Does anyone recommend one of the Beymer books over the other one? It seems the West book is not as easy to find as the East...anyone know why! Thanks!

Both books are equal in my opinion. I also had a tough time finding the west book, I am not really sure why though but I don't think it has anything to do with one being more quality than the other. They are helpful books, but I only wish they could be updated since the information is from the 90s...

Another book I have found helpful is "Paddling the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park" by James Churchill. It does not provide a long and short trip option for each EP like the Beymer books, however, I have picked out some good routes based on this book.

It just depends on which part of the BW you want to go to. (See thread on Ely versus Grand Marais -- as if there is really an competition.) Even though I'm a "west" guy, I love leafing through my "east" volume too.

If you're concerned about Beymer being dated, a more recent publication is Dan Pauly's guide (link). I haven't looked at it, though.

sweet...I will have to check that out!

Just got the Pauly book so thanks for the recommendation Ho Ho. It is a great guide book for it looks like any one who is just first going to the BW or who has gone for years. He really breaks down the routes w/individual maps and discusses each route at length...everything from a ranking of portage difficulty, to portage lengths, to trip lengths, # of permits each day, fishing species you may encounter at each lake, and more. It is a great comprehensive guide to plan a trip. Thanks for the insight!