A STATE WA TER TRAIL GUIDE T O THE LO WER ST. L OUIS RIVER Aerie Lake R. 47 Route Description of the Lower St. Louis River Spider Maney 53 80 Whiteface NOTE: (R) and (L) represent right and left banks of 51.3(L) Trailer access just downstream 27.4-25.6 This section of river is very Floodwood Co Rd 29 Crooked Artichoke Whiteface Lake Lake the river when facing downstream. Little of Highway 2 bridge. dangerous. Not even extremely Creek 46.3 Brevator Rapids, Class I-II. Can skilled paddlers should Scheim Hwy 53 Alborn Lake Wayside Rest RIVER MILE be dangerous in high water. attempt this section. 73 River (reflects most likely canoe route, paddling distances may vary) 44.7 Class I-II rapids. 26.1(R) Confluence with Silver Creek. Coleraine River 29 Jct. Independence I 15 40.0 Cluster of islands. 24.7 Powerline crosses. 47 10 78.5(R) Carry-in access. 38.0 Two unnamed islands. Hydropower plant. I 78.0 (L) Watercraft campsite. 37.1(R) trailer access at Spafford Park 22.8(L) Carry-in access at Fond du Lac 7 72.8 City of Floodwood, County on Dunlap Island. Drinking Reservior. 75 Road 8 bridge. water and watercraft campsite. 21.8 Fond du Lac Dam, no portage. 33 72.5(R) Confluence with Floodwood 37.1 Highway 33 bridge, City of Exit Jay Cooke State Park. River. Boat access 1/2 mile up Cloquet. 20.4 (L)Trailer access and camping at 2 Creek Floodwood I Chalberg Floodwood River. 36.3 Knife Falls Dam, no portage. Fond du Lac City Park. Alberg River 53 8 72.3(R) Confluence with Savanna 35.2 Cloquet Dam, no portage. 20.1(L) Carry-in access in Chambers 31 Culver River. 33.7 Scanlon Dam, no portage. Grove picnic area. Savanna R. 70.5 Class I-II rapids. 33.6(R) Scanlon Canoe/Kayak/Raft 16.8(L) Trailer access at Boy Scout River Beaver I-II Hwy 7 Lake 69.5-66.9 Series of Class I-II rapids. Access. (see inset) Landing. McCarty Artichoke 68.5 River splits around large 33.4 Highway 61 bridge. 15.7(R) Trailer access at Oliver, WI. 70 Sunset 5 Lake island, McCarty Creek enters 33.0 Interstate 35 bridge. 15.4 Hwy 39 and BNSF Railroad Burnett 2 ST. LOUIS Harnell from left. 31.8(L) Confluence with Crystal Creek. Bridge. I-II Park 68.0 Powerline crosses. 29.5 Thomson Dam Canoe, Kayak, 12.1(L) Trailer access on Clyde Avenue. 31 River 67.0 Powerline crosses. and Raft access. (see inset) 10.7(L) City campground. I 60 65.0 Class I Rapids. National Kayak and Canoe 10.3-0 Be very cautious in this area Powerlines RIVER 55 64.2 Class I Rapids. Center: Class II-IV race course. due to shipping lanes, large Grand Lake 61.8 (R) Paupores trailer access off Visit map and photo display ships may be passing through. Paupores 33 Grand Lake County Road 843. on Outpost Building or 8.4 (L) Grassy Point Carry-in access. I 843 Brookston II 61.4(L) Watercraft campsite. Gowan I visit Portage down pier to parking (Mirbat Station) 65 Kingburg Cloquet Saginaw 58.6(L) Watercraft campsite. umdoutdoorprogram.org lot beyond gate. Lake I-II Little Grand 2 Lake 57.4(L) Watercraft campsite. for more information. 8.1 (L) Carry-in access. Powerline 55.7(L) Watercraft campsite. 