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High Water
Sections of the lower St. Croix River are running higher than normal for this time of year. Be prepared and cautious if venturing out on the river, and watch for debris and other obstacles in the water.
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Wells Closed
Beginning in 2013, water will no longer be available at McDowell Bridge Landing, Riverside Landing, and the Marshland District Office on Highway 70. Please plan accordingly and bring an adequate supply of water.
Big Bend to Namekagon River Visitor Center
The view of the Namekagon River From Big Bend Landing NPS Scenic Meandering The first half of this journey wanders lazily through low-banked woods. With a sandy-bottom, this is an excellent area to swim. Passing Earl Landing the river banks become steeper with a larger diversity of fauna, making for one of the most scenic and popular stretches of river for tubers, paddlers and anglers. There are also occasional rock gardens to navigate and one stretch of quicker current as the river approaches Highway 63. Afterwards, the river widens out in a low marshland area, becoming braided with islands. Watch for the main channel to avoid scrapping! Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and Osprey are frequently sighted along this stretch of river. Be sure to stop by the Namekagon River Visitor Center after your paddle. River-Level Considerations: This stretch of the Middle Namekagon is generally floatable throughout the season. In particularly low rainfall there may be instances of scraping bottom that may require some walking - especially on the stretch after highway 63 near the islands. Consult River Levels page for information about current conditions. Along the way: Multi-Day Extension: This trip can be extended by starting further up the Namekagon River. Most of the river above Big Bend to Stinett is more exciting, narrow river with frequent low-hazard riffles and rapids. However, it is much closer to Highway 63, which in many cases is audible. Below the Namekagon River Visitor Center, the five mile long Trego Flowage begins. The flowage is slow paddling and requires contending with motorized watercraft in an extended section of developed river-front. Return to Ranger Recommended Paddles |
Did You Know?
The Old Man of the Dalles is one of the many features visitors can see looking at the rocks in the Dalles, or rocky gorge, of the St. Croix River. A great way to view these rocky features, as well as St. Croix NSR, is from the water in a boat or a canoe.