with their two dogs Maxine, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and Arlo, a Shiloh Shepherd.
Parody political signs of Clarence, the golden retriever for president, hang on the ceiling of a garage at White Pine Lodge.
Borderland Lodge staff member Chloe Matthews hangs with Fergy, a three-year-old Heeler Aussie Shepherd mix, and lodge owner Stephanie Shea with Fin, a six-year-old rescue mix.
Matilda, the guardian of Tuscarora.
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