Pembina River
Cavalier / Pembina Co. · 100 mi · Class I
1,440CFS/ 5.02 ft
Above Optimal→Stable· +100 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 100–800 CFS · USGS #05099600
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area
Home to North Dakota's only gorge — the Pembina River carves a dramatic 150-foot-deep wooded valley through the otherwise flat Drift Prairie. The Pembina Gorge is the largest contiguous tract of woodland in the state, an unexpected oasis of hardwood forest, wildflowers, and wildlife in the far northeast corner.
Trip sections
Pembina Gorge — 25 mi, wooded canyon, best paddling section
Lower Pembina — 40 mi, prairie river to Red River confluence
Outfitters
Pembina Gorge Recreation Area
River access, camping, trail information
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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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.