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canoeU2	09/08/2012 10:07AM   About 40 years ago I went to Boundary Waters and picked up this knife item, which was washing in the surf at an island. Before I get jumped over for taking things out, I was a kid, about 13, and I don't even know if any laws were in place at that time, so save it. I actually would like to return it to any museum if any. The knife (spear point?) is about 4 inches long.
schweady	07/12/2012 11:46AM   In 1978, at Rebecca Falls, I saw an old Log Cabin Syrup tin in the shape of a cabin. I think the chimney was the pour spout. I thought I would pick it up for closer examination, and the whole thing disintegrated. Should have taken a picture instead, but I was near the end of my 24-exposure cassette in the Kodak Instamatic.
ObiWenonahKenobi	03/24/2016 11:06PM   quote TuscaroraBorealis: " On a recent trip to the Isle of Pines, my niece found a couple of old rusty bottle caps. Presumably from Dorothy's rootbeer days." I visited Dorothy's island in the summer of '87. She had passed away the previous winter. All her buildings and stuff had been removed but at the landing of her summer island close to that ribbon rock there were probably 2-300 bottle caps strewn on the shore. It almost seemed that the bottom had torn out of the bag in which they were being carried away. I picked up about a half dozen of them. I recall some of the ducks that she used to feed were there as well. They were a bit aggressive. On the main island where her winter cabin stood there was a brick left behind. I believe it was used as part of the cabins foundation. I stopped at the Isle of Pines every summer from 1979 until 1984 and then again that summer after her passing. Began paddling Quetico for many years. Didn't get back there for 18 years (2005). Hoping to stop there this summer to remember her.
Frenchy19	07/11/2012 09:47PM   An old and pretty cool, at least in my opinion, latrine found on Slim Lake a couple of weeks ago.
missmolly	07/11/2012 10:40PM   North of Quetico, I find lots of boats and a few trappers cabins, some of which are still being used.
jeroldharter	06/17/2012 07:10AM   Not exactly artifacts, but we were just at a campsite on Darky in Quetico and found a number of items someone inexplicably left behind: A roll of aluminum foil Coffee mate creamer Two unused rod holders in original packaging Unused packkage of Cabelas 1 oz pencil weights (almost a pound by itself) Size 13 Merrill shoes Variety of tent stakes, maybe 20 in all Huge tent, maybe an 8 man, in a nice Outdoor Research compression stuff sack Huge bag of tent poles that had small chain links for shock cords ~30 feet of brightly colored rope tied to a tree Some of the stuff was somewhat hidden, others in plain sight. How does someone forget all of that? We would have taken it out, but we still had several days to go and could not carry it.
Goldenbadger	06/17/2012 07:25AM   That's really strange, jeroldharter. Maybe they had an emergency and left in a hurry. I wonder how long that stuff will sit there before someone hauls it out.
Corsair	06/17/2012 07:44AM   quote kabloona: "quote Jiimaan: " How's this for an artifact?" Time for a big block and TH-400 can you say rat rod?" Nice Pose! :) What a difference in time. I took my picture in 2011. What year did you take your pic? I do have the Long and Lat if anyone wants them. Shoot me an email.
snakecharmer	03/29/2016 08:39PM
TuscaroraBorealis	04/16/2012 08:25PM   quote Wilderness Mama: "Logging camps and resorts are part of the BW history and many of us have enjoyed finding them and relating them to the area's past. The Forest Service is very specific about leaving them where they are and that's the reason I've never published the book. " Not really expecting an answer. Just thinking out loud. :) Seems kinda strange/inconsistent that the forest service would say that? When you consider the lengths they went to buy/force people out, all in the name of LNT & returning the area to "wilderness." I wonder....how do they make the determination that something is an artifact & not just garbage? Because that's literally what it all was at one time. Don't get me wrong. IMHO I think running across things such as this can be a very fascinating aspect (and would/can be a highlight) of travel in canoe country. And,it's even better when there's a story behind it. But, I just think it's an interesting quandary. For instance: Last spring my wife & I ran across a hidden camp up on Gadwall lake. Most of what was there was clearly fairly recently added. And, at the end of the day, we were both disgusted by the blatant disregard for the rules. But, there were a few items we stumbled across that had clearly been there for several decades. And, I must admit, was kinda cool to see. Certainly it seems that the extreme ends of this equation can clearly be defined as black & white. But, it also seems, there is a fair amount of "gray" area in the middle? :) Hope I didn't come across as preachy? I just think this topic provides some interesting food for thought?
