High Adventure Treks

Nationally-accredited Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan High Adventure Base has been guiding Northwoods adventures since 1976. Take in stunning vistas on foot on one of three remote backpacking destinations. Paddle cool river waters in the upper reaches of Wisconsin or into Canada by canoe. Kayak across the waters of Lake Superior to visit the Apostle Islands. No matter how you like to adventure, we have a trek for you.

A group of campers sit atop a plateau with the sun setting behind their camp site

Canoeing

Boundary Waters/Quetico

Travel the routes of the fur trade Voyageurs. After a shakedown of equipment and skills, your group will travel to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) for an exhilarating trek near the historic Gunflint Trail along the US-Canadian border.

Moose, black bear, otter, pine martin and loons are just a few of the animals that inhabit this region.

Flambeau Flowage

While paddling downstream, look for the wide variety of wildlife native to the area including nesting eagles, osprey, beavers, and sandhill cranes. You’ll camp in the primitive sites throughout the Flambeau Flowage.

Created in 1926 by the damming of the Flambeau River, the Flowage is filled with islands and coves. The Flambeau is most famous for its walleye fishing, but Northern pike, muskellunge (muskies), bass, sturgeon, catfish, bluegill, and other game fish also abound.

Wisconsin Headwaters

Some of the first voyageurs in the 17th century traversed south into the unexplored “Ouisconsin Territory” by this route. Paddle through country where wolf, black bear, and deer, as well as herons, hawks, and eagles still roam freely.

You may even spot a moose! Fishing is excellent, from native trout at the headwaters to a full range of pan and game fish downstream. If a 50-mile trek seems a bit too challenging, we can modify the length of your trek to suit your group’s needs.

Backpacking

Porcupine Mountains

Towering pines, firs, and birches along the shores of Lake Superior provide the setting for trails that lead to secluded lakes, wild rivers, hills, and waterfalls.

The Porcupine Mountains (Porkies) offer a mixture of terrain, from the barren top of the Escarpment to the wetlands created by beaver dams to the lowland hemlock groves. Perennial favorites include hiking along the top of the Escarpment, eating dinner on Lake Superior's shore, climbing the Copper Peak observation tower for views of the entire preserve, and camping at the picturesque Lake of the Clouds.

The Porcupine Mountains offer a wide array of trail options and can provide challenges for first-time backpackers and experienced crews alike. Treks range from 20 to 50 miles long, depending on your Unit’s (trek crew’s) preference. Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan will provide you with permits, equipment, food, and an experienced guide for this spectacular trip.

Isle Royale

Only accessible by boat, Isle Royale is the nation’s least-visited national park, but it is well worth the trip. Even though this island gem has the highest backcountry overnight use per acre of any national park, you will still have a sense of more privacy than anywhere else, across thousands of acres of backcountry camping.

Your journey begins while crossing a substantial portion of Lake Superior’s northwest section. Once there, you will find a living laboratory, a rugged Northwoods wilderness, a roadless backcountry of wild creatures, second-growth forests, refreshing lakes, and rugged scenic shores. Moose and wolves are often seen on the island.

Ice Age Trail

In Langlade and Lincoln Counties, long segments of the Ice Age Trail wind through a region full of lakes and bogs formed by the last glacier's melting. Amid the northern forest of spruce, fir, maple, and birch, the trail follows the glacier’s terminal moraine as it winds through the woods just a few miles from camp. This trek is an excellent introduction to backpacking and backcountry camping with “un-designated,” primitive backcountry camping, and is a great way to prepare for an upcoming Philmont trek.

Leave No Trace skills are an integral part of this trek. Consult with the High Adventure Staff to plan this excellent “close-in” hiking experience.

Kayaking

Apostle Islands Kayak Trek

You will be led by an experienced guide into a pristine collection of islands and shorelines. You will see stunning geological formations - caverns, arches and pillars. All are uniquely accessible to the kayaker alone. Carry your gear in your kayak while you explore the deep blue waters of Lake Superior. Then, bed down under the night sky on the sandy beaches of Gitche Gumee - Ojibwe for Lake Superior.

To participate in a High Adventure Trek, you need qualified personnel present. Please submit your contact information as well as brief details of your interests below, and we will get in touch with you about scheduling your trek!

Full Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Trek Type

Message (optional)

Enter the code shown: