Paddle the BWCA for the 4th of July

It’s somewhat of a secret that the Boundary Waters is unusually quiet over the 4th of July. It’s a perfect time to paddle and camp since the water is warm for swimming, the fishing is good and the bugs have usually tapered off.  Why don’t more people take advantage of this prime paddling time?  I think it’s because people have their 4th of July traditions they don’t want to miss out on. There are parades to attend, picnics to partake in and of course fireworks that light up the evening sky.

Wouldn’t you rather watch fireflies light up the sky or perhaps the northern lights? When I compare 4th of July festivities in a normal city with a trip to the BWCA all I can think of is, “I’d rather be paddling.” Crowds of people, traffic in the streets and time spent chatting with someone you only see once a year are what comes to my mind when I think about the 4th in the city.

A campsite on a wilderness lake, quality time with family or friends and peace and quiet is something I could really celebrate. I’m sure there are some great things to do on the 4th of July but I can’t think of anything better than canoe camping in the BWCA.