Anybody ever paddled the entire St. Croix?

[matthothand]

A buddy and I are planning one canoeing the entire St. Croix river this summer. I'd like to get info from someone that has done it. I think we're going to do the whole river between June 11 and the 19th. I think it's around 160 miles if started at the Gordon dam. Trying to plan and I'd appreciate any suggestions for anything relavent to this type of adventure.

[croixflats]

St.Croix National Scenic Riverway I have not but this resource may be helpful. Sounds like a great trip. One of Minnesota's and Wisconsin's most treasured places to go.

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Be sure to check out the Blog entry links on the site.

[croixflats]

St.Croix National Scenic Riverway I have not but this resource may be helpful. Sounds like a great trip. One of Minnesota's and Wisconsin's most treasured places to go.

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Be sure to check out the Blog entry links on the site. Very addictive reading and informative.

[matthothand]

I'm finding plenty of websites. The gear list and what week to go is the hard part right now. I'm planning on weighing everything because the 1 1/4 mile portage at St. Croix Falls will be a pain and I don't want to push much water while paddling. The consideration for temperature and water level led me to early June. How many miles would be a good average per day? I think the first part of the trip we'll get in 40 and on down to 20 near the end.

[goblueM]

how much paddling have you done? do you plan on fishing? Sight-seeing? paddling 10 hours a day very hard, or 6 in a relaxed manner? Really depends on your experience, how hard you want to pace yourself, and river conditions

I think 40 miles a day would be pushing it, especially given that you said you don't want to push it.

probably be safer to plan for 15-20 and allocate time appropriately so you don't get surprised by any unforseen events

[Ctrl_Alt_Dlt]

I fished from Grantsburg to the dam for the past two years now with my guys. Its a fun trip. We usually spend 2 nights and 3 days out there. Not much hardcore canoing for distance, but fishing and and canoing was fun.

Have fun this year. I'll be back on the river the 3rd weekend of July.

[LightningBG]

My brother and sister regularly do 40-50 mile jaunts. My dad used to do st. croix falls to the Mississippi, but that was a long time ago.

Up north you'll make pretty good time. The current is swift and you wont have to paddle too hard to be doing 6-8 mph. Down south it will slow down.

I spend a lot of time on the Croix and trust me, you'll want to plan out a route to take (channels to go in and which side to stay on. From Stillwater to Hudson you wont want to be crossing from one bank to the other, and you wont want to be out in the middle.

Also keep in mind boat traffic. You are best avoiding south of Stillwater on a Fri/Sat/Sun. There are big boats out and big waves possible.

As for a list. I have some canoeing lists, I'll post a little later.

[LightningBG]

I will first off state. I dont take half the stuff on this list, but this is what I start with, then cross off all the stuff I dont deem necessary. If you were to take all this, you would weigh 200 lbs.

The Ultimate Canoe Trip Checklist

by Roger Hahn, Editor of BoundaryWatersMagazine.com

* Sharpen knives

* Oil footwear

* Lubricate and put fresh line on fishing reels

* Sharpen fish hooks

* Check camp stove and lantern operation

* Waterproof tent and rainfly

* Refurbish wooden canoe paddles

* Repackage food and gear items to eliminate packaging and prohibited cans and bottles

Don't Leave Home Without It:

* Permit confirmation

* Reservation confirmations

* Fishing licenses

* Identification

* Driver's license

* Cash

* Credit card

* Health insurance information

* Spare vehicle and padlock keys

* Get fresh and frozen foods out of refrigerator

* Cooler and ice for traveling

* Get live bait

* Leave itinerary and phone numbers with someone at home

* Leave unnecessary valuables at home

* Toiletries, clean clothes, clean towel, and dry shoes for return trip

* __________________________

* __________________________

First Things First:

* Maps

* Map marking pen

* Map case

* Compass

* Back up maps and compass

* Duluth packs or dry bags

* HD trash bags to line packs

* Stuff sacks and compression stuff sacks

* Day pack, fanny pack, or thwart bag

* Canoes

* Yoke pads

* Paddles

* Spare paddle

* Life jackets

* Emergency whistle zipper pulls

* Rescue throw bag

* Seat pads

* Duct tape

* Knee pads

* Sponge

* Bailer

* Bow and stern lines

* Cords or bunjis to lash in packs

* Canoe cover

* Cartop carrier, rack, or trailer

Shelter From The Storm:

* Tents

* Sleeping bags

* Mattresses

* Dining fly or tarp with grommets

* Camp rope or parachute cord

* Camp chairs or butt pads

* Camp pillows

* Lantern, spare mantles, and fuel

* __________________________

* __________________________

Thanks For The Memories:

* Waterproof camera

* Fresh film

* Fresh batteries and spares

* Pocket tripod

* Waterproof camera bag

* Lens cleaners

* Pots w/ lids

* Frying pans w/ lids

* Utensils

* Utensil bag

* Plates

* Cups

* Measuring cup

* Bowls

* Water bottle for each person

* Water bag or bucket

* Water purification system

* Silverware

* Potholders

* Pot scrubbers

* Biodegradable soap

* Dish towels

* Spice kit

* Fire starter

* Camp stove, fuel, and funnel

* Stove repair tools and kit

* Camp saw

* Disposable lighters

* Waterproof matches

* Aluminum foil

* Paper towels

* Extra zip lock bags

* Camp kitchen knife

* Bear ropes

* Trash bags

* Fresh food items

* Frozen food items

* Breakfasts

* Lunches

* Dinners

* Beverages

* Snacks

* Desserts

* Spices and condiments

* Cooking oil

That Rainy Day Feelin' Again:

* headlamp

* Fresh batteries, spares, and spare bulbs

* Paperback book

* Journal, notebook, or sketch pad

* Pencils and pens

* Travel board games

* Playing cards

* Binoculars

* Hacky sack

* Frisbee

Here Fishy, Fishy:

* Rods and reels

* Tackle box

* Filet knife

* Ceramic sharpener

* Stringer

* Pliers or Leatherman

* Fish batter and oil

* Fish locator

* Spare batteries

* Superglue

* Spare rod tips

* Spare spool of line

* Folding landing net

* Live bait

* Pocket camera for catch and release photos

* __________________________

* __________________________

Dress For Success:

* Waterproof boots

* Gore-tex socks

* Camp shoes, mocs, or sandals

* Spare laces

* Socks

* Pants

* Shorts

* Swimsuits

* T Shirts

* Long sleeve shirts

* Sweatshirts or fleece jacket

* Briefs

* Belt or suspenders

* Bandanas

* Windbreaker

* Rain pants!!

* Rain jacket!!

* Waterproof cap

* Cap with sun visor

* Sunglasses

* Gloves or mittens

* Stocking cap

* Pocket or wrist watch

Gettin' Personal:

* Toilet Paper

* Toothbrush

* Toothpaste

* Floss

* Hair brush or comb

* Biodegradable soap

* Towel

* Chapstick

* Sunscreen

* Bug dope

* Afterbite

* Hand and body lotion

* Pain reliever

* First Aid Kit and book

* Personal medications and medical information

* Pocket knife

* Sharpener

* Safety pins

* Needle, thread, and extra buttons

* Spare eyewear

* Pocket mirror

Hammock

Paddling gloves

Stringers

Anchor

[LightningBG]

IMO its a good idea to make a route plan like this. You dont want to end up in a dead end or take the long way around an island.

Below is the river from the highbridge to stillwater.

North of the highbridge, the main channel is often the best and there aren't any big boats up there. South of Stillwater is going to be long winding curves. Ideally you're going to want to be on the inside of those curves.