29.7-27.4 Class II-VI Rapids, experts 8.0 Richard I. Bong (Hwy 2) Creek River 2 55.5 BNSF Railroad trestle. only! Bridge. R. Hwy 2 31 53.8 (R) Brookston trailer access. Martin 50 29.5 Willard Munger State Trail, 5.3 (L) trailer access. Blatnik (Hwy 53) Joe 73 53.8 County Road 31 bridge, City of National Kayak and Canoe Bridge. Brook Brookston. Martin Brevator Center race course finish line. 2.9 (L) Trailer access. Lake Rapids 53.7(L) Confluence with Artichoke 80 28.5 Jay Cooke State Park river 0 End at Minnesota Point. Enter Ahmik I-II Headquarters Stoney River. segment: Class II-VI with tilted Lake Superior. Lake Fond du Lac 53.3(R) Confluence with Stoney Brook. slate riverbed, steep drops and Moberg Lake Indian Reservation Twin 45 52.2(L) Confluence with Cloquet waterfalls. For experts only! Lakes 6 River. I-II 27.4 Swinging bridge (near Visitor 52.2 Class I-II rapids, can be Center). Take out left Scanlon Dam Lost dangerous in high water. immediately after bridge. (no portage) Lake 80 Prairie Lake 61 51.3 Powerline crosses. DANGER strong currents Simian Mud * White land Lake 194 Canal Lake represents Park private land Adolph 33 53 31 in inset Scanlon 98 Lake Heikkila Rice's Point Lake ST. LOUIS CO. Esko River 2 Cr. Superior Hardwood 40 CARLTON CO. Duluth Lake 35 48 Hasty Warm-up First Hole Fond du Lac ST. LOUIS 35 Class I-II Rapids Dead Fish Indian Proctor 5 Class I-II Lake Mattson Rd. ATTENTION PADDLERS: 11 Bayview Read route descriptions carefully 53 Park Point before planning a trip from the Reservation Crystal Crystal Knife Falls Dam Brook Scanlon AccessCedar (RM 32.8) to the (no portage) Two Hole Class II-III access at theLake Thomson Reservior. Anderson Miller 2 Lake Entry to the This segment of the St. Louis Spafford Park Cloquet Dam West 2 Cross posseses significant variations in (no portage) Creek Canyon Cr. Lake Fond du Lac ST. LOUIS river conditions at various flows Duluth Class II-III as follows: 1 Grassy 35 Harney Point Superior Emergency State Forest Exit Route 7 Cloquet 35 Minnesota Hidden Hole CONDITIONS Midway 500-1,500 CFS Low Scanlon Dam 10 Point RIVER RIVER Class II-III (no portage) Eldes Corner 1,500-3,000 CFS Moderate Riverside 0 3,000-10,000Big Lake CFS High Stewart Cr. Spirit/Clyde Ave 73 10,000 + CFS Very High 61 Clough West Esko Nopeming Is. PortageElectric Ledge CFS= Cubic feet per second Scanlon Wisconsin LakeClass III-IV RIVER 35 State Trail (Scout rapids from Point Boat Beater Call first (218) 720-2777 for daily Smithville portage; river right) flow information. Falls Spirit Carl Sandell 45 Class V-VI Perch Lake 45 W.M.A. Rescue Rapids 35 Fond du Morgan Lake Willard MungerLac County Park Cromwell Jaskan Class II-III SEE INSET AT LEFT Hemlock Park 23 Lake 210 Upstream- Wild Rice FOR DETAIL Ravine Fond du River route Lake Lac Gary Steelton 120 Downstream S.N.A. Fond Corona 210 Directional signs 30 du Island Class I-II Sawyer Thomson Lac Boy Scout Lake Carlton Carry-in Access Iverson 210 Reservior New 15 Last Chance Thomson 20 Mervin 210 Fond du Duluth Rapids DANGER Lac Dam 39 Trailer Access W.M.A. Class I-II Follow signs 3 to avoid dam Powerline Campground Munger State Trail VI 25 Willard Munger State Trail 73 DANGER Chambers Merwin Grove Canoe Campsite Eagle Lake Kettle 30 Thomson See Route 1 Description Lake Lake 35 Reservior Otter Jay Cooke Drinking Water Kettle 3 Silver 23 WISCONSIN Lake Thomson Dam Bob Creek Chub Creek State Park DANGER Lake Lake Rest Area 18 strong Wrenshall currents Park UMD Kayak/Canoe Center Laveau Segment Outfitter Portage left Lake 210 5 Fishing Pier River 0 1 2 3 4 5 Miles Willard Munger State Trail Lac la Belle Thomson (unpaved for Dam Otter Scotts Corner snowmobiles only) Carlton Hay 0 1 2 3 4 5 Kilometers Lake 4 River Mile 4 Cr. 4 II-VI

