Tim Bates: An Unsung Hero of the Boundary Waters
About this episode
This episode tells the story of Tim Bates, a gifted paddler and wilderness enthusiast who introduced many to the Boundary Waters.
Tim Bates met his wife on the Gunflint Trail. For decades, he paddled and portaged a canoe past thousands of BWCA visitors, though most never knew his name. A gifted paddler and wilderness enthusiast, Tim passed away in December 2025 after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 60. Tim worked at the University of Minnesota Duluth outdoor education program. He was also a co-founder of the Duluth Folk School. He was a certified canoe instructor who introduced the Boundary Waters to many people during the past 30 years. In this episode, we hear the story of Tim Bates, a quiet legend of the Boundary Waters. This episode is supported by Bent Paddle Brewing Company and Friends of the Boundary Waters. Special thanks to Julie Bates, Kelly Bates, Ken Gilbertson, and Pat Kohlin for making this episode possible.
People in this episode
Guest: Tim Bates
Sponsors
Bent Paddle Brewing Company
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth Folk School
More episodes of Paddle and Portage Podcast
- The Ties of a Hybrid Fish to the BWCA
- Forest Service to Utah Update & Talking BWCA and Books with a Duluth Writer
- This Miscalculations of Spring in the Boundary Waters
- Kevin Kinney: Behind the Wool and Canvas
- Ryan Rodgers - Where the Green Light Shines
- Solo Trip Across the Border Lakes - Mona's Story
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