The Namekagon River is one of Wisconsin's premier flat water, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing rivers; immensely popular for multi-day paddle trips and smallmouth fishing. Beginning at Namekagon Lake, the river starts out as a narrow cold-water trout stream and then meanders through a varied landscape of northern lowland forest, bog-and-fen and open marshes. Numerous islands are found in the river. Below the City of Hayward, the river rushes through several low hazard whitewater rips between narrow, wooded banks. At times the river may settle into a lake type environment, wide and slow, through open wetlands where birdlife is abundant.
The Namekagon River was one of the 8 original rivers to be designated as a protected area by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which made the Namekagon River part of the St Croix National Scenic Riverway. Since the enactment, a large number of structures, cottages, homes and footbridges have been removed along the river. These removals are ongoing and are part of voluntary agreements with the National Park Service.
Glass beverage containers are prohibited on the river!
Water levels on the Namekagon River depend on the amount of precipitation that falls in the watershed, but tend to be adequate for paddling once ice goes out along this stretch. A paddling guide gives an overview of the available landings and distances between them along this stretch of the river.
From the Namekagon Dam the river embarks on a 99 mile journey from the heights of the northern highlands to the St. Croix River. Along the way it cuts through several types of glacial deposits, and as a result some sections are rocky and some are sandy. The river also meanders through a vegetation zone known as the Pine Barrens, where its sandy soils support many jack pines. Grassy meadows and sweet ferns may typically cover the ground. Minor rapids are found where the river’s current flows swiftly over rocks and boulders. Water levels are nearly always sufficient downstream of the City of Hayward. Woody obstructions are rare on all sections of the river, although beaver dams may be encountered in its upper reaches. Information about the river, including water levels, can be obtained by calling the Namekagon Information Center at Trego (715-635-8346). It is important to know water levels before attempting to paddle sections upstream of Hayward. Roughly 1 foot is needed to run the upper river from Namekagon Dam to the County M bridge near Cable. The above gauge should read .6 or greater for a comfortable float from Cable to Hayward. Flow information and runnability advice for the 15.4 mile section between the Hayward River campground near Hayward and the Springbrook landing are available on the American Whitewater Website.
The river offers some pristine areas and through a varied landscape of open marsh, hardwood/conifer forest and rolling hills. Groves of birch, ash, maple, spruce and pine are common. A number of wooded islands fork the river adding to the wonderful scenery. The water is usually very clear revealing a sandy or rocky river bed.
The Namekagon River habitat is home to an abundance of wildlife. Merganser, woodland duck, partridge, and bald eagles are occasionally spotted. You may also see, white-tail deer, black bear, otter, and beaver in the upper reaches. The river's clean waters are thought to be home to more than 40 different species of mussels. Anglers will find the cooler temperatures of the upper reaches of the Namekagon River to be excellent for brook and brown trout. The river is also well known for smallmouth bass fishing.
The Namekagon River was used as a main "highway" for years during the timber boom. It was an integral part of the transportation of the logs down the river to the St. Croix River. Far earlier than even the 1800’s timber boom, the river was heavily used by explorers, missionaries, and fur-traders traveling the Namekagon River route between the St. Croix and Chippewa rivers.
To learn more about the river visit the Namekagon River Visitor Center or their website.
