St. Croix River
★ Wild & Scenic
Washington / Chisago Co. · 164 mi · Class I–II
6,110CFS/ 4.67 ft
Optimal↓Falling slowly (-30 cfs/hr)· -30 cfs in 3h
Water temp: 43°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 2,000–8,000 CFS · USGS #05340500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River (1968) · National Scenic Riverway (NPS)
One of the original eight National Wild & Scenic Rivers designated in 1968. The St. Croix forms 125 miles of the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, flowing through deep basalt gorges and pristine boreal forest. The Dalles of the St. Croix — a narrow volcanic canyon — is among the most dramatic geological features in the upper Midwest.
Trip sections
Upper St. Croix — Solon Springs to Taylors Falls, 100 mi, wilderness corridor
Dalles of the St. Croix — Taylors Falls gorge, Class I–II
Lower St. Croix — Taylors Falls to Prescott, 52 mi, wide and scenic
Namekagon confluence — remote canoe-camping
Outfitters
Wild River Outfitters
Full-service canoe and kayak rentals on the upper St. Croix
Taylors Falls Canoe Rental
Day trips through the Dalles and lower St. Croix
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.