Soka Outdoors

Boundary Waters winter camping!

Day 1 | Fall Lake to Back Bay (Basswood)

Our group of six slowly made our way across Fall Lake and onto Four Mile Portage. This portage was originally built as a short railroad to haul out timber from the woods. It later served as a "truck portage" where trucks carried canoes and gear and buses transported tourists to small resorts along Basswood Lake. Other than some wood pilings at the beginning of the portage, there is little evidence of its former days.

Getting our trail legs under us, it was nice to travel across easy terrain. Other than a breeze hitting the tops of the tallest trees, it was quiet. I pulled out a thermos of soup at lunch and we all enjoyed a break on the trail in mild weather.

At the end of the long portage, we headed northwest and began to break our trail for the next few miles. Other than otter tracks and dens, we saw little activity from animals. About nine miles later, we entered into Back Bay - one of the numerous bays of big Basswood Lake.

We chose a spot near a campsite that was out of the wind. Everyone picked a chore to tackle. Some went and gathered wood, others set up the tent, while others worked on chiseling a hole in the thick ice. At the end of the day we tucked into hot bowls of shredded beef and taco toppings.

I eventually wandered up to my little tarp bed in the woods. A good and full day, and a good night.

Five days spent roaming in the Boundary Waters. Heart is full, legs are shot. Report coming soon.

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We will be seen from outer space. 😆 Really though, when you're in a remote location, some bright gear is a good idea in case help is needed.

What do you bring that's bright?

Shakeout camp! I did a quick overnight earlier in the week to test gear and get ready for an upcoming winter camping trip I'll be guiding.

Even though this takes a little planning and prep, it's worth it. Our systems and gear are coming together. Almost there!

I've been so busy working that all the sudden Boundary Waters permit day is almost here! Quota permits go on sale tomorrow, But no need to panic – there are always cancellations throughout the summer. Make sure you've got your dates firmed up before you grab one.

I'm really looking forward to guiding again this year. Let me know if you'd like a little help planning your canoe trip. 🛶

Long afternoon spent in the woods with a friend. We had the trails mostly to ourselves, except for a few deer. Thick flakes filtered through the the trees-it was so fun to go out and play.

Grateful for so many things. For beautiful places to wander and explore—the magic of all the seasons. For family and friends near and far. For warmth, food, work, rest and health. So many good things that I've been given—may I remember to pass them on.

🍂 What are you grateful for today?

NEW Wilderness & Remote First Aid and Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED course coming!
January 24-25, 2026
Carpenter Nature Center | Wisconsin Campus

This is a great event for ANYONE who recreates outdoors. Ages 14+

Sign up! https://bit.ly/47SvEZA

Outdoor Education + Red Cross Courses Teaching outdoor education and Red Cross Wilderness First Aid & CPR & AED courses. More courses coming soon! Follow us at sokaoutdoors.com.

Spectacular night viewing the aurora borealis in our backyard. Best show we've ever seen in our area.

I like an organized canoe. 😅 I can't control everything on a wilderness trip, but I can keep my gear in order (mostly!).

What a full, full year it has been. Unfortunately, the socials have taken a bit of a back seat. But being outside more isn't a bad exchange.

The Horse River. Roughly 5 miles in length, it is a scenic paddle that cuts through the wilderness. It varies in depth, depending on the time of year that you paddle through it.

Three official portages avoid some of the sketchier sections. And then there are bonus, liftovers and places to get out and line or track the canoe depending on which direction you're going.

But it all adds to the variety and interest in the broader landscape of lakes. This is just the kind of feature that I love to share with others on a guided adventure.