SAINT CROIX RIVER
Enjoy the clear waterway and giant bluffs. Tour the river or relax along its edge.
SAINT CROIX NATIONAL RIVERWAY -
The St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers offer 252 miles of clean water gliding past a lush green landscape, with glimpses of a human presence. Choose to canoe and camp amid the northwoods, or boat and fish surrounded by wooded bluffs and historic towns. This river corridor provides a wealth of scenic views and a haven for wildlife near a major metropolitan area.
Canoe or Kayak
Beginning as small intimate streams, both the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers are ideal for canoeing. Easy, Class I, rapids encourage both beginning and novice canoeists to get out and explore. River descriptions can help you decide what stretch to canoe.
Be Moved... St. Croix River Paddle Event -
Throughout the summer and during July 5 to July 22, 2011, canoeists and kayakers will be paddling the entire 173-mile length of the St. Croix River. Find out details of this exciting venture by visiting, scrapaddle.org
Camping along the River
Primitive campsites are available for overnight use on a first come basis. Most are only reachable by water and include a fire ring, picnic table and pit toilet.
DALLES OF THE SAINT CROIX RIVER -
The Dalles of the St. Croix River features an L-shaped segment of the St. Croix River gorge cut through Precambrian basalt by meltwater drainage from Glacial Lake Duluth. Erosion, frost, and gravity acting on the bedrock have resulted in vertical cliffs, unusual pinnacle forms, and rocky talus slopes. The site is well known for its cylindrical potholes, which were formed by the grinding action of sand and small stones swirling in strong currents. Some of the potholes are quite spectacular in size - up to 6 feet wide and 12 feet deep. Vegetation on the rocky gorge is relatively sparse and dry. Numerous exposures of rounded rock, cliffs, and boulders are barren, while similar sites with more moisture contain polypody fern, fragile fern, rusty woodsia, mosses and lichens. The site also harbors the rare Oregon cliff fern (Woodsia oregana var. cathcartiana) and rare fragrant fern (Dryopteris fragrans). Areas of sparse dry forest of red cedar, basswood, white pine, and bur, white, and black oaks occur throughout the site. Big blue-stem, blueberry, sumac, long-leaved bluets, bearberry, and poverty oats grass are characteristic plants of the rocky area. Dalles of the St. Croix is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1980.Access
Located within Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls, Polk County -
From the junction of U.S. Highway 8 and State Highway 35 in St. Croix Falls, go south on 35 0.3 mile to the Interstate Park entrance. Park maps are available at the visitor center. The natural area is reached via the Summit Rock Trail, River Bluffs Trail, and Pothole Trail
