St. Croix River (upper)
st. croix RIVER (upper) Overview
Although it is only a two-hour drive from the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, the upper St. Croix River retains a rugged, almost wilderness character. Gliding past heavily wooded banks and pine-studded islands, a paddler will see few signs of human presence. The upper St. Croix River is designated as a wild and scenic river. There are limited major rapids.
This page covers the Upper St. Croix River from Gordon Dam to State Hwy 70. The Lower St. Croix River is covered under the Minnesota section. Water levels on the Upper St. Croix 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.
Because the St. Croix River is a boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin for much of its length, anglers need to know where they are fishing to be legal. The state boundary begins approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Riverside Landing. Upstream of this point, the St. Croix flows in Wisconsin. The entire Namekagon River is in Wisconsin and fishing follows Wisconsin rules. The Angler's Guide contains detailed information to help you untangle the regulations.
st. croix River (upper) Character
The first eight miles of the St Croix River meander through marsh and bog until entering the St Croix Flowage near Gordon Wisconsin. Gordon Dam, at the west end of the flowage, marks the beginning of the St Croix National Scenic Riverway governed by the National Park Service and its 155 miles of protected waters. From Gordon Dam, the narrow upper reaches of the St Croix (Maps SC1 and SC2) are often shallow flat water with occasional short, rocky rapids. Big Fish Trap Rapids, a challenging class II is located on map SC2 and is one of the most difficult rapids of the entire river. Below the Namekagon River confluence, the St Croix River becomes wider and deeper.
From Riverside Landing to Highway 70 Landing (map segments SC3, SC4, SC5), the river passes through a region known as 'The Marshland'. In this region, “land islands” of upland forest are surrounded by huge tracts of densely wooded marshlands where a lush forest filled with wildlife surrounds the river. Anglers will also find a large number of wooded islands with narrow channels where hardwoods often canopy the riverbanks. Sandstone cliffs and steep sandy banks are also present where the river passes rolling hills.
There are no rapids in the 28 miles from Riverside to Norway Point (maps SC3 and SC4). This is a wonderfully scenic stretch for quiet water enthusiasts and anglers.
Map SC5 segment below Nelson’s Landing is especially popular for paddlers who enjoy paddling through riffles, low-hazard rapids and wild back-country. This segment also features the Kettle River Slough, the rugged right channel where the river forks around several large islands. Although the slough can be unnavigable in low river levels; in medium to high water conditions the right fork creates the Kettle River Rapids (RM 110 to 105) which are an extensive and potentially tricky stretch of white water divided by a chain of tree-capped islands. The rapids in the Kettle River Slough are Class I to Class II in medium flows but can produce challenging, Class II+ wave trains during high flows. Tumbling over boulders and exposed bedrock between 8 and 20 foot banks, the St. Croix River is joined by the Kettle River at the lower end of the rapids. Watch for the channel-wide ledge on river-right at the forks confluence. The gradient of the rapids is 8.3 feet per mile. The rest of the upper St Croix is mostly flat water with occasional, shallow riffles and low-hazard rapids.
st. croix river (upper) Landscape
Second growth forests of birch, maple, oak, aspen and basswood carpet the St. Croix River valley. Stands of white pine forests that once cloaked the riverbanks are nearly gone, felled by the lumberjack's axe. Below the Kettle River Rapids are a series of islands, often rocky and crowned with pine. Many spring-fed creeks also join the St. Croix River in this area.
st. croix river (upper) Fish and Wildlife
Anglers fish the St. Croix River for walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie and sauger.
The St. Croix River has little prime waterfowl habitat and hunting pressure is light. However, waterfowl such as mallard, wood duck, ring-necked duck and blue-winged teal can be found in the area. Upland game birds include ruffed grouse and woodcock. The most plentiful game animal is the white-tailed deer. Other wildlife along the St. Croix River include beaver, bear, raccoon, otter, mink, muskrat and fox.
st. croix river (upper) History
One of the most colorful logging camp operators, Ed St. John, established his base camp at St. John's Landing (RM 122) during the valley's logging boom in the last half of the 19th century. The landing is now part of St. Croix State Park, which extends for more than 20 miles along the river's west (Minnesota) bank and includes miles of tributary streams.