Sierra1	04/16/2012 09:53PM   I've found plenty of logging artifacts. You know, stuff like chains, spikes and log pikes. The most interesting item I found was a bottle marked "Great Blood and Rheumatism Cure - Superior Wisc." It was old and had a crack in it but it thought it was pretty darn neat. Not as cool as a car in the woods but almost as cool...
homerun23	04/16/2012 10:22PM   Found a 1902 Quarter on an island site on Lower Basswood. Would have liked to include a picture, however I believe it ended up in a vending machine in Ely. Might have been one expensive Mt. Dew....
homerun23	04/16/2012 10:30PM   Looks like the silver alone was worth 5 bucks at least :(
RaisedByBears99	04/16/2012 11:10PM   Most recently found two scalpers (trade knives) in a crevice of the rock at Rebecca Falls. Returned them to their original spot. My conjecture is they were an offering to the Manidoo of the falls. Found at various times, pieces of pottery from the Laurel Culture (Cree), and beads and items fashioned from trade kettles (pendents or ear rings). Some of my older relations have found some very interesting things.
Goldenbadger	06/17/2012 08:25AM   Corsair, I just shot you an email for the long lat. Thank you.
Savage Voyageur	04/16/2012 09:43PM   I have found standing outhouses,two gold mine shafts, barrel rings, pipes, wires for radios, cathode ray tubes from radios, lanterns, pop top beer cans, cast iron stoves.
Harv	08/28/2009 10:18AM   Jiimann--is that pic from car narrows?
rtallent	03/29/2016 11:10AM   On the little side, here was a button (I think) we found at an old unused campsite in Quetico. Not certain, but I think it was cast lead or similar metal (though obviously corroded). Left it where we found it.
PINETREE	12/16/2012 08:57PM   quote MagicPaddler: "Pinetree There was trapping in the park 2 years ago I do not know if it is still legal on not. There were several trappers cabins still in use in the park 2 years ago. Wallidave The Cow scow as I call it is near deadmans portage. From the North end of the portage follow the shore west. Most people do not go that way because of shallow water making you go around the islands then it is a paddle back to the shore. " It was outlawed decades ago,unless I wonder if your seeing Native Canadian Indians trapping on the west side of Quetico? I wonder if Trapper cabins are actually Ranger cabins I think,they use to have them around the park. Now you got me wondering can somebody clear this up.
mooseplums	03/29/2016 07:09AM   quote starwatcher: " Off the beaten track on a portage on our canoe trip to Argo, may be Bottle portage. starwatcher" It is off the Bottle Portage...I've seen it many times.
HikingStick	05/17/2015 10:21PM   quote mcguiness22: "I don't know that I would call this an artifact, but I still have no idea what this may be from. It appears as though the rock has been scratched towards the little "hole" in the center. If anyone has any idea on what this may be from I would be quite curious. My only thought is possibly Native Americans used it as an area to start fires or make tools. Thoughts?" That's clearly a gateway to the underworld. Just glad you weren't there while it was open.
Beemer01	12/17/2012 10:33AM   The foundation of an old Cabin on Bingshik - the remains of an old prospector's camp on This Man....the old Mine shaft off the Kek Trail..
starwatcher	03/29/2016 05:25AM   Off the beaten track on a portage on our canoe trip to Argo, may be Bottle portage. starwatcher
PINETREE	12/16/2012 09:22PM   I learned something new,thanks -page 7 etc. gives a informative answer. trapping Most of it is to the west.
MagicPaddler	12/17/2012 12:29PM   Pinetree If you look at google earth you can see a trappers road leading from French Lake to McKenzie. I have here that there may be plans to maintain that road as a hiking trail. The cabin I found was on the west side of the park and was a blue tarp special. I also found a stash on a island wrapped in blue tarp.
MagicPaddler	12/16/2012 08:32PM   Pinetree There was trapping in the park 2 years ago I do not know if it is still legal on not. There were several trappers cabins still in use in the park 2 years ago. Wallidave The Cow scow as I call it is near deadmans portage. From the North end of the portage follow the shore west. Most people do not go that way because of shallow water making you go around the islands then it is a paddle back to the shore.
TuscaroraBorealis	12/17/2012 06:38PM   quote Beemer01: "The foundation of an old Cabin on Bingshik - the remains of an old prospector's camp on This Man....the old Mine shaft off the Kek Trail.. " Is the Bingshick lake you refer to the one in the BWCAW along the Kekekabic hiking trail?
