This week we have one hiking trip and five paddling trips spanning from the end of the Gunflint Trail all the way to the Tofte, MN area off the north shore of Lake Superior. Some groups are in search of the biggest fish while others are looking for waterfalls to sit under and rapids to run. This undercurrent of adventure-seeking reminds us of a Sigurd Olson quote:

“As long as there are young men with the light of adventure in their eyes or a touch of wilderness in their souls, rapids will be run.”

Sigurd F. Olson

The first trip left on Monday and the fourth trip left this morning (Wednesday). Everybody will return on Friday afternoon to share their tales from the trails but we won’t leave you hanging that long! Keep reading to discover which adventures our Birchwood boys have set out for this week.

Clearwater Loop – 5-Day Trip

This trip is led by Birchwood counselors, Veto (back left) and Duke (back row, second from left) with Senior Leadership Camper, Mason (back right).

These ambitious outdoorsmen are headed for Clearwater Lake where they will begin a 5-day paddle through a large loop of lakes on the eastern edge of the BWCAW. Not only do they have some big portages in-store, they also have some of the most beautiful and lesser-traveled lakes in all the Boundary Waters ahead of them! We can’t wait to hear all about it when they return on Friday!

Follow them on their adventure: https://share.garmin.com/XXT8Z (Birchwood 1)

Sawbill Paddling – 4-Day Trip

This trip is led by co-counselors Remy (back left) and Nacho (back right) with Senior Leadership Camper, Shea (back row, third from the left).

This group is ambitious! They’ll enter into the BWCA at Sawbill Lake on the north shore of Superior with the stretch goal of paddling all the way to Cherokee Lake on their first day! Can they do it? We believe in them!

Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/E95B6  (Birchwood 2)

Missing Link Paddle – 4-Day Trip

This trip is led by co-counselors Nairo (back left) and Ghost (back right).

This trip is embarking on an adventure into Missing Link Lake and the lakes beyond! They’ve gone with fishing poles in hand, expecting to catch some monsters! Paired with a monster of a portage on the first day, they’ve got a grand adventure mapped out.

Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/N4V2F  (Birchwood 7)

Granite River Rapids – 3-Day Trip

This group is guided by Hero (back left) and Ocho (back right) with Senior Leadership Camper, Hugh (back row, second from the left).

These young men are in for an extra special trip that Birchwood has loved since 1968 – the Granite River Trip! The water levels are still decent this time of year so they will undoubtedly run a few rapids and return with plenty of tales from the trail!

Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 5)

Devil’s Kettle Hiking – 3-Day Trip

This group is guided by Frosty (back left) and Curby (back middle) with Senior Leadership Camper, Charlie (back right).

This adventurous group of campers chose to hike the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail along Lake Superior! This trip begins at the popular Devil’s Kettle. Along the trail, they’ll visit waterfalls, hike on the shores of Lake Superior, encounter expansive vistas overlooking the Northland, and maybe even do some beach camping!

Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 4)

Seagull Lake Paddlers – 3-Day Trip

This group is guided by our Tripping Director, Nemo (front left), and Hemi (back row, second from left).

A classic Birchwood trip, these paddlers will get to experience the big and beautiful Seagull Lake! They’ll get to experience a little bit of a lot – like hiking, paddling, star gazing, and base camping. This is the perfect BWCA sampler trip!

Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 3)

As our campers set their sights on adventure, let us wish them calm waters and clear trails! May the path of the paddle and the way of the trail lead them to self-discovery and shared purpose! In every walk or paddle with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

Happy Trails,

Ashley, Director