Six miles beyond the landing are the Yellow Banks, once the terminus of a logging railroad which hauled timber to the river and dumped it over the sandy bluff for its trip to the sawmills downstream.
Below the mouth of the Snake River (river mile 101.5) to Highway 70, civilization begins to encroach on both shores, although Minnesota's wooded banks are preserved within the confines of the Chengwatana State Forest.
Accidents of nature have helped to preserve the upper St. Croix River's wild nature. Sandy soil unfit for farming and rapids that made water transportation impossible discouraged the 19th century influx of settlers from populating the river valley above Taylors Falls.
The beautiful character of the St. Croix River has earned the river its status as Minnesota's first stream in the national wild and scenic rivers system. Administered by the National Park Service, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway was designated in 1968 to preserve the scenic qualities of the river and to provide adequate access for recreational users.
st. croix river (upper) Maps
Maps for the St. Croix River can be found at the National Park Service website and the Wisconsin Trail Guide website.
National Park Service Map 6 - Sand Creek Landing to Hwy 70
Wisconsin Trail guide Map SC5 - Sand Creek Landing to Hwy 70
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC5 - Sand Creek Landing to Hwy 70
National Park Service Map 5 - Riverside Landing to Sand Creek Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map SC4 - Thayer's Landing to Sand Creek Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC4 - Thayer's Landing to Sand Creek Landing
National Park Service Map 5 - Riverside Landing to Sand Creek Landing
Wisconsin Trail Guide Map SC3 - Riverside Landing to Thayer's Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC3 - Riverside Landing to Thayer's Landing
Wisconsin Trail Guide Map SC2 - Dry Landing to Riverside Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC2 - Dry Landing to Riverside Landing
National Park Service Map 4 - Gordon Dam Landing to Riverside Landing
Wisconsin Trail Guide Map SC1 - Gordon Dam Landing to Dry Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC1 - Gordon Dam Landing to Dry Landing
st. croix River (upper) Gauges
St. Croix River nr Danbury, WI
(RM 132.5)
St. Croix River at St. Croix Falls, WI
(RM 53.2)
st. croix river (upper) Shuttle and Rental Services
Andrew's Riverwood Canoe and Kayak
25499 Sawmill Avenue, Shafer, MN 55074; 715-222-2288. Canoe and kayak rental with free shuttle. Park at the Osceola landing, launch from the Wisconsin Interstate Park and canoe or kayak to your vehicle. (Highway 8 to Osceola Landing.)
710 South Highway 35 (Highways 8 & 35), Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024; 651-270-1561. Canoe rental and shuttle service available at this location and also at Wild River State Park. Wildlife and nature tours of St. Croix Valley.
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.
Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Interstate State Park or Wildwood RV Park & Campground, Taylors Falls, MN 55084; 800-447-4958 or 651-465-6315. Rental canoes and kayaks available from the state park or campground. Free shuttles back to your car at the end of your trip.
Stillwater, MN 55082. 651-280-7299. Guided history and wildlife kayaking tours that include kayaks, paddles, lifevests, guide, water, and snack.
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.
Wildwood Campground, 20078 Lake Blvd., Shafer, MN, 55074. 651-465-6315
Trip Locations: Highway 70 Landing to Boom Site Landing.
Services: Canoe and kayak rentals. Large group services.
40756 Grace Lake Rd., Hinckley, MN, 55037. 320-655-0016
Trip Locations for Campers: Riverside Landing to Thayers Landing.
Services: Resort camping with canoe and tube trips. Shuttle services.
st. croix River (upper) trips
The National Park Service provides Maps of the river divided into segments to provide the greatest amount of detail showing road access, campsite locations, restrooms, and more. The Riverway is divided into segments to help you find the appropriate section map for your trip. These maps are updated annually. The Wisconsin Trail Guide website also provides Maps of the Upper St. Croix River divided into segments and detailed guides for each river segment which assists paddlers in identifying river hazards, locate campsites, and provide other information about the river segment. Links to these maps and guides are provided for the following river floats:
National Park Service Map 6 - Sand Creek Landing to Hwy 70
Wisconsin Trail guide Map SC5 - Sand Creek Landing to Hwy 70
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC5 - Sand Creek Landing to Hwy 70
Please refer to the Trail Guide for more details about the following floats!