Map N5 - Fritz Landing to Riverside Landing (St Croix River)
Guide N5 - Fritz Landing to Riverside Landing (St Croix River)
NPS Map - Trego to Riverside
Map N4 - County K Landing to Fritz Landing
Guide N4 - County K Landing to Fritz Landing
Map N3 - Springbrook Landing to Trego Landing
Guide N3 - Springbrook Landing to Trego Landing
Map N2 - Hayward Landing to Springbrook Landing
Guide N2 - Hayward Landing to Springbrook Landing
NPS Map - Hayward to Trego
Map N1 - Namekagon Dam Landing to Cable Wayside Landing
Guide N1 - Namekagon Dam Landing to Cable Wayside Landing
NPS Map - Namekagon Dam to Hayward Landing
Namekagon River Current Conditions as supplied by the National Park Service
USGS 05331833 NAMEKAGON RIVER AT LEONARDS, WI
W2108 Larson Road | Springbrook, WI 54875 | 715-766-2277
Trip Locations: Namekagon Dam Landing to Trego
Services: Canoe, kayak and tube rentals. Shuttle service for non-rentals
11544 N. Highway 63 | Hayward, WI 54843 | 715-634-2331
Trip Locations: Cable Landing to Stinnett Landing
Services: Canoe, kayak and tube rentals. Shuttle service for non-rentals
Namekagon Outfitters
West 5956 Pair O'Lakes Road, Trego, WI 54888; 715-635-2015 or 800-547-9028. Canoe rental, shuttle service, and campground and RV park. Will shuttle privately owned canoes and vehicles. Also serves the Namekagon River.
Pardun's Canoe Rental and Shuttle Service
7595 Main Street, Danbury WI 54830; 320-384-0508 (May through June), 715-656-7881 (year round). Trips range in length from six to seventeen miles through the National Scenic St. Croix Riverway. Two locations: one at the corner of Main Street & 4th Avenue South (State Road 77) in Danbury, WI, and another in the beautiful St. Croix State Park.
15177 State Road 70, Grantsburg, WI 54830; 715-463-2254. Canoe and kayak rental; shuttle service and campground. Serves the Saint Croix River above Taylors Falls and the Namekagon River from Hayward to Saint Croix Falls. Help for planning extended trips and maps are available.
W8296 Highway 77, Trego, WI 54888; 715.466.2568
30159 State Rd 35, Danbury, WI 54830; 715.656.3219
N7550 Canfield Dr., Trego, WI, 54888. 715-635-3300 or 715-635-3211
Trip Locations: Gordon Dam Landing to Boom Site Landing. Namekagon River.
Services: Canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and tube rentals. Shuttles for non-renters. Groceries and food service. Campsites.
Log Cabin Resort and Campground
N7470 Log Cabin Dr., Trego, WI, 54888. 715-635-2959 or 1-877-867-6757
Trip Locations: St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.
Services: Canoe, kayak, and tube rentals. Shuttles for non-renters. Groceries and campsites.
15752 S. 1st Street, Hayward, WI 54843
715-266-2990
W2108 Larson Road, Springbrook, WI 54875
715-766-2277
43055 Highway 63 S, Cable WI 54821
715-798-3334
10167 State Rd. 27 | Hayward, WI 54843 | 715-634-2631
Trip Locations: Stinnett Landing to Riverside Landing
Services: Canoe, kayak and tube rentals. Shuttle service for non-renters.
For the following suggested floats it is advised that you also refer to the Map and Guide links which accompany each river segment description to provide you with more detailed information about the suggested trip.
Map N5 - Fritz Landing to Riverside Landing (St Croix River)
Guide N5 - Fritz Landing to Riverside Landing (St Croix River)
NPS Map - Trego to Riverside
Segment N5 is a popular for day trips and multi-day excursions for canoers and kayakers, often paddled in conjunction with the N4 segment for 3-day or weekend trips. From Fritz Landing the river flows through a varied landscape of open marsh, hardwood/conifer forest and rolling hills. Groves of birch, ash, maple, spruce and pine are common. A number of wooded islands fork the river adding to the wonderful scenery. The water is usually very clear revealing a sandy river bed.
This stretch is almost completely flatwater with only two Class I rapids worth noting. The first occurs where the Namekagon nears the St Croix River confluence, and the second is on the St Croix River in the main channel alongside Big Island. Neither of these rapids should pose a problem for most paddlers. During high flows, some portions of the rapids may produce 1 to 2 foot waves.
The average river gradient for this segment is 3.4 feet per mile.
