Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway and Namekagon River - MN/WI - USA
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway shares the boarder of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Namekagon flows 100 miles into the Saint Croix from the north. The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverways flows 200 miles Mississippi River to the south. There are some class 2 rapids along the way and a few dams to portage around, depending on the section you pick.
Different seasons provides a different experience. I typically primitive camp on islands or sandbars, which are first come first serve. There are also dozens of campsites along the way too, most are around State Parks. I highly recommend a hammock camping setup for a more unique sleeping experience. We love to fish on the river, just need to find the right spots.
Day trips are 10-15 miles sections, I typically do a section closer to Stillwater, Minnesota. Weekend trips are 30-50+ miles section. Extended trips can easily be the whole river, just depends on what you're looking to knock out. Establish your launch and takeout spots and make sure to look at them from the water, not just from the road, very important for takeout. Carpooling is best by planting a car at both ends, but there are shuttle services out there too.
My Past Saint Croix and Namakagon River Adventure Trips
Testing Our Luck on the Saint Croix - Summer 2019 - Extended Trip
Family's First Time on the Saint Croix - Summer 2019 - Day Trip
Getting Skunked - Saint Croix River - Summer 2018 - Weekend Trip
Looking for a Hammock Spot - Saint Croix River - Fall 2017 - Day Paddle
First Time for Some on the Saint Croix- Summer 2017 - Day Paddle
Taking on the Namekagon River - Spring 2017 - Extended Trip
