The
Red Lake River is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated
State
Canoe Route.
Paddling
from Sportsman's Park in Red
Lake Falls to Old crossing Treaty Historic Park near Huot takes
about 4.5 hours. The river meanders 14 miles (22 km) through floodplain
forest and impressive eroding clay banks. The current is more rapid
in this stretch than along most of the river (except from St. Hilaire
to Red Lake Falls) and could be tricky at low flow. The river bottom
is composed of sandy-clay in slack water areas and gravel, cobble,
and some boulders in faster riffles (some class II rapids).
Beginners will be challenged and more advance canoeists will enjoy
the rapid, yet relaxing ride. Sportsman's Park lies at the confluence
of the Red Lake and Clearwater Rivers, the site of historic sturgeon
spawning runs as well as the original Red Lake Falls Sawmill. Boat
ramps are well maintained and allow easy access to the river at both
locations. There are no portages necessary on this section (no dams).
Camping is permitted at both Old Crossing and Sportsman's Park, although
Old Crossing is "Primitive Camping" (i.e., no electricity
or showers). Old Crossing Treaty Historical Park is where the Ojibway
Indians ceed almost 10 million acres of land for white settlement
of the Red River Valley in 1886. The park is also an historic Oxcart
crossing along the Red River Oxcart Trail.
The
City of Red
Lake Falls has many outdoor areas and other amenities. Voyageur's
View (upstream of Sportsman Park) offers tubing rentals, a campground,
showers, and more. There are more than 4 miles of paved trails (including
a "rails-to-trails") connecting the town to some of its
outdoor resources, five parks (over 100 acres), and there is a wonderful
historic county courthouse. If you time it right, you might hit the
Chautauqua
French Festival at Old Crossing Treaty Historic Park in late August.
This festival offers wonderful food, traditional music and dance,
historical "voyageur" recreations, and trade show venders.
Safety
First
Start
your trip with the proper safety equipment. Coast Guard-approved personal
floatation devices (PFD) are required by law and should be used in
rough waters and heavy rapids. Paddles often break in rapids; carry
a spare. Don't overload your canoe. Never carry more than three people.
Snag-ridden
streams with overhanging branches are often tricky to negotiate. Underwater
branches can easily tip a canoe. Watch for branches and rocks.
River
levels are important consideations when planning a canoe trip. Both
high and low water levels may mean that you drag your canoe more than
paddle it. Always be aware of the location of dams along your trips
course. Portages may be necessary.
River
level information is available from May 1 through October 31. For
the DNR
map of the Red Lake River or river level information contact:
DNR
Information Center
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367)