The first suggested trip is 8.7 miles long and puts in at the Namekagon Trail Landing (RM 4.8) (L). You will encounter a couple of Class I rapids (RM 3.4) (RM 1.0) as you near the confluence of the St. Croix River (RM 0.0). The St. Croix is a much wider river and wind may hamper your travels and the river gradient increases to 4.2 feet per mile. About 1.6 miles downstream you will find the Big Island Rapids rated as Class I (RM 134.1 - measurement from St. Croix River mile markers). After a series of islands, the river forks around Big Island. Paddlers may often miss the much narrower right fork, which is hidden in the lee of another smaller island. "Big Island" is more than a 1 mile long and a half-mile wide. While both forks are navigable, the much wider left fork has several pitches of Class I rapids which begin right after the the river splits. The take out for this trip is Riverside Landing (RM 131.7) (R). The bicycle shuttle is 7.6 miles long and takes 41 minutes.
The above trip could also be made longer by putting in at McDowel Bridge Landing (RM 11.2) (R) giving you a 15 mile long trip down to Riverside Landing (RM 131.7) (R). There are no rapids on this extended segment. The Toogatic River confluence is at (RM 6.1) (R). The bicycle shuttle is 10.5 miles long taking about 1 hour.
The first trip could even be made into a 17.6 mile long float by putting in at Fritz Landing (RM 13.7). Again, there no rapids on this extended segment but there are a lot of campsites along the way if you want to make this into an extended day trip. The bicycle shuttle is 12.8 miles long taking 65 minutes.
Another trip to consider is putting in at the (West) Howell Landing (RM 16.9) (L) and taking out 12.1 miles downstream at the Namekagon Trail Landing (RM 4.8) (L). The Toogatic River confluence is at (RM 6.1) (R). The bicycle shuttle is 9.2 miles long and takes about 48 minutes. This segment has no rapids.
Map N4 - County K Landing to Fritz Landing
Guide N4 - County K Landing to Fritz Landing
From the County K Landing the river flows into a remote wilderness setting where anglers will see almost no development. The river is mainly flat water with only a few brief periods of riffles and light rapids. A dense forest often canopies the riverbanks. Hardwoods are dominant and include stands of aspen, birch, ash, box-elder, and maple along with mixed pine, cedar, and spruce. Rolling hills and high sandy banks often surround the river occasionally interrupted by open, grassy marsh. Wildlife is very abundant.
Numerous islands are in the river, often occurring where the river bends into small oxbows. The small channels can be fun to explore but be aware of overhanging trees that create strainers. There are a lot of campsites along the river course if you wish to make these segments a part of a multi-day excursion. Weekends are typically very busy on the river.
The average river gradient for this segment is 3.7 feet per mile.
The first option on this segment puts in at the Whispering Pine Landing (RM 21.3) (R) and takes out at Fritz Landing (RM 13.7) (L). This is a nice 7.6 mile long float with a bicycle shuttle of 7.5 miles taking 43 minutes.
The above trip could also be extended to 10.1 miles by putting in at the Whispering Pine Landing (RM 21.3) (R) and taking out at the McDowel Bridge Landing (RM 11.2) (R). This has 9.1 mile long bicycle shuttle which takes 55 minutes.
Putting in at the County Road K Landing (RM 31.2) (L) gives you at least two floats to consider if you're just looking for a one day trip. The first option takes out at the Whispering Pine Landing (RM 21.3) (R) and gives you a 9.9 mile long float with a bicycle shuttle of 8.8 miles taking 44 minutes.
The second option of putting in at the County Road K Landing (RM 31.2) (L) has you floating 14.3 miles to the (East) Howell Landing (RM 16.9) (R). This is a 12.8 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 1:13 to complete.
Just upstream of the County Road K Landing is the Trego Dam which creates the Trego Lake Flowage. This 383 acre lake has a maximum depth of 36 feet with a sandy bottom. Fish include Muskie, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Sturgeon. The lake wate is moderately clear.
Map N3 - Springbrook Landing to Trego Landing
Guide N3 - Springbrook Landing to Trego Landing
This is a a scenic stretch that presents a peaceful quiet water float (during the weekdays) with only one notable stretch of riffles and low hazard rapids located about a mile and a half below the Springbrook Landing. As with previous segments of the river, the surrounding terrain varies from, wide open vistas of grassy marsh, to mixed hardwood/conifer forests, to spruce bogs. A number of spring-fed streams feed into the river which most often has a sandy bottom visible through the clear waters. Numerous grassy islands, some fairly large, are scattered throughout this segment.
