Map 1: Sturgeon River State Forest river mile 90
This river segment begins in an area dotted with farms, houses and small bridges. It then transitions to wild, nearly inaccessible landscape between river mile 97.7 and 57. You may notice that the river has a dark tint from clay and other suspended solids.
Stream flow usually peaks in late April and falls throughout the summer. Rapids may be impassable in the summer unless there have been heavy rains. The U.S. Geological Survey maintains a gauge on river mile 21.6. A reading of three feet or lower means most rapids are too shallow for easy passage.
Hazards for this segment include numerous Class I-II rapids and Class VI rapids at Hannine Falls. Use caution at Hannine Falls and be aware of the portage location. Some portages may be difficult due to overgrown brush.
Recommended day trip
Veterans Park to Highway 73 bridge
- Put-in location: Veterans Park (carry-in), river mile 142
- Take-out location: Highway 73 bridge (carry-in), river mile 126.8
- Length: 15.2 river miles
This route is for paddlers with experience running Class II rapids. Follow the river's twists and turns past wooded shoreline and farm fields. Expect several rock riffles and multiple rapids spread throughout your trip. Be sure to scout the larger rapids before attempting to paddle them.
Explore on shore
The river travels through several of Minnesota's state forests. You'll find opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, birding and more. Each forest is unique.
- George Washington State Forest
- Kabetogama State Forest
- Koochiching State Forest
- Sturgeon River State Forest
Local contacts
DNR northeast headquarters
1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-328-8780
Nearest medical facilities
Bigfork Valley Hospital
258 Pine Tree Drive, Bigfork, MN 56628
218-743-3177
Rainy Lake Medical Center
1400 U.S.-71, International Falls, MN 56649
218-283-4481
A loaded canoe pulled ashore.
A rainbow and dense forest as seen from the river.
Map 2: River mile 90 to Rainy River
This river segment begins in wild, nearly inaccessible landscape all the way through river mile 57. From there, you’ll encounter more signs of development as you near the city of Little Fork. Throughout the river, you may notice a distinctive dark tint from clay and other suspended solids.
Stream flow usually peaks in late April and falls throughout the summer. Rapids may be impassable in summer unless there have been heavy rains. The U.S. Geological Survey maintains a gauge on river mile 21.6. A reading of three feet or lower means most rapids are too shallow for easy passage.
Hazards for this segment include several Class I-II rapids. Some portages may be difficult due to overgrown brush.
Recommended day trip
Dentaybow to Fiedler
- Put-in location: Dentaybow carry-in access, river mile 57.9
- Take-out location: Fiedler carry-in access, river mile 44.8
- Length: 13.1 river miles
Follow the river's narrow twists and turns past densely wooded shoreline with little development. Plan for a full day of paddling. Anglers may enjoy casting a line for walleye, northern pike, muskie, smallmouth bass or rock bass.
Explore on shore
Experience over 500,000 acres brimming with pine, spruce, fir, aspen and birch trees. You'll find opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping and picnicking.
Myrtle Lake Peatland Scientific and Natural Area (SNA)
Located a few miles beyond the river, this SNA protects a massive, raised bog surrounded by spruce trees. Visitors can birdwatch, fish or hike the property.
Local contacts
DNR northeast headquarters
1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-328-8780
Nearest medical facilities
Bigfork Valley Hospital
258 Pine Tree Drive, Bigfork, MN 56628
218-743-3177
Rainy Lake Medical Center
1400 U.S.-71, International Falls, MN 56649
218-283-4481
A rocky stretch of the river.
A riverside campsite in one of the state forests.
