Overview
Paddle Wisconsin’s beautiful Namekagon River as it twists and turns through large cutbacks in glacial moraine lake country, a great place for novices and accomplished paddlers alike. Paddle past big sand “eskers,” winding sand hills created when the glaciers receded from the area, and paddle lively yet easily navigated rapids. Watch eagles soar and deer drink at the shoreline. Spot rare river otters along pine and balsam-lined banks. The Namekagon is a tributary of the St. Croix River and is protected by the National Park Service as a Wild and Scenic Riverway.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Your trip begins at County K Landing in Wisconsin. Review skills and begin your journey!
Your trip starts in the early afternoon at County K Landing on the Namekagon River in Wisconsin. After you arrive meet your trip mates, review personal gear, repack into Duluth packs, and participate in a canoe orientation. Launch the canoes after lunch and paddle a few miles to your first campsite at Whispering Pines. Talk about the days' coming adventures around a campfire under the stars.
Day 2: Search for bald eagles and herons as you paddle the winding waters of the Namekagon.
After breakfast, load gear into the canoes to continue down river. Expect to see bald eagles, herons, and other wildlife as you paddle. The sandy banks will bring you past white pines, hardwoods and marshes. After stopping for short breaks and lunch, you'll end the day at Howell Landing. Enjoy a relaxing evening watching the sunset as you have dinner with your group.
Day 3: Rise early for a 13 mile paddle through twists and turns and light rapids.
Rise with the sun to be on the river early. After breakfast, navigate approximately 13 miles down river. This section of the river has a number of twists and turns and some gentle rapids that give you the opportunity to perfect your paddling skills. Camp at the site of your choice between Webb Creek and Namekagon Trail Landing.
Day 4: Break camp and paddle the final leg of the journey to Riverside Landing.
After breaking camp, pack up the canoes one last time for the final leg of the journey to Riverside Landing on the St. Croix. From Webb Creek paddle down river to the confluence of the Namekagon and the St. Croix Rivers. As the Namekagon joins the St. Croix River it becomes wider with fewer bends. Pay attention to water flow, as you will get a chance to test your new canoeing skills on small rapids near Big Island. The trip officially ends in the early afternoon after lunch.
Dates & Fees
2021 Dates | Fee | Registration |
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What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: The river banks are generally low, sand bars are frequent, and some rocks are scattered along the route. The Namekagon offers several great route options, and the WI staff will pick the best one based on the water levels and availability at the time of the trip. The Namekagon offers a combination of gentle rapids and smooth flowing current. There are no portages along this route.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Boat Launch TBD at 11:00 AM (local time)
End: Boat Launch TBD at 1:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip will begin at 11:00 AM and end at 1:00 PM at the same location. This trip's starting and ending locations will be determined based on group mix and available permits. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip. Booking a Flight? We recommend flying in to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport the night before your trip, and flying out no earlier than 5:30 PM on the last day of the trip.
Do you have any additional health restrictions on trail?
In addition to following CDC guidelines, we work with a team of community and health experts to help guide our safety measures on and off the trail. Find a complete list of steps we are taking to provide you the safest experience here: https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/covid19/
Will I see any wildlife on this trip?
The river is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. As you paddle you may see turtles, hawks, bald eagles, beavers, otters, and deer. You can print a checklist of common animals on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway’s website, here: https://www.nps.gov/sacn/learn/nature/upload/common-animal-checklist.pdf.
I’ve never camped or canoed before. Will I be able to do this trip?
Yes! This is the perfect destination for paddlers of all experience levels, abilities, and ages.
Is the St. Croix River a National Park?
The St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway is a unit of the National Park System. It is one of the eight original national Wild and Scenic Rivers, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.