Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway - Canoeing (U.S. National Park Service)

The St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers are known for their quiet water canoeing. To help you plan a canoe trip; descriptions of different river stretches are provided for both the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. Average speed while paddling is 3 miles per hour, so a slow leisurely day trip would average 15 miles per day.

The Namekagon varies from an intimate shallow cold-water trout stream, closed in by a predominately coniferous forest, to a slow moving stream flowing through marsh and swamp land. A narrow, twisting river throughout most of its 98 mile length, it is best navigated by canoe.

Namekagon Dam to Hayward: A canoeist on this stretch can expect a two-day trip with a mixture of stream and lake environment, as well as several rapids. The river is intimate, narrow and rainfall dependant for navigation. The best canoeing is during May and June when water levels are high enough for canoes to travel easily through the rocky riffles. Campsites are infrequent and beaver dams common.Some require a carry-over. There is a dam at Hayward that must be portaged. The dam also creates a lake effect of slow waterbehind it.

Hayward to Trego: This section is a two-day trip; the river is relatively narrow, has a good gradient, some rapids and generally enough water to canoe. The early portion of this section is characterized by some development near the town of Hayward. Highway 63 paralells portions of this segment of river and road noise may be heard at points. The Trego dam is just upstream of County K landing and must be portaged. Most people wish to avoid the lake created by the dam, and the portage, and take out at the Namekagon Visitor Center landing.

County K Landing to Riverside: This stretch is a popular weekend trip beginning below the dam. The river is narrow, winding and provides a more primitive setting for recreation. There are no rapids over Class I in this section making it a great casual trip. Many campsites are located along this stretch.

The St. Croix River changes from narrow to broad and shallow to deep, providing many recreational experiences on its over 150 mile length. Canoes dominate the upstream section, canoes and small fishing boats use the middle, and motorized boats dominate the downstream section. Backwater areas and sloughs can help canoeists avoid boats.

Gordon Dam to Riverside: This is a two-day trip that is usually best done in the May and early June when water levels are higher than later in the summer. Narrow rock strewn passages alternate with quiet water in this more primative area. Campsites are infrequent. Canoeists should have some experience with rapids, when the water is high and be prepared to walk/canoe when the water is low.

Riverside to Nelson Landing: This two-day trip features good and relatively easy canoeing throughout the season. The river flows through a wide valley with low banks. Watch for St. Croix State Park and Governor Knowles State Forest in this stretch. Campsites are not numerous.

Nelson Landing to Highway 70: This stretch is a one-day trip. From Nelson to Fox Landing the water is one long rapid with some of the fastest water on the St. Croix. Several rapids are rated as Class I, moving water with riffles and small waves, except during periods of high water when the difficulty increases. Much of the rest of this stretch is flat water on a widening river.

Highway 70 to Taylors Falls: This section can be canoed in a two to three day leisurely trip. The river is wide and slow moving. Wild River State Park is located near the former site of Nevers Dam. The dam at St. Croix Falls creates a 10-mile pool or flowage; it extends from Nevers Dam to Taylors Falls. The dam also requires the river traveler to leave the river at Lions Club Park (MN & WI) or the NPS Headquarters. A 1 1/4-mile portage around the dam exists on the MN side of the river going through the town of Taylors Falls and Minnesota Interstate Park.

Taylors Falls to Apple River: High bluffs and numerous back channels with no rapids characterize the river. This stretch includes the Dalles, a rocky gorge bordered by Minnesota and Wisconsin Interstate Parks. One or two-day trips are possible. Canoeing conditions are good to excellent in the main channel at all water levels. Back channels are frequently inaccessible in periods of low water. Special rules govern the speed and movement of powerboats in this stretch, keeping their speeds low, but boats are a common sight.

Apple River to Prescott: Primarily motor boats and sailboats use this section of the river, many travelling at high speeds. Canoeists on this stretch are recommended to only travel during the week, not weekends or holidays.

OVERVIEW
For mapping purposes the rivers have been divided into 8 stretches. Maps show distances, rapids, campsites, facilities, and landings. See the heading Maps. Also, River Levels can help you decide if it is appropriate to canoe a specific stretch this week.

River Currents: The average speed for the St. Croix is one mile per hour. The average speed for the Namekagon is two miles per hour. Specific stretches of the river can be slower or faster. Flowages have little if any current. Experienced canoeists can travel faster by reading the river and using paddling skills, while new canoeists are not as efficient. Fishing and wildlife viewing can also slow your travel.
Wind Condition: The wider portions of the river are most effected by wind. A strong upstream wind can mean waves and slower progression.
Canoeing Difficulty: Normal conditions for the two rivers are at most a Class I (moving water with a few riffles and small waves and few or no obstructions). The one exception is below the dam at St. Croix Falls, which should not be attempted by open canoes. During periods of high water/flood some rapids can become Class II (easy rapids with waves up to 3 feet and wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting, but require some maneuvering) or Class III (rapids with high, irregular waves often capable of swamping open canoes. Narrow passages that require complex maneuvering and may require scouting from shore).
Outfitters & Shuttles: If you don't have your own canoe or need a shuttle, commercial outfitters can supply them. A list is available, choose an outfitter close to where you plan to canoe.
Campsites: Campsites containing a primitive toilet, fire-ring and picnic table, are marked by a brown and white tent symbol visible from the river. See camping for more information.
Portages: Dams are located at Hayward (left shore), Trego (right shore) and St. Croix Falls (right shore). All three dams require that your canoe and gear must be removed from the water and carried past the dam. The portage at St. Croix Falls is 1 1/4 miles long due to river conditions below the dam and land ownership. You might want to consider ending your trip before these flowages or lakes created by a dam or put in below dams. Recommended portages are also available at the site of three historic logging dams that have been partially removed. Pacwawong, Phipps and Coppermine should be scouted before attempting to run, if you choose not to portage them. Depending on water conditions these dam sites can be hazardous.
Canoeing Plans: It is a good idea to provide someone with your planned put-in and take-out locations, expected length of trip and number in party. They can then contact authorities if you are overdue. The establishment of a late return phone number is an important way to inform others of your location. Cell phone signals are weak or non-existent along much of these two rivers.

If you would like to read some personal accounts of canoe trips read on...

PROTECT THE RIVER
Sandbanks are erodable and provide nesting habitat for turtles. Please stay off them.Mussels are protected because of endangered species. Please do not remove them from the river.
Primitive toilets are available at campsites and landings. If toilets are not available, bury human waste at least 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from the river.
Bring a trash bag to carry out all trash. Glass beverage containers are prohibited at the Riverway.
Do not damage live trees. Dead and down wood may be used for firewood.

SAFETY
Exposure to cool air or cold water can lead to hypothermia, even when temperatures are well above freezing. Dress appropriately and bring spare clothes in case you get wet.
Kneel in the bottom of the canoe while in areas of rough water for stability. Standing and sudden sideways shifts can make the canoe unstable.
If you fall out of a canoe keep your head upstream, feet downstream, kick and back paddle to control your movement if you can't stand up. Your canoe floats, so you can also hang onto it, remember to stay on the upstream side.
Water riffles mean that rocks lie close to the surface. Follow the smooth water shaped like a "V" pointing down stream.
Keep the front or bow of the canoe headed downstream with the current or headed into boat wakes.
When leaving vehicles at landings, remove or hide valuables as break-ins have occurred in the past.

A brochure is available on canoe safety.