The upper reaches of the St Croix are much more narrow than the more popular reaches further down-river. The character of this segment is fairly rugged and remote with numerous stretches of rocky riffles, shoals and rapids. The surrounding landscape varies from wide open marsh with grassy banks and alder thickets, to dense forest of hardwoods, spruce and pine. A large number of islands fork the river throughout, their cover is equally as varied as the surrounding landscape, from dense forest to open grasses.
There are several pitches of rapids that will suit novice whitewater paddlers during medium to high flows. The rapids often occur in rocky, wavy, high speed chutes through tight constrictions. Coppermine Dam Rapids are the most notable, and they occur at the ruins of an old sluice dam. However, it is recommended that you portage the Coppermine Dam due to the presence of submerged steel spikes that can be very dangerous to paddlers. Scout Chute, Scott Rapids and Bear Trap Rapids are other low-hazard whitewater rips worth noting.
The scenic beauty, abundant wildlife and lack of development make this a worthwhile trip.
River Camping
The National Park Service has two individual and four group canoe campsites in this segment. Individual sites accommodate up to three tents and/or eight people, while the group sites hold up to six tents and/or sixteen people. There are no fees for accessing, camping, or parking in any of the National Scenic Riverway areas. There is a three night limit of stay. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Glass beverage containers are not allowed on the riverway!
Season
The best paddling is usually in May and June, thereafter following an extended rainfall from July through September. This segment is often navigable into late fall, but you may have to walk through some shallow riffles and rocky rapids.
River Level Information
Current Conditions: St Croix National Scenic Riverway
Phone: NPS Namekagon Visitor Center, 715.635.8346
River Safety
You are responsible for your own safety.
Know your paddling abilities and limitations as well as the abilities and limitations of everyone in your group. It is good parctice to scout all rapids and all potential hazards.
Please read the Paddling Safety page before you paddle.