TuscaroraBorealis	07/13/2012 12:25PM   quote Basspro69: "Found Jimmy Hoffa on Mountain lake." Any Pictures???? ;-}
MrBreeze	07/13/2012 03:01PM   We found a logging camp one time. Found a lot of Ax heads, chain and other stuff. We decided to each take one item and then gave them to the voyager museum in Ely. This was back in the 70's. Is this museum still there, would like to go back and see what has changed. Still know where it is, not easy to get to, will never tell haha.
OffTheBeatenPath	07/12/2012 10:20PM   quote HowardSprague: " (Lake Three)" That looks like some of the trash I took home from my very first backpacking trip. lol What kind of a rookie did that?
Jiimaan	08/27/2009 10:02PM   How's this for an artifact?
HowardSprague	07/12/2012 09:45AM   (Lake Three)
dprochef	07/11/2012 10:22PM   quote Frenchy19: "An old and pretty cool, at least in my opinion, latrine found on Slim Lake a couple of weeks ago. " AHH The old "Wooden Throne" days. I remember those from when I first started going up there. I remember a couple that were sooo tall that you almost needed a rock to help get on top.
missmolly	07/12/2012 09:48AM   quote Frenchy19: "quote missmolly: "North of Quetico, I find lots of boats and a few trappers cabins, some of which are still being used." Jealous...in the BW, it's just toilets filled to capacity. I need to move north in my travels." The code of the north is that no trapper's cabin can be locked, 'cause that cabin can save your life, so you may enter all of them, but I don't do anything other than open the door and see the hoary socks still hanging from a line. I once found a cabin built into a bank and you had to crawl to enter it. I loved that one. It was long deserted, but some of the abandoned trapping truck was still there. There are no toilets up yonder and that's a good thing.
wetcanoedog	08/24/2009 09:28AM   there is stuff laying around all over the place.just look around points and islands where you would tell yourself that it would be a good spot to move in and set up a cabin and never have to go home. as i don't want people to find these places and take away the cast iron nameplates and such lets just say i found this around LLC. one of the best artifacts i found was on a island near Tiger Bay.it was a fire grate made from ox shoes and iron bars.what made it so neat was that i had seen the same thing in a 1920's "make you own gear" camping book.the photo of it is on a slide someplace and i put the grate far back in the woods.it looked like one of those good ideas that did not work in real life as the iron bars that were to hold the pots had slumped to the ground from the heat..which is why the former owner tossed it back in the woods where i found it.
HangLoose	08/25/2009 03:41PM   We found this artifact very near our BWCAW campsite in June 2009. It is engraved "Mesker Brothers Iron Company. St. Louis, MO 42A" I think it is an old iron stove. Anybody know for sure what this is?
L.T.sully	08/25/2009 05:03PM   Yeah keep in mind the strict rules on taking out artifacts, if a ranger were to catch you with anything they considered a historic artifact you could be in trouble. Only artifact I have ever found and taken out was the "lucky spoon" we found on the trip we forgot our silverware, it even had the owners name engraved on it, and you could tell it was rather old, but it was not near a logging camp.
HangLoose	08/27/2009 07:43PM   Thanks rlhedlund....I appreciate the link. It really makes me wonder who was using this iron stove. Maybe a logging camp or cabin was located in the location of this artifact.
otter1	08/28/2009 02:04AM   OMG! Thats a find!!!
camp-n-scrap	08/28/2009 07:21AM   Wow...now thats a "trail find!"
marsonite	08/28/2009 07:20AM   I was bushwhacking into Gowan Lake (Near Trout Lake) from the north, and came across an old logging camp. This was sitting on a rock in plain view. This was in the late 80's. I'd like to think not many people had ever been to that camp since it closed or that jug would have been long gone.
Basspro69	07/13/2012 11:11AM   Found Jimmy Hoffa on Mountain lake.
TuscaroraBorealis	04/25/2012 08:50AM   quote jamotrade: "This is probably part of the same line. Found it behind my campsite on narrows between Lake 4 and Hudson. There were pits around there too which had old snusboxes, glass bottles, and other old junk. We left it all as we found it. " Wonder what, if anything, might be left of that after the Pagami Creek fire? Thanks for sharing. Here's a thread discussing some cabin remains in canoe country. old cabins Brainerd cabin
TuscaroraBorealis	07/11/2012 06:28PM   On a recent trip to the Isle of Pines, my niece found a couple of old rusty bottle caps. Presumably from Dorothy's rootbeer days.
