St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Burnett/Polk County, Wisconsin
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers 200 miles of paddling along the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, managed by the National Park Service. The upper St. Croix and Namekagon portion offers varied canoeing and kayaking experiences through some of the most scenic and least-developed country in the Upper Midwest. Free-flowing and unpolluted, with dozens of riverside campsites and multiple put-in/take-out points.
Miles
200 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Groomed
No
Fee
Free
Don't Miss
One of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers — 200 miles of free-flowing, undeveloped river on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border with free NPS-maintained campsites throughout.
Trail Systems
Upper St. Croix River
Upper section from Gordon Dam south to St. Croix Falls. Clear water, forested banks, excellent wildlife viewing. Multiple landings throughout.
Trailheads
- 📍Gordon Dam, Douglas County
- 📍Riverside Landing off Hwy 35, Washburn County
📞 NPS St. Croix National Scenic Riverway — nps.gov/sacn | 715-635-8346
Rules & Regulations
- No fee for river access or camping at NPS sites
- 60+ free primitive campsites — first-come, first-served, 3-night maximum
- No glass beverage containers on the riverway
- Wisconsin fishing license required
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Landing | Off Hwy 35, Danbury WI | St. Croix River access |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️National Park Service — nps.gov/sacn | 715-635-8346 — nps.gov
Official Resources
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Burnett/Polk County
- Trail Types
- kayak-canoe
- Total Miles
- 200 miles
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
- Groomed
- No
- Fee
- No