W. M. S. T. Laveau Seg. Horn 4 210 Bear Rapids River Willard Munger State Lake CAUTION 4 Wrenshall Designated Public Land Kettle EXPERT Mahtowa River W.M.A. KAYAKERS ONLY! Tribal Trust Land Ellstrom Lake 1 1 Jay Cooke State ParkHizer 35 Lake 73 WMA = Wildlife Management Area 3 Munson Lake 23 NORTH Willard Munger Blackhoof State Trail 35 Sand Lake STATE WATER TRAIL MAP A STATE WATER TRAIL GUIDE TO THE LOWER ST. LOUIS RIVER Lower St. Louis River

“...in that moment when you ease the canoe from the bank into the current, you sense that you are a part of something very old and precious. It is a moment that should be guarded jealously and handed down with care.” - John C. Sawhill, Forward from The River Reader

ST. LOUIS RIVER ESTUARY The Lower St. Louis River History Fishing • Bring a first-aid kit that includes waterproof matches. (Floodwood to Duluth) • Be cautious of river obstructions, such as overhanging The history of the lower St. Louis River is similar to The St. Louis River has a diverse and excellent fish and dead trees in the water. International Falls CANADA the other rivers of northern Minnesota. However, the lower population. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike St. Louis had a unique role as a transportation connection are popular catches. The river holds a good population of • You must pack out all trash. Rainy between Lake Superior and the Mississippi River. It was channel catfish, providing a unique fishery for anglers in AM • Leave only footprints; take only photographs! 71 Lake used by Native Americans, early European explorers, and northern Minnesota. The St. Louis River estuary is also Little Fork River Boating Information

trappers. The connection was completed by the Savannah home to the mighty muskellunge. The DNR is working to THOMSON D 53 Portage, a six-mile overland carry that connected the West re-establish the once-thriving sturgeon population in the St. • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation Vermilion Lake Grand Marais Savannah River, which flows into the Mississippi, to the Louis River watershed. If you catch one of these ancient device that state law requires to be on board the craft.

1 AKER NEAR Ely East Savannah River, which flows into the St. Louis River fishes, you are required to return it to the water Y