It may be best to fish this stretch of the river on a weekday due to the high number of paddlers and tubers that enjoy this segment during the weekends.
The segment of the river has an average river gradient of 2.7 feet per mile.
The first trip to consider is an 8.6 mile long slow float which starts at Springbrook Landing (RM 49.9) (L) and takes out at the Earl Park Landing and Campground (RM 41.3) (R). There is one set of Class I rapids (RM 48.3). This has a 5.4 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 27 minutes.
The trip above could also be extended to 12.6 miles by putting in at the Springbrook Landing (RM 49.9) (L) and taking out at the Lakeside Landing (RM 37.3) (R) which is across the river from the Namekagon Visitor Center operated by the National Park Service. This involves a bicycle shuttle of 7.7 miles taking 37 minutes along US Hwy 63.
Another option is to put in at the Big Bend Landing (RM 45.0) (L) and taking out at the Lakeside Landing (RM 37.3) (R). This is a 4.7 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 25 minutes.
Map N2 - Hayward Landing to Springbrook Landing
Guide N2 - Hayward Landing to Springbrook Landing
NPS Map - Hayward to Trego
This segement features long stretches of flat water with intermittent pitches of low hazard rapids that should pose no problems for most paddlers who possess some maneuvering skills. The river in this segment continues to run within the protective confines of the St Croix National Scenic Riverway. There are many trip options along this segment to consider.
As you paddle south from Hayward, the homes and businesses quickly disappear. By the time you approach Warder Rapids, an easy Class I-II rapids a mile south of Hayward, you'll be paddling through beautiful northern forest and bogs. The river meanders past scenic stands of hardwoods and mixed pine, and occasionally forking around small islands.
Another stretch of riffles and easy Class I rapids occurs at Fox Slough. Then the river enters an area of frequent open marsh, a number of sloughs, and several streams enter the main waterway which forks around the rivers many islands. The forest close in again briefly before another, longer stretch of open wetlands where you will paddle past more stream outlets and islands.
After Stinnett Landing, the surrounding landscape becomes drier, the sandy riverbanks become high and steep, and a beautiful northwoods forest of mixed hardwoods and conifers line the river. Riffles and light rapids occur more often over the next several miles. Chippanazie Rapids begin just past the Brickman Lake Road Bridge. The rapids rate between Class I and Class II and run past several wooded islands. Downstream, the river continues to flow past more steep sandy banks and rolling hills all the way to Springbrook Landing.
The average river gradient increases to 5.8 feet per mile along this segment.
Putting in at the Hayward Landing (RM 66.1) (L) gives you up to 4 trip options to consider, depending upon how long of a trip you want to undertake. This segment of the river does have many rapids compared to what is encountered further downstream. The first option takes out at the Stinnett Landing (RM 55.0) (R) and gives you an 8.4 mile long trip. Along the way you will encounter several rapids, the first of which is the Warder Rapids (RM 64.9) which extends through several bends and is rated Class I to Class II depending upon water levels. Huge boulders characterize this stretch of rapids. The Fox Slough Rapids (Class I) are found (RM 62.4) where the river splits into narrow channels as it goes around the many small and medium sized islands. The main channel has several pitches of rocky rapids. The bicycle shuttle is 6.9 miles long and takes 34 minutes.
If you want to extend the above trip by taking out at Groat Landing (RM 55.0) (L) this will give you an 11.1 mile long trip. On this extension you will encounter a tight constriction just downstream of the Stinnett Bridge where the river rushes through a short wavy chute. This chute then spills into a wide pool. Periodic riffles and easy rapids will follow. Several pitches of easy rapids run through several bends as you approach the Groat Landing This trip has a 9.5 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 50 minutes.