Frenchy19	07/11/2012 11:15PM   quote missmolly: "North of Quetico, I find lots of boats and a few trappers cabins, some of which are still being used." Jealous...in the BW, it's just toilets filled to capacity. I need to move north in my travels.
TuscaroraBorealis	07/13/2012 07:57AM   quote OffTheBeatenPath: "quote HowardSprague: " (Lake Three)" That looks like some of the trash I took home from my very first backpacking trip. lol What kind of a rookie did that?" Actually the policy for handling garbage years ago was to just dump it aways back in the woods. No doubt there are potentially many sites like this.
TomT	07/22/2012 07:02AM   On an island in Joyce Lake in the Q. Left from the fly in days? Joyce is pretty remote.
jamotrade	04/23/2012 03:20PM   quote RaisedByBears99: "quote TuscaroraBorealis: "quote RaisedByBears99: "I believe this is one of the trapper's shacks built by "Tame Tom Parent" and "Wild Bill Pemble" - part of the "Hundred Mile Trapline." Northern most shack was on Ottertrack." Thanks for the quick history lesson. I really apprecite it. Those type of things really intrigue/interest me." Approx every ten miles they had a shack and a dugout canoe. A 2nd cousin of mine has one of the dugouts. Very nice piece of work. Ive seen another, back in a bog on the edge of a lake, but I'm not 100%a sure which lake. Will check with my uncle. In bwca though." This is probably part of the same line. Found it behind my campsite on narrows between Lake 4 and Hudson. There were pits around there too which had old snusboxes, glass bottles, and other old junk. We left it all as we found it.
LuvMyBell	07/11/2012 07:24PM   quote jeroldharter: "Not exactly artifacts, but we were just at a campsite on Darky in Quetico and found a number of items someone inexplicably left behind: A roll of aluminum foil Coffee mate creamer Two unused rod holders in original packaging Unused packkage of Cabelas 1 oz pencil weights (almost a pound by itself) Size 13 Merrill shoes Variety of tent stakes, maybe 20 in all Huge tent, maybe an 8 man, in a nice Outdoor Research compression stuff sack Huge bag of tent poles that had small chain links for shock cords ~30 feet of brightly colored rope tied to a tree Some of the stuff was somewhat hidden, others in plain sight. How does someone forget all of that? We would have taken it out, but we still had several days to go and could not carry it." Sounds like someone left in a hurry. Emergency, possible....Scared by a persistent bear?
Zulu	04/17/2012 06:09PM   My neighbor found this log sleigh near Fenske Lake the other day. He thought a private party used it for tree harvest and not a big company. I like the old saw blade, jug and other items people have come across.
TuscaroraBorealis	04/17/2012 10:51AM   It's amazing what can be found just off the portage trails sometimes. Especially on the heavily traveled routes off the Fernberg road. I wonder if the Pagami Creek fire will expose some of these things? Guess I'll add the old saw blade located near Disappointment lake on the Old Pines Hiking Trail.
DeterminedOrange	04/17/2012 08:34PM   I have found many old items, mostly can piles and barrels. However, I also found these: Old chain on Loon Lake, possibly a boom chain from logging days. Railroad iron of some type, Swan lake. Thanks for submitting everyone, some interesting stuff!
TuscaroraBorealis	04/18/2012 07:44AM   ....a few more I think most everyone knows about the "monuments" along the border. This one is the Height of Land portage. LLC ranger cabin & boathouse. Located in the most SE bay of LLC just south of Bottle portage. Airplane wreckage on Zenith lake My wife found this old scout knife at the narrows site on Cherry lake. Sign on tree. Gadwall lake Survey marker on Pine lake (EP #68) camp #735 Old trappers cabin on the Crooked lake end of portage trail to Gillis.
DeterminedOrange	04/18/2012 12:45PM   TB, When did you take the pic of the Zenith airplane? It looks like more parts have been taken off since I last saw it. Thanks for sharing your pictures!
fisherjay	04/18/2012 08:40AM   I dont want to hi jack the thread, but i'll be in the crooked lake area, other than the pictos and the waterfalls, what other artifacts can i see nearby for pictures...
Canoearoo	04/18/2012 10:42AM   Once while fishing I hooked onto a leather pouch. I didn't look at it close as it smelled but it looked very old. I threw it on shore and didn't bother to check it again
paddlefamily	04/18/2012 01:58PM   quote Jiimaan: " How's this for an artifact?" seen this one too. did you notice the old bed frames too?
