Archive

We are on the cusp of the finest month of the year.  The long, hot, sun-soaked days of summer are behind us and they have been replaced by the shorter, cooler days of early fall.  This time of year on the Gunflint Trail is our favorite.  Considering the lack of bugs, humidity, and crowds, its […]

At roughly a latitude of 48° N and healthy distance from any major metropolis our location at Clearwater Lodge makes for a perfect place to catch the northern lights.  Also known as the aurora borealis this incredible light display is primarily caused by a disruption of the magnetosphere by solar winds or flares leading to […]

After “Is this where I check in?” the second most common question we get here at Clearwater Lodge is “Where can we find moose?”  It makes sense as Northeastern Minnesota is one of the few places in the Midwest to find the largest member of the deer family; it also helps that a moose is […]

For the longest time one of the most popular questions we would get upon somebody walking in the front door of the historic lodge was, “What’s the story behind that big boat on the porch?”  Considering it took up a good portion of the already massive porch and it was right next to the front […]

Throughout the year the most common question I get about wildlife and safety is what to do if you encounter bears in the BWCA. The concern is funny to us because we live here and know there is nothing to worry about but we’ll go ahead and try our best to set you at ease. […]

Lake Trout Dreams Over the years I have come to recognize Clearwater Lake as a fickle temptress for BWCA fishing.  Every spring afternoon she beckons me to continue my eternal investigation into the whereabouts of the furtive Lake Trout that call her waters home.  I have returned fish-less more times than I would like to […]

The totem pole at Clearwater Historic Lodge is a magnet for that one last family photo before heading home; almost on a daily basis people are posing next to the pole for a photo opportunity. Seventy years ago Bill Needham, already famous for his diamond willow furniture and intricate hand drawn maps of the area, […]

There are moments of discovery in life that make you question your decision making abilities.  While most habits are hard to break these discoveries immediately take the place of your old ways and make you wonder why you ever did it that way to begin with.  Everyone has these moments I am sure, one of […]

What is the best footwear for portaging and camping in the Boundary Waters?  This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get here at Clearwater Canoe Outfitters.  The short and easy answer is whatever you are most safely comfortable in, but if it’s your first time in the BWCA you may not know […]

It has been four years since I was lucky enough to spend a month paddling and portaging my favorite place on Earth, Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario Canada.  Every fall I cherish those memories on the water more and more, and am grateful I spent the time to record my experiences so I can continue […]