If you wish to make your excursion longer and a bit more adventurous you can plan to take out at the North Springbrook Landing (RM 52.5) (L). Besides the above mentioned rapids you will also encounter the Chippanazie Rapids (RM 54.8) soon after the Groat Landing. These rapids are rated at Class I to Class II dependent on water levels and flows. The bicycle shuttle is 11.5 miles long and takes about 1 hour.
The longest option (16.2 miles) takes out at the Springbrook Landing (RM 49.9) (L). At the US Hwy 63 bridge the river narrows and rushes through a long set of wavy rapids. This is a 14 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 1:10 to complete.
Putting in at the West River Landing (RM 58.3) you can float 8.4 miles down to the Springbrook Landing (RM 49.9) (L). Along the way you will encounter many small sets of Class I rapids and the Class I - II Chippanzsie Rapids (RM 54.8). The bicycle shuttle for this trip is 7 miles long taking 37 minutes.
If you put in at Groat Landing (RM 55.0) (L) you will immediately encounter the Chippanazie Rapids (RM 54.8), a Class I to Class II rapids depending on water levels and flows. You will also experience a few Class I rapids along your journey. A suggested take out spot is the Big Bend Landing (RM 45.0) (L) which gives you a 10 mile long trip. A 9.8 mile long bicycle shuttle takes 48 minutes.
By putting in at the North Springbrook Landing (RM 52.5) (L) and taking out at the Big Bend Landing (RM 45.0) (L) gives you a 7.5 mile long float. This option allows you to skip the Chippanazie Rapids if you would feel intimidated by them or if you're looking for a bit shorter trip in this area. You will only encounter a few Class I rapids in this river stretch. The bicycle shuttle is 8.2 miles long taking 39 minutes.
Map N1 - Namekagon Dam Landing to Cable Wayside Landing
Guide N1 - Namekagon Dam Landing to Cable Wayside Landing
NPS Map - Namekagon Dam to Hayward Landing
From the Namekagon Dam Landing, the narrow river quietly meanders through low banks of fen forests and open marshes for the first few miles. The first rapids occur a little more than two miles below the dam where the surrounding forest closes in and the river rushes through a long pitch of Class I rapids. After these rapids, the river slows and widens and the forest recedes into the distance as open marshes once again claim the riverbanks. This pattern continues for the entire segment, slow and calm with occasional riffles through open marshes, then the river constricts and rushes through a low hazard rapids between densely wooded banks.
There is plenty of wildlife along the upper Namekagon River, especially beaver. These animals love building dams and occasionally their dams may get pretty big and may block the river channel requiring paddlers to make a short portage.
The upper segment, from Namekagon Dam to Cable Wayside Landing, has a very steep average river gradient of 9.9 feet per mile! From Cable to Hayward the river is less steep with an average river gradient of about 5 feet per mile.
The 33 mile long segment from the Namekagon Dam to the City of Hayward offers over a dozen trips to consider!
The first trip puts in at Phipps Landing (RM 74.5) (L) at the back of the Phipps Flowage and just downstream of the US Hwy 63 bridge. Less than 2 miles downstream, after paddling through the Phipps Flowage, you will have to portage (R) the Phipps Dam (RM 72.3). The take out is at the Hayward Landing (RM 66.1) (L), but right before getting there you will also have to portage (L) the Hayward Lake Dam. This trip is 8.4 miles long. The bicycle shuttle is 6.7 mile taking 35 minutes.
The next trip offers two options to consider; Putting in a Larson Landing (RM 77.8) (L) and taking out at Eagles Landing (RM 70.0) (L) gives you a 7.8 mile long float. You will have to portage (R) the Phipps Dam (RM 72.3) along the way. The bicycle shuttle is 8.4 miles long taking 42 minutes.
You could also extend the above trip to 11.7 miles by taking out at the Hayward Landing (RM 66.1) (L), but right before getting there you will also have to portage (L) the Hayward Lake Dam in addition to the Phipps Dam (RM 72.3) portage (R). This is a 9.7 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 49 minutes.