TuscaroraBorealis	04/18/2012 02:25PM   quote DeterminedOrange: "TB, When did you take the pic of the Zenith airplane? It looks like more parts have been taken off since I last saw it. Thanks for sharing your pictures!" May 2010. Here's a picture of the wing. There was some "stuff" kinda off to the side. Including a mason jar. Hard to tell what the rest really was.
RaisedByBears99	04/20/2012 12:00AM   quote TuscaroraBorealis: "....a few more Old trappers cabin on the Crooked lake end of portage trail to Gillis." I believe this is one of the trapper's shacks built by "Tame Tom Parent" and "Wild Bill Pemble" - part of the "Hundred Mile Trapline." Northern most shack was on Ottertrack.
TuscaroraBorealis	04/21/2012 08:38PM   quote RaisedByBears99: "I believe this is one of the trapper's shacks built by "Tame Tom Parent" and "Wild Bill Pemble" - part of the "Hundred Mile Trapline." Northern most shack was on Ottertrack." Thanks for the quick history lesson. I really appreciate it. Those type of things really intrigue/interest me.
mcguiness22	04/21/2012 10:30PM   I don't know that I would call this an artifact, but I still have no idea what this may be from. It appears as though the rock has been scratched towards the little "hole" in the center. If anyone has any idea on what this may be from I would be quite curious. My only thought is possibly Native Americans used it as an area to start fires or make tools. Thoughts?
RaisedByBears99	04/21/2012 10:30PM   quote TuscaroraBorealis: "quote RaisedByBears99: "I believe this is one of the trapper's shacks built by "Tame Tom Parent" and "Wild Bill Pemble" - part of the "Hundred Mile Trapline." Northern most shack was on Ottertrack." Thanks for the quick history lesson. I really apprecite it. Those type of things really intrigue/interest me." Approx every ten miles they had a shack and a dugout canoe. A 2nd cousin of mine has one of the dugouts. Very nice piece of work. Ive seen another, back in a bog on the edge of a lake, but I'm not 100%a sure which lake. Will check with my uncle. In bwca though.
Wallidave	04/27/2012 09:46AM   Cache Point...old latrine from when the ranger cabin was located here.
airmorse	04/27/2012 02:55PM   Both photo's taken while camping on Moosecamp lake. Most eastern campsite.
bdavid1157	04/28/2012 02:51PM   I heard the Lake 4 site was from a work program simaler to the CC's. I think there is an old thread about it.
Goldenbadger	06/15/2012 06:01AM   This stuff is so fascinating. Thank you so much everyone, for sharing. How in the world do you guys find these spots? I've only been up twice and I never spent much time off the portages or very far from the camp sites. I guess I will have to try exploring a little. I'm headed up in August out of Fall Lake, then up to Crooked Lake via the Basswood River. I hope to see some of this stuff. Will I be able to find that airplane or the car? How about any of the old trapper's cabins?
wetcanoedog	09/08/2012 12:00PM   as a collector of Classic Camp Stoves i thought this bit of old camp trash was interesting. among the other rusting junk was this Coleman Gaz cart with the rubber bulb valve connector.no longer made of course they were used on Hank Roberts, Coleman Picnic Gaz stove and a few others. carts like that when found in old hardware stores or off the grid sporting shops are posted as great finds at the stove collectors site.
kabloona	06/16/2012 08:56AM   quote Jiimaan: " How's this for an artifact?" Time for a big block and TH-400 can you say rat rod?
TuscaroraBorealis	06/15/2012 07:11PM   quote Harv: "I've seen a lot of the stuff mentioned above. I would like to dive down once by falls / rapids just to see all the stuff! " I'm sure more stuff has accumulated since this took place. But, if you're interested in that sort of thing? Check out Voices from the rapids Also here's a recent thread about a find on the Kawishiwi river. Kawishiwi river artifacts
fitgers1	12/13/2012 01:18PM   quote Wallidave: "Cache Point...old latrine from when the ranger cabin was located here. " I've seen a few double hole outhouse's in the past. We even had one at our deer hunting shabin for a few years. I wonder if two people actually ever sat next to each other on the crapper. Or, did it just allow for a bigger hole to be dug so it would take longer to fill it?
