30Jun

Discover the Scenic Beauty of the Oberg Loop: A Hiker’s Guide Near Tofte, MN

The Oberg Loop is one of the most scenic spur trails off the Superior Hiking Trail and a must-visit for anyone exploring the Tofte, MN area. Located just 6 miles northeast of Tofte at the Oberg Mountain trailhead on Onion River Road, this approximately 3 mile moderate hiking loop offers breathtaking views and a diverse hiking experience that changes with the seasons. Trail Overview The Oberg Loop trail features a lollipop shape, requiring hikers to trek a short distance into the woods before reaching the Oberg Loop Spur trail of the Superior Hiking Trail. If you travel the loop counterclockwise, you'll first encounter a stunning overlook of LeVeaux Mountain and the surrounding forest, followed by a series of incredible views of Lake Superior. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan across the lake. Scenic Highlights As you continue along the trail, the landscape transforms, offering beautiful views of the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Oberg from the top of impressive rock cliffs. The trail meanders through various forest types, including areas dominated by maples, aspens, and conifers. During the summer months, the landscape is dotted with berries and blossoms, adding to the trail's charm. Seasonal Beauty While...

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30Jun

Discover the Beauty of Temperance River: A Must-Do Hike Near Tofte, MN

If you're looking for an unforgettable hiking experience near Tofte, MN, the Temperance River hike is one we highly recommend. Easily accessible and packed with stunning natural features, this hike offers plenty to see in a short distance, making it perfect for hikers of all levels. Getting Started: Parking and Trail Access Park your vehicle in one of the convenient parking areas just off Highway 61, right next to the Temperance River. From here, you can choose to head towards Lake Superior or upstream to explore more of the river's captivating features. Heading Toward Lake Superior Begin your hike by heading towards Lake Superior. As you cross the bridge, you'll be treated to the sight of a beautiful waterfall cascading under Highway 61 and continuing its journey to the mouth of the river. This is a perfect spot for a photo opportunity! Continue your hike on a short trail or through the campground parking lot to reach the cobblestone and ledgerock shore of Lake Superior. Here, you can soak in the sounds of the lake, pick rocks, or enjoy a picnic. The wind and waves constantly shift, creating a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere. Exploring Upstream: Waterfalls and Gorges For a more adventurous route, head upstream to discover...

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29Apr

How to Choose a BWCA Entry Point

If you missed out on snagging a permit for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) Wilderness after the opening date, fear not! While popular entry points might be fully booked after the opening date, there are still excellent opportunities for an unforgettable overnight paddle trip throughout the year. Whether you're navigating limited permits or planning at any time, here's our recommended approach: Firstly, pinpoint your available trip dates. While any day suits a BWCA adventure, weekends tend to see more wilderness enthusiasts, potentially leading to fuller first-come-first-served campsites. However, recent years have shown ample camping spots especially after a reduction in permit issuances in 2022. Generally, Sunday to Wednesday departures offer the most campsite availability. Once your trip dates are set, head to recreation.gov to check permit availability. Then, dive into maps to compare entry points and their respective advantages. Consider: Distance: Determine your preferred trip pace—whether covering extensive ground or taking a leisurely journey. Ensure your chosen entry point grants access to multiple lakes and suitable routes. Check for marked portages between lakes to confirm accessibility. Should it be helpful, we have some great route suggestions available HERE. Day Trips: If day paddling from a base camp is on your...

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Pigeon River High Falls, Grand Portage, MN
29Mar

North Shore Waterfalls

One unique thing about the North Shore, is that the area typography and steep Lake Superior shoreline naturally creates an unusual amount of waterfalls in the area.  Below, we've highlighted some of our favorite that we highly recommend visitors explore. Caribou Falls (Schroeder, Minnesota) Caribou Falls near Schroeder, MN, is a breathtaking natural wonder that beckons adventurers with its rugged beauty. Cascading over ancient basalt cliffs, the waterfall plunges dramatically into a rocky gorge below, creating a mesmerizing display of cascading water and mist. Surrounding the falls, birch and pine forest and moss-covered rocks add to the enchanting ambiance. The falls can be viewed from below and above. To get to the falls, viewers will need to take a moderate hike on a well-maintained trail from a parking lot off Minnesota Highway 61, eight miles west of Schroeder, MN. The parking lot is not plowed during the winter months, making the hiking trail inaccessible seasonally. Cross River Falls (Schroeder, MN) This waterfall doesn’t require any hiking to view. It begins dropping just upstream of Minnesota Highway 61 in Schroeder, MN. Though it can be seen when driving by, many people prefer to stop at the Cross River Wayside Rest next to the falls and take...

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Where to Winter Camp
29Feb

Winter Wonderland: Unveiling North Shore Winter Camping Gems Beyond BWCAW

While winter camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) promises adventure, it might not suit everyone's preferences. Fortunately, there are numerous alternative spots nearby that offer a balance of accessibility and natural beauty. Here are some recommended places for your next winter camping excursion outside of the BWCAW: Minnesota State Parks Minnesota State Parks provide designated campsites, with some offering plowed sites during winter. Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, George H. Crosby and Cascade State Park are North Shore state parks that offer winter camping. Superior National Forest Within the Superior National Forest, various options cater to winter camping, from dispersed camping to official campgrounds. Fees Campgrounds Although primarily popular in the summer, many fee campgrounds (which do not actually require a fee from November through March) offer excellent winter camping opportunities. Sawbill Lake Campground: Located 23 miles up the Sawbill Trail from Tofte, Minnesota, this campground is a welcome spot for winter campers seeking solitude and adventure. It sits on the border of the BCWAW, offering those who want a taste of The Wilderness access to it without having to travel far distances with gear or sacrifice the perks of a few amenities. Though the campground roads to outhouses and sites are not plowed...

