MN, Superior National Park, BWCA waterways.

Superior National Forest has the distinction of being the last stronghold for the rare and endangered timber wolves. Almost hunted to extinction in the 19th century, Minnesota is one of three places in the continental United States where timber wolves are known to live. The others being Glacier National Park (Montana) and Isle Royale (Michigan). Presently there are about 1,200 wolves in the Superior National Forest. The International Wolf Center located in Ely Minnesota is a good place to learn about wolves, their habitats, and resurgence in North America.

MN, Superior National Forest backcountry

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area established in 1978 is an integral part of the Superior National Forest. The BWCA contains over one million acres and extends along the U.S. and Canadian border with entrances at Ely, Grand Marais, Crane Lake, and Tofte. The most popular embarking point is Ely which is the center of canoe outfitting to the BWCA. The list of essential gear on an extended canoe expedition into the BWCA includes a hat, raingear, rubber boots, can opener, first aid kit, maps and a compass, matches and magnesium strike bar, tent and tarp, knife, ax, rope, propane camp stove or sterno, aluminum foil, fishing gear, soap, towels, and flashlight. The BWCA's thousands of lakes make this one of America's unique wilderness experiences. Caution is advised for extended stays in the BWCA as it is not the place to learn how to canoe or camp. It is remote and wild and there will be few if any people around to assist you.

The BWCA has no symbols of civilization. No buildings, signs, or marked trails. The intent is to have visitors experience nature as it has existed for thousands of years. A theme which the park service may have taken too literally. The canoe portages are strewn with rocks and boulders and extremely difficult and dangerous to cross on foot especially with a canoe on your back. Inattentive explorers are very likely to stumble and injure themselves. It's also essential to carry a good compass and detailed map on any trip into this backcountry wilderness. You won't be able to stop for directions. Canoeing here is like entering a maze where all the waterways and hundreds of islands all look alike. There is practically no way to navigate these backwaters and even seasoned explorers get lost without a map and compass.

Motor boat restrictions aid in giving the visitor a truly "back to nature" adventure in the spirit the French Voyageurs who traversed these same waterways almost 300 years ago. The restrictions also decrease access to motor boating fisherman, making these waters some of the most productive in America. Tangle with the feisty surface thrashing northern pike or glassy, dark eyed, stalwart fighting walleye. Both abound in this primitive and rarely visited area.

MN, Superior's Northern Lights, photo taken in the summer at 10 pm.

Some planning is essential when visiting the BWCA because a backcountry permit is required for overnight visits between May 1 and September 30. There are 2,200 campsites within the BWCA Wilderness. Permits are also required for motor boats (even for daily use). Restrictions on horsepower limits are listed below. Permits can be obtained by writing the BWCA Reservations, Superior National Forest, PO Box 338, Duluth, MN 55801 or by calling (218) 720-5440.

The following are the requirements for those planning to use a motor boat in the BWCA.

• Lakes with no horsepower limits: Little Vermilion, Loon, Loon River, and Lac LaCroix (but not beyond the south end of Snow Bay in the US).
• Lakes with 10 horsepower limit: Alder, Canoe, Clearwater, Fowl, North Fowl, Seagull, South Fowl, and Island River (east of Lake Isabella)
• Lakes with 25 horsepower limit: Fall, Moose, Newfound, Newton, Sucker, Snowbank, East Bearskin, South Farm, Trout, Basswood (except north of Jackfish Bay and Washington Island) and Saganaga (except west of American point).

For land bound visitors, one of the most scenic routes through Minnesota is the North Shore Drive from Schroeder to Grand Marais along the shore of Lake Superior(48 miles on US 61). Temperence and Cascade River State Parks provide campgrounds along the route. The road meanders along the lakeshore past rocky outcroppings and waterfalls that line the entrances to Lake Superior.