TuscaroraBorealis	12/13/2012 12:10PM   Not sure what is is, or was, but we ran across some old wooden lumber just off the Little Beartrack portage landing of the portage to Gun lake.
inspector13	12/13/2012 12:48PM   quote TuscaroraBorealis: "Not sure what is is, or was, but we ran across some old wooden lumber just off the Little Beartrack portage landing of the portage to Gun lake. " It looks like pieces of an old boat transom. That is what the shape reminds me of anyway.
MagicPaddler	12/13/2012 04:48PM   No one has posted a picture of what I think is the scow used to transport a cow to Saganagons
Wallidave	12/14/2012 04:47AM   quote MagicPaddler: "No one has posted a picture of what I think is the scow used to transport a cow to Saganagons " neato...where's this at? Like to see it.
Landstryker	12/14/2012 08:52AM   Found this old pocket watch in the water at the Isle of Pines. Though I hesitated, I returned it to where I found it. I suppose it has been "found" many times before - anyone here seen it?
fitgers1	12/13/2012 01:20PM   quote inspector13: "quote TuscaroraBorealis: "Not sure what is is, or was, but we ran across some old wooden lumber just off the Little Beartrack portage landing of the portage to Gun lake. " It looks like pieces of an old boat transom. That is what the shape reminds me of anyway. " I thought boat as well. I also thought maybe parts of an old lumber days log ski skid but it doesn't look old enough for that.
pajeff	12/14/2012 05:39PM   The Buick on an island in Crooked.
QuietWaters	12/13/2012 09:44PM   This is not in the BWCA, but close. It's an old car (about 1955 or 56) buried in the underbrush on a short spur off the Moose Viewing Trail on the Gunflint Trail. I haven't seen any pictures of it yet, but I'm sure others have seen it.
emptynest56	12/13/2012 03:44PM   quote LuvMyBell: "quote jeroldharter: "Not exactly artifacts, but we were just at a campsite on Darky in Quetico and found a number of items someone inexplicably left behind: A roll of aluminum foil Coffee mate creamer Two unused rod holders in original packaging Unused packkage of Cabelas 1 oz pencil weights (almost a pound by itself) Size 13 Merrill shoes Variety of tent stakes, maybe 20 in all Huge tent, maybe an 8 man, in a nice Outdoor Research compression stuff sack Huge bag of tent poles that had small chain links for shock cords ~30 feet of brightly colored rope tied to a tree My guess is besides an emergency, is someone really had a bad, bad time, and decided not to do this again. Ever have one of those? Some of the stuff was somewhat hidden, others in plain sight. How does someone forget all of that? We would have taken it out, but we still had several days to go and could not carry it." Sounds like someone left in a hurry. Emergency, possible....Scared by a persistent bear?"
PINETREE	12/14/2012 08:16PM   On Canadian Agnes where a small stream flows in,I looked down and there was a pan trap that looked like it was set for mink. The jaws were still open. Went to pick it up and it kind of fell apart. That trap was probably sitting like that for over 50 years. I know trapping was outlawed in the park a long time ago.
pamonster	12/14/2012 02:21PM   A bunch of artifacts (old gas pump and containers, bed fame, chains, ect) at the campsite on the east side of Angleworm (accessible from both trail and canoe). Lots of rusted cans and bottles too, was really tempted to keep one but I can enjoy the pictures and everyone else can enjoy the artifacts later.
Beemer01	12/17/2012 06:54PM   Yes - The cabin foundation lies to the East of where the stream enters the lake and out on the point.
TuscaroraBorealis	12/17/2012 07:53PM   Thank you. Another find on Sea Gull lake. look here
tom m	12/17/2012 11:32PM   yes Tuscarora B, regarding the Pagami Fire. I found a bunch of flat top beer and pop cans as well as some fuel cans on the portage between Kawasaschong and Polly. It is mostly old litter and some recent litter sad to say. Lots of rusty stuff clearly visible, scattered about, at the Kawasashcong end. Most interesting was a rusted out unopened six pack of 40 year old ginger ale. I guess someone was saving it for later . tom
bottomtothetap	05/21/2015 06:27PM   quote HikingStick: "quote mcguiness22: "I don't know that I would call this an artifact, but I still have no idea what this may be from. It appears as though the rock has been scratched towards the little "hole" in the center. If anyone has any idea on what this may be from I would be quite curious. My only thought is possibly Native Americans used it as an area to start fires or make tools. Thoughts?" That's clearly a gateway to the underworld. Just glad you weren't there while it was open." Haven't you all just seen the new "Avengers" movie? It's the Incredible Hulk's sphincter!
starman	05/21/2015 06:51PM   quote TuscaroraBorealis: "quote jamotrade: "This is probably part of the same line. Found it behind my campsite on narrows between Lake 4 and Hudson. There were pits around there too which had old snusboxes, glass bottles, and other old junk. We left it all as we found it. " Wonder what, if anything, might be left of that after the Pagami Creek fire? Thanks for sharing. Here's a thread discussing some cabin remains in canoe country. old cabins Brainerd cabin " Pagami fire didn't bother that site at all, I have been there since. The two holes in the ground were most likely: one for food storage, and one for furs...
