The reach between Nelson’s Landing and Highway 70 has the steepest gradient of the entire St Croix River. Combined with a wide, rocky river-bottom and fast moving water means paddlers will find numerous riffles, class I and class II rapids. This segment also features two of the most scenic geologic features of the Riverway, the Kettle River Slough and Sandrock Cliffs.
The Kettle River Slough is a named fork of the St Croix River which branches off about a half-mile below Nelson's Landing. The Slough forms the right fork around a pair of large wooded islands and several smaller islands. Paddling the Slough is loads of fun in medium to high water, but usually too shallow to navigate in in low water conditions.
The current tends to be moderate to fast through the islands in both channels, especially wherever rapids are located. The deeper main channel runs down the left fork and is usually navigable throughout the summer. Both forks have class I-II rapids which can range from scrappy boulder fields in low water conditions, to dispersed boulders and fun wavetrains during normal to high flows. The most significant whitewater is at August Olsen Rapids, a class I-II located at the confluence of the two forks.
At Sandrock Cliffs, tall, tree-covered sandstone bluffs tower over a narrow island channel from the left bank (Wiscosnin side). The bluffs are very scenic and are among the most photographed features of the St Croix River. A hiking trail leads from the river to the top of the cliffs where several hike-in campsites are located.
If you’re comfortable running low-hazard rapids and are only going to paddle one segment of the St Croix River... This one is highly recommended!
River Camping
The National Park Service has eleven individual and eight group 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
This segment is generally navigable throughout the warm-weather season. Paddlers should exercise caution in high water conditions. The Kettle River Slough can be too shallow to navigate in low water conditions.
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.