• Canoeists paddle by tree lined shores

    Saint Croix

    National Scenic Riverway WI,MN

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  • High Water

    The rivers are running high and fast and the water is cold. Be prepared and cautious if venturing out on the rivers!

  • 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.

The St. Croix Marshland

Wooded cliffs by a river in fall.

Sandrock Cliffs in Fall

NPS

The Marshland area of the St Croix between Riverside Landing and Highway 70 is a beautiful stretch of river. In this area, the river changes fairly dramatically from its origins near Gordon Wisconsin. The river gets substantially wider and for the most part, the banks are lower. This stretch of river is one of the best small mouth bass fisheries around and people come from all over the world to try their hand at catching these beautiful fish. There are a number of points of interest in this stretch as well. One of two areas where traffic crosses the river is the Gandy Dancer trail in Danbury on which ATV's can get a glimpse of the river. The other area where traffic crosses the river is Hwy 70 which is near the bottom of the Marshland district.

  • The Marshland district has the highest gradient of any part of the Riverway and thus has the fastest moving water. This can provide a great opportunity for those seeking some rapids but caution is encouraged when the water becomes high, as the rapids can prove to be somewhat tricky for the inexperienced river goer.
  • The sandrock cliff area is a unique and beautiful geological rock face off a side channel. Note that In low water, this channel may be difficult navigate.This area has a wonderful campground at the top of the cliffs where one can camp among mature cathedral like red pine trees.This area is popular for the car campers as well, as it is one of few places that campers can drive to.
  • The Kettle River Slough is a great "secret spot" for fishing; however, this area is extremely vulnerable to low water and is difficult to navigate when flow is insufficient. There is a small ledge at the confluence with the St Croix that can prove to be troublesome if conditions aren't right. Contact one of our visitor centers or check out our river levels for the most up to date information.

See pictures of the St. Croix Marshland.

Ranger Recommended Paddles in the Marshland

Nelsons Landing to Soderbeck Landing (Near Grantsburg)

Interactive Maps in the Marshland

Map 5 - Riverside Landing to Sandcreek Landing [pdf]
Map 6 - Sand Creek Landing to Highway 70 [pdf]

Paddling Guides - detailing water features by rivermile

The Upper St. Croix

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Did You Know?

A mussel or clam on the sand.  It is dark and bumpy.

Winged maple leaf mussels were thought to be extinct until some were rediscovered in the St. Croix River in 1987.  Today scientists are helping to raise young mussels and re-introducing them into their former range including St. Croix National Scenic Riverway to help prevent future extinction.