Namekagon River — Wisconsin's Moving National Park
Bayfield/Sawyer/Washburn/Burnett County, Wisconsin
The Namekagon River is Wisconsin's premier paddling river and one of the most popular canoe and kayak destinations in the Midwest. Part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the Namekagon was one of the original eight rivers protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The river runs nearly 100 miles from Namekagon Lake near Cable through Hayward, Trego, and Springbrook before joining the St. Croix River. No development is allowed within sight of the river — making the Namekagon one of the most wild-feeling river experiences in Wisconsin. The National Park Service maintains more than 60 free riverside campsites along the route. Crystal clear water, diverse wildlife, and dozens of free campsites make this an unmatched multi-day adventure. Tubing rentals are available from outfitters in Trego and Springbrook.
Miles
98 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Groomed
No
Fee
Free
Don't Miss
One of the eight original Wild and Scenic Rivers — no development is allowed within sight of the river, making the Namekagon feel completely wild despite being accessible from Hayward, Cable, and Trego. 60+ free primitive campsites make multi-day paddle-camping trips easy and affordable. Wisconsin's most popular canoe and kayak river.
Trail Systems
Upper Namekagon (Cable to Hayward)
Upper section from Namekagon Lake near Cable. Starts as a small cold-water trout stream, ideal for brook and brown trout fishing. Best in May and June when water levels are highest. Class 2 rapids near the dam. Multiple bridge access points throughout. Quiet and intimate with occasional beaver activity.
Trailheads
- 📍Namekagon Dam Landing — Cable area, Hwy M
- 📍Hwy M Landing
- 📍Cable Wayside/Hwy 63 Landing
📞 NPS Namekagon River Visitor Center — 715-635-8346 | namekagonriver.org
Middle Namekagon (Hayward to Trego)
Most popular section — several easy Class 1-2 rapids below Hayward at Warder Rapids and Fox Slough. Beautiful northern forest and bog scenery. Wildlife abundant: mergansers, wood ducks, bald eagles, deer, black bear, otter. River widens through open wetlands. Tube, canoe, and kayak rentals available in Trego and Springbrook.
Trailheads
- 📍Hayward Dam/1st Street Landing
- 📍Stinnett Landing
- 📍Multiple landings — see NPS map
📞 NPS Namekagon River Visitor Center — 715-635-8346 | Jack's Canoe Rental, Trego
Lower Namekagon (Trego to St. Croix)
Mostly flatwater from County K through Springbrook to the St. Croix confluence. 9.9-mile stretch from County K to Whispering Pine Landing is the NPS Rangers’ most recommended single-day paddle — beautiful, secluded, and wild-feeling with nearly no development visible. 38 free campsites in this section. Terminates at Riverside Landing on the St. Croix River.
Trailheads
- 📍County Road K Landing, Trego — GPS: 45.95314, -91.89151 (recommended put-in)
- 📍Whispering Pines Landing
- 📍Namekagon Trail Landing
- 📍Riverside Landing, Washburn County — GPS: 46.07661, -92.24626 (take-out on St. Croix)
📞 NPS Namekagon River Visitor Center — 715-635-8346
Trego Nature Trail (Hiking)
2.8-mile round-trip hiking trail following the banks of the Namekagon near the Visitor Center just east of Trego. Excellent birding — over 150 bird species nest along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway including Great Blue Heron, Trumpeter Swan, Great Horned Owl, and Bald Eagle.
Trailheads
- 📍Namekagon River Visitor Center — Hwy 63 just north of Trego
📞 NPS Namekagon River Visitor Center — 715-635-8346
Rules & Regulations
- No fee for river access, parking, or camping at any National Scenic Riverway area
- 60+ free primitive campsites — first-come, first-served, 3-night maximum per site
- Individual sites: up to 3 tents and 8 people — group sites: up to 6 tents and 16 people
- No glass beverage containers allowed on the riverway
- No development allowed within sight of river — strictly enforced
- Upper Namekagon best May through June — lower reaches navigable through full warm season
- Check river levels before launch at NPS Visitor Center 715-635-8346 or namekagonriver.org
- Wisconsin fishing license required — excellent trout fishing in upper reaches, smallmouth bass throughout
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Namekagon River Visitor Center | Hwy 63 just north of Trego WI | Trego Nature Trail + river access — exhibits, aquarium, maps, camping info |
| County Road K Landing, Trego | County Road K, Trego WI — GPS: 45.95314, -91.89151 | Lower Namekagon — recommended put-in for multi-day trips |
| Riverside Landing | Off Hwy 35 on St. Croix River, Washburn County WI — GPS: 46.07661, -92.24626 | Take-out at St. Croix confluence |
| Howell Landing (vehicle accessible campsite) | Howell Landing WI — water available June through September | Lower Namekagon — group and individual campsites |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️National Park Service — St. Croix National Scenic Riverway — nps.gov
- 🏍️Namekagon River Partnership — namekagonriver.org
- 🏍️Jack's Canoe Rental — Trego (canoe, kayak, tube rentals and shuttles)
- 🏍️Canoe/kayak rentals also available in Springbrook
While You're Here
- Namekagon River Visitor Center, Trego — exhibits, aquarium, river info and maps
- CAMBA mountain bike trails near Cable — connect a paddle trip with a bike ride
- American Birkebeiner Trail — Cable area, world-class XC ski and fat biking
- Hayward — restaurants, lodging, outfitters, and gear shops along river corridor
- St. Croix National Scenic Riverway — continues from Namekagon confluence south to Stillwater MN
Official Resources
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Bayfield/Sawyer/Washburn/Burnett County
- Trail Types
- Hiking, kayak-canoe, tubing
- Total Miles
- 98 miles
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
- Groomed
- No
- Fee
- No