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25Jan

Winter Camping Packing List

Winter camping can be a magical experience, offering the unique combination of frosty landscapes outside and cozy warmth inside (if hot tenting). To make the most of your winter camping adventure in the Boundary Water Canoe Area (BWCA) Wilderness or nearby areas near Lake Superior’s North Shore, proper preparation and a well-thought-out packing list are crucial. Below is a list of essentials we recommend bringing for a comfortable and enjoyable winter camping trip. Plus, at the very end we'll be sharing some of our favorite tips that we've come up with for elevating the experience. Don’t have what you need? Let us know. We have much of the necessary gear (like hot tents, stoves, toboggans, and camping accessories) available for purchase and/or rent. Traveling Daypack Toboggan (with straps) Bags/Containers for gear when hauling Tarp to wrap gear in Snowshoes Skis and ski boots for travel (optional) Snowshoes for travel (optional) Ski or Hiking poles with snow baskets Map Compass GPS Handwarmers and footwarmers First Aid Kit Whistle Emergency Shelter Camp Backcountry shovel Saw Axe Ice Auger- (cannot be gas or battery powered if using in the BWCA) Matches and lighters Water Filter or purification, if...

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12Mar

Late-Winter Ice Travel

  Ready or not, here spring comes! Unseasonably warm winter weather has us thinking spring up here at the outfitter. Recent XC ski trail reports (especially up the Gunflint Trail) have been surprisingly decent thanks to the fresh load of snow that we just got a few nights ago. That being said, the extended forecast is looking pretty warm and it won’t be long before we’re swapping out our skis for bikes and toboggans for canoes. When winter temperatures start to climb above freezing, one of the most common questions that we get from winter campers and backcountry skiers is- “What’s the ice like out on the lakes?” The reality is that lake ice, no matter the weather, is never 100% safe. While a majority of winter adventurers make judgment calls on the strength of ice based on factors such as appearance, depth, age, or temperature, there really is just no way to be sure. Currents can impact the thickness and safety of ice in unpredictable ways, the size of the body of water can play a role in determining ice depth, and, according to the DNR, even moving fish populations have been known to bring up warm water from the bottom of the lake. March and...

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08Mar

Does Lake Superior Freeze?

We get asked about Lake Superior freezing over a lot at the outfitter, so we figured we’d take the time to answer that question here. The short answer is yes, Lake Superior does freeze. Even during milder winters like the one that we’re currently sweating through, you can expect to see ice in harbors and on some of the more sheltered sections of the Lake. The Grand Marais harbor has been freezing on and off all winter long (some brave souls were even out ice skating at one point), and for few days here and there folks have been able to get out and ice fish around the Duluth/Superior area. That being said, ice on Superior is notoriously fickle and comes with its own set of risks regardless of how cold a winter it is. What may feel like an endless sheet of ice-skateable ice in one instance can float away in a matter of hours, leaving a dark blue expanse of open water between you and the shore. Just ask the deer that made local news in early January after spending 18 hours stranded on an ice flow in the Grand Marais harbor (WTIP), or the 26 fishermen that had...

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08Feb

Tubbs Snowshoes, Altai Hok Skis, Fischer XC Skis, and Yaktrax- When to use them and Why

Winter is fickle and takes many forms in our neck of the woods, so it's best to plan an adventure that works with the conditions rather than against them. Some forms of winter travel are better suited for fresh snow, others for a hard, icier snow-pack. Staying flexible and adapting your trip to the conditions is the surest way to have a good time no matter what mother nature might throw your way.   Snowshoeing is for deep snow  Snowshoes are a winter classic and perfect for exploring rugged terrain in deep snow conditions. Snowshoes have been helping people travel in the winter for thousands of years, and work in the same way as a Lynx's over-sized paw by distributing the wearer's weight over a larger area to keep them "floating" above the snow rather than sinking through it with each step. Trudging through deep snow without snowshoes is known as “post-holing”, an experience that is exhausting, slow, and not especially enjoyable. Be a lynx, not a deer! Snowshoes are maneuvarable in tight situations, making them the best option for exploring sections of the Superior Hiking Trail after a heavy snowfall, venturing off-trail through the woods, or along a frozen river. Lots of people...

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24Apr

Food Barrels or Food Packs For Your Next Canoe Trip?

In packing food for a BWCA trip there are two main pack styles that are usually used. Either soft sided traditional canoe packs or blue food barrels. We outfit and sell both packs and barrels made by Granite Gear and Recreational Barrel Works. Both options work well and have several advantages and a few drawbacks. It really comes down to preference. On a side note I have used both barrels and food packs on many trips and still use both, but I tend to like using barrels best. Food Barrels Barrels are great. They keep your food dry and also prevent it from getting crushed and banged up. Contrary to some opinions they are not completely bear proof, but they do help reduce the odds of having bear issues and stop any smaller animals from getting your food. We outfit our barrels with an additional locking device that allows you to secure the barrel to a tree. This will keep a bear from being able to take the barrel into the woods and away from camp. It also makes it more difficult and louder for a bear to get in the barrel. One obvious disadvantage to the barrel is the size and bulk of the barrel. They are a ridged container, which can...

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