The Magazine - Paddle and Portage

Growing Up On the Edge of the Boundary Waters

Jun 4, 2026

The Magazine

Laura Powell at Chik-Wauk. Photo by Joe FriedrichsLaura Powell shares her story of growing up on the Canadian side of Saganaga Lake. Commonly known as "Sag," it is one of the largest lakes inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Laura is...

BWCA Fishing Report & Conditions Update

May 28, 2026

The Magazine

Dave Van Kley (left) and Joe Friedrichs with BWCA lake trout, May 2026. Photo by Chad KieperHudson Ledeen is a conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources based in Cook County. Part of his coverage area is located in the...

AI Technology and a Proposed Mine Near the Boundary Waters

May 27, 2026

The Magazine

Dean DeBeltz, Twin Metals VP of external affairs and project operations, with core samples in a Twin Metals core storage facility. Submitted photoKhadija Omar Said is a Kenyan and a doctoral researcher at Penn State. Through her research, she is...

No RABC Permit, No Problem: Telephone Reporting Sites Go Live in Quetico in June

May 21, 2026

News, The Magazine

Quetico entrance at Cache Bay. Photo by Joe Friedrichs Paddlers will be able to enter Quetico Provincial Park at the Prairie Portage and Cache Bay ranger stations using the new telephone reporting sites starting next month. Paddle & Portage...

Helicopter Rescues Two BWCA Paddlers After They Capsize

May 19, 2026

The Magazine

Andrew Lokke (left) and Riley Smith after they capsized in the BWCA. Submitted photo Two experienced paddlers attempted to travel across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in May 2026. Unlike many people who attempt such a feat, Riley Smith...

Lost and Found – A BWCA Dog Story

May 18, 2026

Subscribers Only, The Magazine

Jim Gallagher and his loyal BWCA dog, Bonzo, in the early 1980s. Submitted imageNewsBOUNDARY WATERS – I have owned just one dog in my life. He was with me for nearly 17 years. My wife and I got the Labrador puppy from our friend Mary. In the 1980s...

Helium Exploration Rolls Along Near the Boundary Waters

May 16, 2026

News, The Magazine

Looking for helium near the Boundary Waters. Photo courtesy of Pulsar Helium Deposits of helium found near the Boundary Waters remain a quiet talking point amongst industry insiders, state and federal regulators, politicians, and others interested...

Gunflint Trail Bait Shop Reopens In Time for BWCA Fishing Opener

May 8, 2026

News, The Magazine

Scott Stahnke greets customers May 8 at Ugly Baby Bait & Boats on the Gunflint Trail. Photo by Joe Friedrichs GUNFLINT TRAIL – The building was the ugly baby, he’ll tell you. It’s an oft-asked question as people pass by this iconic landmark in...

Fernberg Project to Commence Without Prescribed Fire in the BWCA Wilderness

May 6, 2026

News, The Magazine

Prescribed fire is a tool the Forest Service uses, primarily outside the BWCA Wilderness. Photo courtesy of Superior National Forest ELY – Expanded hiking opportunities, logging, and prescribed fire are coming to a popular gateway to the Boundary...

New Book Features Women Business Owners Near the Boundary Waters

May 3, 2026

The Magazine

Gina Joyce (left) and Laura Muus on Artist Point in May 2026. Photo by Joe Friedrichs Grand Marais residents Gina Joyce and Laura Muus are putting the spotlight on women entrepreneurs who live near Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters. Gina and...

BWCA Outfitters Open Doors for 2026 Paddling Season

May 1, 2026

The Magazine

The crew at Seagull Outfitters gear up for the 2026 paddling season. Photo by Joe Friedrichs Outfitters and other businesses operating near the Boundary Waters are opening for the season. Paddle & Portage media stopped at Seagull Outfitters...

Dogs in the BWCA - Leash Law and Wildlife Encounters

Apr 29, 2026

The Magazine

Anna and her dog, Cici, hanging out in the BWCA. Submitted photo A moose sighting can be the highlight of many trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For paddlers or hikers who bring their dogs with them on a trip to the BWCA, a moose...

Subscribers Only

Growing Up On the Edge of the Boundary Waters

BWCA Fishing Report & Conditions Update

AI Technology and a Proposed Mine Near the Boundary Waters

No RABC Permit, No Problem: Telephone Reporting Sites Go Live in Quetico in June

Helicopter Rescues Two BWCA Paddlers After They Capsize

Lost and Found – A BWCA Dog Story

Helium Exploration Rolls Along Near the Boundary Waters

Gunflint Trail Bait Shop Reopens In Time for BWCA Fishing Opener

Fernberg Project to Commence Without Prescribed Fire in the BWCA Wilderness

New Book Features Women Business Owners Near the Boundary Waters

BWCA Outfitters Open Doors for 2026 Paddling Season

Dogs in the BWCA - Leash Law and Wildlife Encounters

Access More Audio & Video By Signing Up For

The Paddle and Portage Bonus Media

Bonus Audio Available Now

Connect With Us

Quick Links