Mark Zimmer, more commonly referred to as the ‘Barefoot Paddler,’ spoke with the Paddle and Portage Podcast before the start of his 2025 paddling season.

 

Zimmer is starting his 13th year exploring the BWCA. Mark typically spends late April or early May through October in the Boundary Waters. He catches walleye, lake trout, and pike. He forages wild edibles, including mushrooms, roots, and various fruits and vegetables that grow in the woods here. Zimmer paddles a solo canoe and sleeps in a hammock. And he prefers to spend his time in the Boundary Waters without shoes.

 

Zimmer has created a downloadable digital map of every portage in the Boundary Waters, having literally walked them all. Find out more about Zimmer’s portage map and learn more about Zimmer on his website.

 

We met up with Zimmer near the Fernberg Trail about 10 miles from Ely just as the 2025 paddling season was taking form.

 

This episode is supported by Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Sawtooth Outfitters, Bent Paddle Brewing Company.