Tariacuri	03/24/2016 11:43PM   I see prehistoric artifacts at almost every portage and campsite I visit - BWCA and Quetico. I have been tracking some for many years - at heavily used locations - and they have remained undisturbed. Though the level of the lakes has changed over the last couple millennia in general a good campsite or portage today was a good campsite or portage centuries ago. I find it amazing to think that there might have been people sitting by a canoe watching the sunset on my favorite rock, on my favorite lake, hundreds of years ago, just as I would today. If you find something (older then 50 years or so) take a GPS point and a photo, leave things undisturbed, and tell a ranger on the way out so they can add it to the official register (BWCA) or in Quetico they keep a log in the library at the Dawson Trail Heritage Pavillion. It is illegal in the US to disturb or remove archaeological materials or human burials on Federal or State lands and I would hate to see somebody on the wrong side of the law for a quick mistake. The same holds for Canada . . and . . if you bring something archaeological across the border things can go bad really quickly. Plus - morally and ethically - leaving things in place is the right thing to do!! Oops, just fell off my soapbox Chris
otter1	08/24/2009 07:31AM   Just interested to hear of anyone finding unique artifacts on their bwcaw trips?
alpine525	08/24/2009 07:48AM   A couple of years along the Border Route Trail, near the top of the Stairway Portage by Rose Lake, we found an area which we believe was an old campsite. In a crevice near a tree we found a tin can containing "hamburgers and gravy". This was buried about 5 inches or so beneth the ground. It looked like the can was from the 1970's. We brought it back to our outfitters for a bit of "show and tell".
gutmon	08/24/2009 07:59AM   Never done it myself, but have heard of others that bring snorkeling equipment and check out the areas below rapids for artifacts. Makes sense to look where stuff may be due to flip overs. A friend found some logging tools in one spot where he did this. Don't know what the rules are, but think that artifacts should be left where found (unless the "artifact" has a UPC code on it, then it should definitely be brought home as a "find"). Alpine- how were the hamburgers and gravy?
Wilderness Mama	08/24/2009 10:48AM   I have been compiling a list of artifacts in the BWCA with the idea of publishing it sometime. There have been concerns expressed, however, that some of the relics could "walk off" if attention were drawn to them. However, if someone is going on a particular route and wants to know about artifacts on a certain lake, I would be glad to share this information with them. wildernessmama@yahoo.com
rlhedlund	08/25/2009 05:15PM   Mesker Bros.
otter1	08/25/2009 05:26PM   This question wasn't intended to "find and remove" any artifacts, merely interested in the stories and pictures. Although I seriously doubt anyone finding an arrowhead or pictograph rock would leave it set in its place. Thank you for replies or if anyone knows of reading literature on this let me know, Thanks hope to hear from others.
Wilderness Mama	08/24/2009 10:52AM   This is a new one that I need to add to my list. Another reason to head up that direction! :o) Thanks!
wetcanoedog	08/25/2009 10:11AM   my wife is a member of the Native Plant Society here in Minnesota and i have course been to a few of the meeting,lots of people and very well done by the way. one of the projects was a wildflower drive from Western Mn into Iowa with guides and road signs.this would be all back road driving.there was a lot of concern that pointing out the location of rare plants would bring in Wildcrafters who would dig them up just for the roots and such. most of the artifacts laying around the BW are just junk from logging camps and resorts some of which would be better removed unless the Park Service wants to create "ghost camps" like the towns out West that are look but don't touch historic sites.
Wilderness Mama	08/25/2009 11:47AM   Logging camps and resorts are part of the BW history and many of us have enjoyed finding them and relating them to the area's past. The Forest Service is very specific about leaving them where they are and that's the reason I've never published the book.
Jeriatric	12/18/2012 11:22AM   quote wetcanoedog: "one of the best artifacts i found was on a island near Tiger Bay.it was a fire grate made from ox shoes and iron bars.what made it so neat was that i had seen the same thing in a 1920's "make you own gear" camping book." After googling, I now know what ox shoes are, or can be. A few of the hits refer to metal plates that could be attached to the feet of two-toed ungulates while the majority of hits refer to items such as "ox shoes for girls."
Ingvald	07/13/2012 12:31PM   quote Basspro69: "Found Jimmy Hoffa on Mountain lake." How's he doing?
Savage Voyageur	07/21/2012 09:28PM   Here is a picture of an old Gold mine shaft between Kelly and Jack lake. It went in about 40 feet then straight down. Someone has filled it in with rocks at the end for safety reasons. I talked to a ranger and he said it is at least 100 years old since anyone was mining there.
brp1	04/18/2012 02:35PM   Between John Lake and Royal Lake there is the Royal River. There are rapids just off of John, as the Royal River flows into Royal Lake. Once you clear the rapids there is a wide body of calm water. I was looking at the bottom as we glided by one time and I saw a sunken row boat. It looked to be in good condition, it had some rocks in it, but not enough to sink it. I also found a RubberMaid bin behind a campsite on the Kawishiwi River, nice.
MrBreeze	04/18/2012 02:38PM   quote paddlefamily: "quote Jiimaan: " How's this for an artifact?" seen this one too. did you notice the old bed frames too?" Looks like the old car on Crooked Lake, Friday Bay I think, that was back in the 70's when I saw it.
TuscaroraBorealis	04/18/2012 09:23AM   quote fisherjay: "I dont want to hi jack the thread, but i'll be in the crooked lake area, other than the pictos and the waterfalls, what other artifacts can i see nearby for pictures..." More of a natural "artifact." But Table Rock is located on Crooked lake. Also, there is an old resort site near Curtain Falls. If you poke around there a bit you're likely to find some things. I know there is plane wreckage near there.
arctic	04/22/2012 09:28AM   I've found flint shards and pottery pieces on Lac La Croix, as well as rings used to anchor log booms, mouldering log cabin remains, a woodstove, and old dump sites in other parts of the BWCA. I've also found quartzite spearheads and scrapers along remote lakes in northern Ontario and the arctic tundra. Considering how long people have been in North America there must be a LOT of stuff out there.
RaisedByBears99	04/27/2012 03:05PM   quote jamotrade: "quote TuscaroraBorealis: "quote jamotrade: "This is probably part of the same line. Found it behind my campsite on narrows between Lake 4 and Hudson. There were pits around there too which had old snusboxes, glass bottles, and other old junk. We left it all as we found it. " Wonder what, if anything, might be left of that after the Pagami Creek fire? Thanks for sharing." Hadn't even thought of that. I suppose it's not there anymore..." Wow! Parent descendents still live on the north shore and at Grand Portage rez. I should ccheck see if anyone knows just which lakes line encompassed. I've always suspected Parent Lake - by Disappointment, is one.
YaMarVa	04/27/2012 03:17PM   quote fitgers1: "quote mcguiness22: "I don't know that I would call this an artifact, but I still have no idea what this may be from. It appears as though the rock has been scratched towards the little "hole" in the center. If anyone has any idea on what this may be from I would be quite curious. My only thought is possibly Native Americans used it as an area to start fires or make tools. Thoughts?" Looks fairly natural to me. I agree it could have been used to start a fire though." Rock scratching rock during the glacial epoch?
jamotrade	04/27/2012 02:42PM   quote TuscaroraBorealis: "quote jamotrade: "This is probably part of the same line. Found it behind my campsite on narrows between Lake 4 and Hudson. There were pits around there too which had old snusboxes, glass bottles, and other old junk. We left it all as we found it. " Wonder what, if anything, might be left of that after the Pagami Creek fire? Thanks for sharing." Hadn't even thought of that. I suppose it's not there anymore...
fitgers1	04/27/2012 03:09PM   quote mcguiness22: "I don't know that I would call this an artifact, but I still have no idea what this may be from. It appears as though the rock has been scratched towards the little "hole" in the center. If anyone has any idea on what this may be from I would be quite curious. My only thought is possibly Native Americans used it as an area to start fires or make tools. Thoughts?" Looks fairly natural to me. I agree it could have been used to start a fire though.
fitgers1	04/27/2012 04:13PM   Exactly what I was thinking.
Harv	06/15/2012 05:13PM   I've seen a lot of the stuff mentioned above. I would like to dive down once by falls / rapids just to see all the stuff!
TuscaroraBorealis	05/14/2015 06:16PM   There are several remnants in and around the Jack Lake mine.