General Description & Characteristics -- The upper St. Croix
River along with its longer tributary the Namekagon (NAHM-uh-KAH-gun or locally
NAM-uh-KAH-gun) was one of the original rivers included in the Wild & Scenic Rivers
system (1968). Later the lower St. Croix was added. Today these two rivers comprise the
St. Croix National Scenic Waterway, administered by the National Park Service. The
Namekagon River (really the main branch of this river system) rises in northern
Wisconsin. Its headwaters are located in Chequamegon National Forest (say SHWAHM-a-gun),
an area rich in forest resources and many lakes. It flows east to west until it joins the
St. Croix River near the village of Riverside in northwest Wisconsin. Only a few miles
downstream from the confluence of the Namekagon and St. Croix, the river becomes the
boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin. A substantial dam at the town of St. Croix Falls
marks the end of the section generally used by canoeists. The St. Croix flows into the
Mississippi River at Prescott, Wisconsin.
Location Canoeable Mileage -- Nearly 200 miles of the St. Croix
and Namekagon Rivers are suitable for canoeing at least part of the year. Our
suggested trip starts on the Namekagon at Hayward Landing (just below the dam in the town
of Hayward). The end of the trip is Highway 70 Landing on the St. Croix River near
Grantsburg. This run about 115 miles makes for a good trip of 6-7 days. You can continue
downstream another 38 miles to St. Croix Falls, to add another couple of days. If river
flow is sufficient, you can put in farther up the Namekagon, but two dams in the upper
section add to your portage requirements. There are many intermediate access points,
allowing you to choose a trip of the length best suited to your needs. The rather
swift current allows you to easily make 15-20 miles per day.
Interesting Features -- The upper Namekagon is a small river that
winds through a broad valley. While the river corridor is quite natural, you are never
very far from US Highway 63. There are many interesting and fun class I+ rapids in this
section. There is a dam just downstream from the town of Trego on the Namekagon
which backs the river up about four miles. This is a required portage. Between Trego
Dam and the confluence with the St. Croix is the most scenic and natural section of the
Namekagon. Here there are few rapid, and road access is less frequent. The
river continues to gain in size until it is quite broad (though still fairly shallow)
after being joined by the St. Croix. The area around St. Croix State Park
(Minnesota) has some sandy islands interspersed with more Class I rapids.
Through acquisition, the National Park Service has preserved substantial
amounts of riverside land. Thanks to this stewardship, in most sections you will see
very few riverside cabins and development.
The northern forest is dense though only a few areas are really good
examples of mature northwoods habitat. You will see many species of conifer and
hardwoods. Right along the river, silver maple is abundant, while higher ground
gives way to several species of pine.
Wildlife viewing is excellent along these rivers; canoeists now report
seeing black bears. Bald eagles are making a great comeback in this area and are
frequently sighted on the river. Deer are abundant, and beaver and otters are likely
sightings. Birders might spy grebes, mergansers, loons, Canada geese, warblers, and
other songbirds.
Insect lovers will find mosquitoes and ticks, sometimes in abundance
especially early in the season. Be sure to take good insect repellant!
The villages of Trego and Danbury can both be visited from the river
(with a short walk from nearby landings).
Camping -- The National Park Service maintains many designated
primitive campsites on the St. Croix National Scenic Waterway. NPS regulations require the
use of these sites, which is somewhat unnecessary since there are few good primitive
campsites. The NPS designated sites are mostly very nice with picnic tables and privies.
Most are small, but there are quite a few that will accommodate larger groups.
Additionally, camping is a allowed at several access points and these camping areas
have more developed facilities including some with drinking water. Camping is
available at Trego Town Park, a short walk up the hill from the river near the village of
Trego (where you can also enjoy dining and resupply options).
Additional Information:
