i have never seen the northern lights in the bwca. is this because i don't go far enough north? (i have never been to quetico) is it the time of year? (i almost always go in the spring) i know that they have something to do with magnetic fields trapping solar energy, are they just kind of hit and miss as to when they appear? anyway, this has been bugging me for a while, so i just thought i would ask.

kclamken

It's kind of a hit and miss thing. That's far enough north for sure. We mildly plan our trips around new moons to get a better chance for a display. We also like to try and camp at sites with a decent view of the north. I've seen them on over half the trips we've taken but only a couple times was it good and active. During the summer months you've got to stay up pretty late as it doesn't get really dark till past 11.

Good luck and don't give up, you'll see them. Just remember they aren't always that brilliant.

Hex

If it is mid summer they are not out as often. The earlier and later in the year the better. You need to stay up late, have a clear evening and little or no moon helps. Try to stay up past 11:00, look to the north and you will see them someday. I see them regularly in late fall through winter in the outskirts of Minneapolis away from the lights of the city. So you are definitely far enough north in the BWCAW.