Putting in at the Thompson Bridge Landing (RM 77.8) (L) and taking out at the Trout Run Landing (RM 72.0) (L) gives you a 10.2 mile long float. You will have to portage (R) the Phipps Dam (RM 72.3) after paddling through the Phipps Flowage. The bicycle shuttle is 8.2 miles long taking 39 minutes. If you prefer not to portage the Phipps Dam you could also take out at the Phipps Landing (RM 74.5) (R) making this a 7.7 mile long trip with a bicycle shuttle of 6.6 miles long taking 32 minutes.
An 11.5 mile long trip can be accomplished by putting in at the Cable Wayside Landing (RM 86.0) (L) and taking out at the Phipps Landing (RM 74.5) (R). You will have to portage (R) at the Pacwawong Lake Dam (RM 82.3). This is a 9.9 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 49 minutes.
You could also extend the above trip to 14 miles by putting in at the Cable Wayside Landing (RM 86.0) (L) and taking out at the Trout Run Landing (RM 72.0) (L). This trip requires two portages; The first portage (R) is at the Pacwawong Lake Dam (RM 82.3) and the second portage (R) is at the Phipps Dam (RM 72.3).
If you put in at the Philipi Bridge Landing (RM 88.6) (R) and take out at the Larson Landing (RM 77.8) (L) you will have a 10.8 mile long float. You will have to portage (R) at the Pacwawong Lake Dam (RM 82.3). The bicycle shuttle is 10.1 miles long taking 51 minutes.
You could also put in at the Philipi Bridge Landing (RM 88.6) (R) and take out at the Phipps Landing (RM 74.5) (R) making it a 14.1 mile long trip. You will have to portage (R) at the Pacwawong Lake Dam (RM 82.3). The bicycle shuttle is 12.3 miles long taking 1 hour to complete.
Putting in at the County Road M Landing (RM 92.6) (R) and taking out at the Mosbaek Landing (RM 82.3) (R) near the Pacwawong Flowage Dam (RM 82.3) (R) gives you a 10.3 mile long float. The river runs through a long series of rocky riffles around (RM 91.6). This is a 9 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 45 minutes.
A longer 14.8 mile long trip can be done by putting in at the County Road M Landing (RM 92.6) (R) and taking out at the Larson Landing (RM 77.8) (L). You will have to portage (R) at the Pacwawong Lake Dam (RM 82.3). The bicycle shuttle is 12.5 mile long taking about 1 hour.
Putting in at the Namekagon Dam Landing (RM 99.5) (R) gives you three options to consider; The first is a short 6.9 mile float taking out at the County Road M Landing (RM 92.6) (R). There are numerous pitches of riffles and rocky rapids (Class I) and the river can be scrappy and bumpy along this stretch of river. At the first rapids (RM 97.2) the river constricts into a rocky rapids which continues for several hundred yards and then spills into a wide shallow pool. The river then narrows and rushes into a long rapids (RM 96.2) which run through a left bend and then spill into a small pool where a creek enters the river (L). These rapids can be fast during higher water flows. Stoll Rapids (RM 95.3) occur in several pitches over the next mile where the river narrows into tight constrictions. In medium to high water the river is whitewater and wavy, in low water conditions the rocky bottom and large number of boulders become exposed and can make the river difficult to navigate without getting your feet wet. There are also three very low bridges, which at times can cause trees to get hung up on. The bicycle shuttle is 5.5 miles long taking 28 minutes.
The second option it to take out at Philipi Bridge Landing (RM 88.6) (R) giving your a 10.9 mile long trip from the Namekagon Dam Landing (RM 99.5) (R) put in spot. The river runs through a long series of rocky riffles around (RM 91.6). This is a 8.9 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 44 minutes.
The third, and final option, is to take out at the Cable Wayside Landing (RM 86.0) (L) give you a 13.5 mile long float from the Namekagon Dam Landing (RM 99.5) (R) put in spot. A bicycle shuttle would be 10.4 miles long and take about 50 minutes.
The Namekagon Dam creates the Namekagon Lake which has Muskie, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. However water clarity is low.
A nice clear lake, and one which is widely known for its excellent smallmouth fishery, is Lake Owen, which is located just to the Northwest of the Namekagon Dam