This first suggested trip is a 9.6 mile float putting in at Fox Landing (RM 99.3) (L) and taking out at the State Hwy 70 Landing (RM 89.7) (L). Since this is a long 12.8 mile bicycle shuttle taking 63 minutes you may want to consider using a vehicle shuttle as it would only take 23 minutes, or utilize some of the commercial shuttle services in the area. The Class II, August Olson Rapids (RM 97.1), begin shortly before the river splits around a small island. Follow the right fork and watch out for a rocky shelf that extends out from the right bank after the island. The Kettle River Slough rejoins the main fork (from river right) shortly after the ledge and the rapids continue for a few hundred yards downstream. The Snake River joins the St. Croix River at (RM 93.7). The average river gradient is 4.7 feet per mile.
A longer trip would involve putting in at the Norway Point Landing (RM 104.0) (L). This is a 14.3 mile long float to the Hwy 70 Landing (RM 89.7) (L), although the trip could be shortened to 10.4 miles by taking out at Soderbeck Landing (RM 93.6) (L) which is right across the river from the Snake River Landing. Before leaving the Norway Point Landing be sure to check the river gauge near the landing and decide whether you want to run the more challenging rapids in the ‘Kettle River Slough’ as noted in the River Trail Guide. The average river gradient is 4.7 feet per mile. The bicycle shuttle is a very long 17.1 miles long taking 1:25. A vehicle shuttle would take 25 minutes. Commercial shuttle are also available for this area. The shorter float to Soderbeck Landing requires a bicycle shuttle of 13.5 miles taking 68 minutes. The vehicle shuttle is 24 minutes.
National Park Service Map 5 - Riverside Landing to Sand Creek Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map SC4 - Thayer's Landing to Sand Creek Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC4 - Thayer's Landing to Sand Creek Landing
Please refer to the Trail Guide for more details about the following float!
This float puts in at Thayer's Landing (RM 118.3) (L) and takes a very leisurely (river gradient of 0.7 feet per mile) 14.3 mile long float down to Norway Point Landing (RM 104.0) (L). Again, this is a very long bicycle shuttle at 17.1 miles long taking 1:24. A vehicle shuttle reduces the time to 26 minutes. Commercial shuttle are also available in the area for this trip.
National Park Service Map 5 - Riverside Landing to Sand Creek Landing
Wisconsin Trail Guide Map SC3 - Riverside Landing to Thayer's Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC3 - Riverside Landing to Thayer's Landing
Please refer to the Trail Guide for more details about the following floats!
For this trip put in at Riverside Landing (RM 131.7) (R) northeast of Danbury where the State Hwy 35 crosses the river. You float 13.4 miles down river to the take out at Thayer's Landing (RM 118.3) (L). This float can also be shortened to 8.4 miles by taking out in Danbury at the Yellow River Landing (RM 123.3) (L). (This landing is part of an Indian Reservation and a small fee is charged for its use.) The longer float will require a 11.9 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about an hour, with a vehicle shuttle taking 14 minutes. The shorter float has a bicycle shuttle of 7.4 miles taking 36 minutes, with a vehicle shuttle taking 9 minutes. The average river gradient is 1.1 feet per mile.
Wisconsin Trail Guide Map SC2 - Dry Landing to Riverside Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC2 - Dry Landing to Riverside Landing
This next segment of the river offers two potential trip options; One which is shorter, and the other which is a bit longer and also more challenging. The shorter trip option puts in at the CCC Bridge Landing (RM 138.9) (L). Take out is at Riverside Landing (RM 131.7) (R) which is 5.9 miles downstream. Along the way you will encounter two sets of rapids; the Moore's Farm Creek rapids (RM 136.5) which are rated as Class I and the Big Island rapids (RM 134.1) which are also Class I. (Refer to the Trail Guide for more information about these rapids). Along the way you will also encounter the confluence of the Namekagon River (RM 135.5) (L), a river you may also wish to explore and fish. The bicycle shuttle for this trip option is 8 miles taking 41 minutes. The river gradient averages 4.2 feet per mile.