1 KA ANLON • Bring an extra paddle. near Floodwood. immediately. SC Rating Whitewater • Not all portions of this water trail are suitable for 61 Mississippi Superior The Dakota Indians inhabited the St. Louis River area, Mercury contamination is a problem for the entire motor use. 169 Lake Y 61 BRIDGE, Rivers and rapids are rated according to the A including its rich estuary along the shores of Lake Superior, watershed. Because this river system has an excellent fish St. Louis River53 Two • Register your watercraft. All watercraft more than 9 Grand Harbors but were driven out by the Ojibwe in the early part of the population, it is necessary to know the health hazards of International Scale of River Difficulty. Ratings are 2 feet in length, including nonmotorized canoes and Rapids Cloquet River HIGHW estimates based on observations at low or moderate water River River 17th century. An important Ojibwe settlement called Fond eating the fish. Keep smaller fish for eating, release the kayaks, must be registered in Minnesota or your state levels or on secondhand reports. du Lac (French for “head of the lake”) was developed on older, larger fish which have a higher concentration of of residence. Duluth W The lower St. Louis River has a varied character. the estuary. contamination. People, especially women of childbearing I While usually surrounded by woods, bogs, and rocks, the age and children, should strictly adhere to guidelines set by CLASS I. Easy rapids with small waves and few Rest Areas and Camping Sites Aitkin S obstructions. 23 C river also passes by major cities and industries. The current The Ojibwe were in the area when the first European the Minnesota Department of Health. Complete information 61 CLASS II. Rapids with waves up to three feet high. Some Mille O in this section varies from a leisurely paddling speed to a fur trappers and traders began using the river for the is available by calling 1-800-627-3529. • Public rest areas are available along the route to rest, Lacs 35 N maneuvering is required. S raging torrent. transportation of furs and supplies. Eventually, the Ojibwe picnic and explore. Lake CLASS III. Difficult rapids with high, irregular waves I abandoned Fond du Lac and established their settlement on Exotic Species • Camp only in designated campsites, which are N capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow chutes may Between Floodwood and Cloquet, the river has a the river’s banks near what is now Cloquet. The site of this available on a first-come, first-served basis. steady current with occasional rapids. There are several former village can be located by a large rock on the west The waters of the St. Louis River below Fond du Lac require extensive maneuvering. Usually considered the limit The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources campsites and many spots to explore, swim, pick berries, bank about 500 yards upstream from Spafford Park. Dam are infested by invasive plants and animals. These for an experienced paddler in an open canoe. • Bring drinking water. It is only available at a limited is an Equal Opportunity Employer. and look for wild leeks. You might find ancient Indian food invaders degrade habitat and water quality. Minnesota law CLASS IV. Long, turbulent rapids with high, irregular number of rest areas. Drinking river water is not caches or other artifacts. Please do not disturb these sites. Loggers were next to make use of the river. The first prohibits transportation of these species. Brochures are waves, constricted passages, and blind drops. Decked recommended, but if you do it must be treated. crews blasted rock JAY COOKE STATE PARK available through fishing centers and the DNR. canoes and kayaks only; open canoes should be portaged. • Respect private property. Stop only at designated sites; This information is available in alternative Below the city of Cloquet, the river becomes wild, as formations, logjams, and CLASS V. Long, violent rapids with complex routes and much of the shoreland is private property. format upon request. rocky rapids increase in frequency and intensity. There are curves to prepare the river Some of the exotic invaders include zebra mussels, steep drops or waterfalls. Hazard to life in the event of a also several dams in this stretch. At County Highway 61 in for the big spring log round goby, Eurasian ruffe, spiny waterflea, purple mishap. Runnable only by experts in decked boats. • Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury Scanlon, there is access to the river for whitewater rafting drives. The logging era loosestrife, threespine stickleback, rusty crayfish, and white CLASS VI. Cannot be attempted without great risk to life. human waste away from the river. and decked canoeing and kayaking. began in 1878 when the perch. Purple loosestrife seeds should be brushed from Minnesota State Parks and Trails first sawmill was built at clothing and footwear. The seeds, about the size of ground Planning a Safe River Trip Regional Unit: Sustainable Ecosystems Below Thomson Dam and through much of Jay Cooke Cloquet. It ended in 1924, pepper, are invisible in mud. The spiny waterflea forms A successful river trip is safe. To enjoy a safe journey, 1201 East Highway 2 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 State Park, the intensity of the river increases even more, as the year of the last log drive gelatinous-like blobs that stick to fishing line, swivels, and Outdoor recreation is dependent on a healthy and (218) 999-7923 you should be prepared by acquainting yourself with your the river plunges through a series of rocky gorges. on the St. Louis River. lures. Eggs remain viable out of the water for weeks, even route. Choose a distance that is comfortable for you. Water attractive natural environment. Sustainable outdoor Canoeists should not to attempt this stretch. months. Careful cleaning of all equipment will prevent their recreation enables people to enjoy the outdoors without Online water trail information and maps can be levels can speed up or slow down your trip: get information Above Cloquet, the spread. negative impacts on the environment. found at mndnr.gov/watertrails about water levels from the regional DNR office, DNR Downstream of Jay Cooke State Park the river remains of an old logging website, or DNR Information Center. becomes wider and more easily canoeable. The St. Louis camp can still be found on To prevent the spread of these species: Protect the water and shorelands and leave nothing Communities working together can improve water Bay becomes a major transportation route for huge the east shore (about River behind you except footprints. Remember that much of the resources by promoting environmentally sensitive land-use freighters traveling the Great Lakes. On this section of the Mile 48.5). Also at this • Remove aquatic plants and animals from your shorelands are privately owned. For daily water level practices along rivers and throughout watersheds. Natural DNR Information Center St. Louis River you will find many different land types, point, a series of small rocky islands were used by sorters watercraft and equipment before leaving the lake. The DNR’s Information Center is available to provide free reports below Scanlon and Thomson Dams, contact shoreline buffers improve water quality by filtering out publications of facilities and services as well as answers questions from the remote to the agricultural to the urban areas of from various mills who stood on the islands and sorted the • Drain lake or river water. Minnesota Power at (218) 720-2777. pollutants and sediments. pertaining to DNR recreational opportunities in Minnesota. Duluth and Superior. logs according to the brand stamped on the ends. Today the • Dispose of leftover live bait on land. islands provide good smallmouth bass fishing, or a good • Rinse watercraft with high pressure and hot water. 500 Lafayette Road Trip Planning Healthy and diverse native shoreline plant communities St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 spot to find an old white pine log recently freed from the • Allow watercraft to dry for at least five days. are attractive and provide important habitat for birds and 651-296-6157 Metro Area river bottom. • Travel with a wildlife. 1-888-646-6367 MN Toll-Free Enjoy! companion or group. mndnr.gov St. Louis Estuary Plan your trip with Use all of your senses to enjoy the diversity of plants a map before you depart The St. Louis River estuary is a large body of water and animals. Listen for the slow, heavy beating of the great and advise someone of 40% evaporation Natural 10% runoff extending from Lake Superior to extreme western Duluth. blue heron’s wings, or the whirr of a hummingbird as it your plans, including Shorelands The western end of the estuary is popular for motorboating, hovers over bell-shaped flowers. In the evening, some planned departure and 50% infiltration

This publication was produced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in cooperation and the eastern end is utilized by ocean-going ships. The people can hear the echolocation of the many bats. Enjoy 30% evaporation AM arrival times. with: Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, St. Louis River Board Special thanks to: Len shoreline is a mixture of forest, wetlands, and major the subtle beauty of cedar waxwings and the ever-changing Altered 55% runoff Shorelands Anderson, Katharine Johnson, Lynelle Hanson industries. When paddling on the estuary, remember to colors of the waters as day turns into evening. 15% infiltration Organizations working to protect the river system: • Most people paddle

-St. Louis River Citizens Action Commitee (218) 733-9520 THOMSON D avoid the shipping channels and to respect private property. -St. Louis Riverwatch (218) 879-0789 two to three river miles Also note that wind can come up very quickly and change per hour. paddling conditions. All photos: Holly Sandbo Cover Photo: Jay Cooke State Park © 2016 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ELECTRIC LEDGE RAPIDS