Saint Croix National Scenic River

Saint Croix National Scenic River Highlights

The riverway is composed of two rivers: the St. Croix, which serves as the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, and its tributary, the Namekagon, which winds 98 miles through the north woods of Wisconsin. The Namekagon and upper St. Croix are best for peace and quiet, whereas paddlers share the river with motorized boats on the lower St. Croix.
The 32-mile paddle from the Trego Dam on the Namekagon to its confluence with the St. Croix passes through a quiet, largely undeveloped corridor. A few Class I rapids early on give way to a snaky, leisurely route with good camping on the banks.
The most adrenaline you’ll get on the St. Croix comes during the few miles between Nelson’s Landing and Fox Landing on the Wisconsin side (just below St. Croix State Park on the Minnesota side), where rapids can reach Class II in the springtime.
At mile 90 on the St. Croix, just south of the Soderbeck and Snake river landings, look for a side channel off the east bank that leads to a series of impressive sandstone cliffs carved out by glacial activity.

By Travel Expert: Brian Kevin

Saint Croix National Scenic River Travel Q&A
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