The second option is to put in at Dry Landing (RM 141.8) (L) and is a 10.1 mile long float to the take out at Riverside Landing (RM 131.7) (R). A couple of miles after putting in you will encounter Big Fish Trap rapids (RM 138.8) which are rated as Class II rapids and considered the toughest rapids on the Upper St. Croix. The rapids rumble for several hundred yards through two bends and feature a fast current and numerous boulder beds. The whitewater can be fun and challenging during medium to high water conditions, but it will be a bumpy ride if water levels are low. The deepest channel is usually down river left. You will also encounter the Moore's Farm Creek rapids (RM 136.5) and the Big Island rapids (RM 134.1), both rated as Class I. (Refer to the Trail Guide for more information about all of these rapids). The river gradient averages 4.2 feet per mile. A bicycle shuttle would be 14.9 miles long and take 1:16 to complete. You may want to consider a vehicle shuttle taking 31 minutes or a commercial shuttle for this trip.
National Park Service Map 4 - Gordon Dam Landing to Riverside Landing
Wisconsin Trail Guide Map SC1 - Gordon Dam Landing to Dry Landing
Wisconsin Trail Map Guide SC1 - Gordon Dam Landing to Dry Landing
The St. Croix River in its upper reaches is seemingly a wilderness river and can provide not only some river paddling adventure to add to your resume, but hopefully some great catches of smallmouth bass too! The first suggested trip is a short jaunt to "get your feet wet" for this part of the river. You put in at the County Road T Bridge Landing (RM 145.9) (L) for a short 4.1 mile long trip to your take out at Dry Landing (RM 141.8) (L). Soon after you put in, you will encounter the Bear Trap rapids (RM 145.7) which will involve several pitches and some good maneuvering to avoid the numerous boulders in the river. These rapids rate as a strong Class II during high water flows. Several more riffles and Class I rapids also occur over the next mile. This is a 4.9 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 25 minutes.
If you want a bit longer adventure you can put in at Gordan Dam Park Landing (RM 155.0) located right below the Gordan Dam which creates the St. Croix Flowage. Below the dam, the river is wide and shallow with moderate current... that is all to change. A mile downstream the river funnels into a tight fast chute known as Scout Chute (RM 154.0) which can form a Class I rapids. The rapids extend through a couple of bends until the river widens then a series of riffles leads into Scott Rapids (RM 153.3) which are rated as Class I to Class II depending upon water flows. Scott Rapids are a fast boulder garden with the hardest part coming at the end. You will need to maneuver quite a bit to navigate some of the rocks. Pre-scouting these rapids is recommended. At (RM 148.6) you will encounter the Coppermine Dam rapids rated as Class II. Large stone structures create the rapids and they are the remains of an old sluice dam from the logging era. These stone "ruins" create several chutes with a few drops that can form big waves. Scout the rapids from the right bank and watch for any partially submerged debris such as logs and deadwood that frequently become lodged in the rocks. Portage along the short trail on the right bank. WARNING: The National Park Service strongly recommends that all paddlers portage the Coppermine Dam rapids. Steel spikes stick up from submerged support timbers that formed the dam. The spikes are usually underwater so you may not see them. At (RM 147.7) you will also find the Shelldrake rapids which are rated as Class I (a piece of cake for you if you have survived so far...). The take out is the County Road T Bridge Landing (RM 145.9) (L) giving you a 9.1 mile long adventure. The bicycle shuttle is 11.3 miles long and taking about 1 hours. A vehicle shuttle takes 21 minutes and you probably don't want to do this trip alone.
The above two trips could also be combined to make a 13.2 mile long adventure! Put in at Gordan Dam Park Landing (RM 155.0) and take out at Dry Landing (RM 141.8) (L). This trip will give you some memories! This is a 16.2 mile long vehicle shuttle taking 35 minutes. The average river gradient is 6.9 feet per mile!