Recommended Paddle Trips

Experience a 13-mile paddle from Mississippi Crow River Access to Coon Rapids Dam, featuring Class I rapids and overnight camping on islands. Enjoy abundant wildlife and a near-wilderness atmosphere along the route.

Great for:

• Overnight Camping
• Near-wilderness experience
• Class I rapids
• Wildlife
• Island excursions

Distance:

• River mile 879.5 - 866.5 (13 miles)
• Full day trip, easy two day with overnight camp on island

Start:

Mississippi Crow River Public Water Access
16351 Richardson Ave, Dayton, MN 55327
Coordinates: (45.245562259428084, -93.5211114459749)

Finish:

Coon Rapids Dam East Public Water Access
Egret Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Coordinates: (45.14708340503732, -93.3106953920313)

Camping Opportunities:

Mississippi West Regional Park | Anoka County 

• Price: Free
• Number of sites: 3 (two on Cloquet Island, one on Foster Island)
• Permit Required: Only if leaving a car overnight at the park
• Reservations: First come, first served
• Services Provided: Cleared tent pad, fire ring, picnic table
• More information: Anoka County Parks

National Park Service Islands | National Park Service

• Price: Free
• Number of sites: No designated sites, dispersed camping only
• Permit Required: No permit required if following compedium policies
• Reservations: First come, first served
• Services Provided: No services or designated sites.
• More information: 651-293-0200

Hazards

• Rapids: Some Class 0 to Class I rapids depending on water levels from river mile 879.5 to 873
• Dams: Be sure to stay river left approaching Coon Rapids Dam to take out and avoid the safety areas of the dam. YOU MUST TAKE OUT BEFORE THE DAM.

Enjoy an 11-mile day trip from Gateway Regional Park to Graco Park, perfect for spotting great blue herons and egrets. Experience a blend of natural beauty and urban charm, with opportunities to dine in Northeast Minneapolis along the way.

Great for:

• Day trip
• Seeing great blue herons, egrets, and cormorands (spring, early summer)
• Hacing a combined natural and urban experience
• Pulling off in NorthEast Minneapolis and having a bite to eat at a resturant on the river
• Using Paddle Share (leave from River Park (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Distance:

• River mile 866- 855 (11 miles)
• Full day trip, leave from River Park (Brooklyn Park) or Craig Park (Fridley) for a shorter trip. 

Start:

Gateway Regional Park
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Coordinates: (45.14137621713621, -93.31170778926673)

Finish:

Graco Park
15 8th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Coordinates: (44.994439945751495, -93.27175653867906)

Camping Opportunities:

None

Hazards

• Rapids: Some Class 0 to Class I rapids depending on water levels from river mile 866 to 859
• Stumpfield: Small remnent stumpfield that can be a hazard in low water. River left just after I-694 bridge near river mile 860.
• Dams: Be sure to take out of the river before approaching St Anthony Falls. YOU MUST TAKE OUT BEFORE THE FALLS. The last take out point is Flag Pole Plaza at ~ river mile 854.5. There is not an operating lock at St Anthony Falls. 

Embark on an 8.5-mile overnight trip from Wakota Bridge to Hazen P. Moores Park, where you can spot eagles and enjoy scenic river bluffs. Navigate the Grey Cloud Channel for a unique backwater experience, but be cautious of large barges and boats in the area; always give them a wide berth to ensure safety.

Great for:

• Overnight Trip
• Seeing eagles, river bluffs and barges
• At river mile 828 turn river left into the grey cloud channel and follow the backwaters to Hazen P. Moores Park. 

Distance:

• River mile 832.5- 828 + ~4 miles in Grey Cloud Channel (8.5 miless)
• Full day trip, or easy overnight. 

Start:

Wakota Bridge Public Water Access
South St Paul, MN 55075
Coordinates: (44.881942959656826, -93.01764405690166)

Finish:

Hazen P Moores Park
10865 Grey Cloud Trail S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Coordinates: (44.79130606929421, -92.97910924127177)

Camping Opportunities:

National Park Service Island 112-02 | National Park Service

• Price: Free
• Number of sites: No designated sites, dispersed camping only
• Permit Required: No permit required if following compedium policies
• Reservations: First come, first served
• Services Provided: No services or designated sites.
• More information: 651-293-0200

Hazards

• Large Barges and Boats: This section of river has active commercial river traffic that includes barge tows. Stay out of the main channel and ensure barges are given a wide berth. It is very difficult for towboat pilots to see small canoe and kayaks. Some towboats kick up very large wakes, be prepared for wakes. 
• Stumpfields and wing dams: Remnent stumpfields and wing dams can be a hazard in low water. Check the interactive river map for where hazards are present and stay alert to avoid hitting these underwater hazards.