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Robert Beymer’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area books have become classics among paddlers. Copies get passed from experienced paddler to family members or friends who are preparing for their first trip. The route descriptions can generate hours of intense debate about “the best way to go.”

I make my living writing about outdoor recreation and I was honored when I asked to update Beymer’s books. That excitement was quickly tempered by the daunting task ahead of me. Beymer spent 30 years accumulating intimate knowledge of every entry point, portage, and campsite described within.

My role is not to recreate his steps, but to bring current information to his vivid descriptions. Since the last edition, the BWCA has seen a rare windstorm flatten thousands of acres of wilderness and major forest fires fueled by the debris left behind. Rules and regulations, registration procedures, and fees have changed over time.

Paddlers buying the books to replace the ones they gave away will notice one significant change. The popularity rankings for each entry point have been deleted from this version. Every entry point and route has something to offer. Over time, readers can build their own personal popularity rankings.

Writing is a solitary endeavor, but many people stand behind the words on these pages. Larry Ricker, Brent Reimnitz, and Bill Seeley contributed the photographs that offer a glimpse of the beauty the BWCA offers.

Steve Freeman and Adam Amato, moderators of BWCA.com, introduced me to the forum’s members and shared their valuable resources with me. David Bintzler, of quietjourney.com, introduced me to a group of passionate paddlers with strong opinions.

Kristina Reichenbach, public affairs officer, Superior National Forest answered a flurry of questions about rules, regulations, and the impact of recent fires on the BWCA. Her advice, to always call ahead to learn about current conditions at your selected entry point, should be followed by every paddler reading this book.

Ian Pinegar, Byran Kegler, Bruce Conley, Bryan Whitehead, and Steve Rosengren shared their personal BWCA paddling experiences to help update specific route descriptions. Bert Heep and Drew Brockett, of Piragis Northwoods Company, also offered thoughts about routes.

Mark Leese, of W. A. Fisher Company, provided a current set of maps for me to study. Fisher maps are mentioned in every route description. Big Agnes, Black Diamond, Sierra Designs, and Marmot provided tents to keep me dry, warm, and comfortable.

Thanks to Roslyn Bullas, editor of Wilderness Press, for the opportunity to take a classic book forward.

Finally, I want to thank my family for supporting me during this project. My son Taylor and daughter Claire, who have ventured into the BWCA many times, admonished me to finish writing so we could pick a trip of our own. My wife Carey managed our family life to give me time to explore and write.

—Lou Dzierzak

May 2009