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St. Croix National Scenic Riverway wilderness guide
National Scenic Riverway · WI, MN

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities along its expansive waterways, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and recreation enthusiasts.

National Scenic Riverway92,7384+ Trails

Designation

National Scenic Riverway

Total Wilderness Area

92,738

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities along its expansive waterways, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and recreation enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Stretching over 200 miles across Wisconsin and Minnesota, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway preserves the pristine waters of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. The riverway is rich in both natural beauty and cultural history, home to diverse habitats including lush forests and open valleys. The area is known for its abundant wildlife, such as bald eagles, otters, and numerous fish species. Important in the history of Native American tribes and early European explorers, the riverway today offers a multitude of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking on tranquil waters, hiking through a series of trails offering both river and forest vistas, and camping at several designated sites along the river. Its scenic views, combined with the opportunity for solitude and peace, make it a popular place for visitors year-round.

Field Guide · National Scenic Riverway
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Saint Croix River★ 7.8⌖ 14 miCanoeing and Kayaking
Saint Croix River

Saint Croix River

Explore the serene Saint Croix River, straddling Minnesota and Wisconsin. With activities like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing, this destination is perfect for nature lovers. Located near Stillwater, MN, it's busy in summer but offers stunning views and abundant wildlife.

Canoeing and KayakingView Details→
Exploring Willow River State Park's Waterfall Wonders★ 8.5⌖ 23 miHiking
Willow River State Park

Exploring Willow River State Park's Waterfall Wonders

Explore Willow River State Park in Hudson, WI. Known for its stunning multi-tiered waterfall, enjoy hiking with family-friendly trails and wildlife viewing. Drive-in access makes it a convenient destination for spring and fall visits. Busy in summer.

Nolichucky River Fly Fishing in Knoxville★ 7.8⌖ 32 miFly Fishing
Knoxville

Nolichucky River Fly Fishing in Knoxville

Explore fly fishing on the Nolichucky River near Knoxville, TN. Offering a peaceful experience with chances to catch brown and rainbow trout, this location is ideal for adventure seekers in spring and fall. Drive-in access keeps it accessible but not overly crowded.

Fly FishingView Details→
Scenic Lake Phalen: A Natural Retreat in Minnesota★ 6.5⌖ 36 miPaddleboarding
Lake Phalen

Scenic Lake Phalen: A Natural Retreat in Minnesota

Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Minnesota features an easy 3.1-mile paved loop trail with lakeside views and small waterfalls. Ideal for paddleboarding, hiking, and picnics, it offers family-friendly recreation with playgrounds and boat rentals. Best visited late spring through early fall.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Lakeside Calm at Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis★ 6.8⌖ 46 miPaddleboarding
Lake Hiawatha

Lakeside Calm at Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis

Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis offers an easy, family-friendly lake experience with calm waters ideal for paddleboarding, walking trails, and birdwatching. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, it's a peaceful urban spot great for nature lovers and casual outdoor activities.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Scenic Lakeside Retreat at Lake Nokomis★ 7.5⌖ 47 miSwimming
Lake Nokomis

Scenic Lakeside Retreat at Lake Nokomis

Located in Minneapolis, Lake Nokomis offers an easy and accessible urban lake experience with swimming, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Popular in summer, the 2.7-mile paved trail circles the lake, making it great for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking relaxation and recreation.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Wild River State Park, with stunning river views and visitor resources✦ The confluence of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers, rich in wildlife✦ The historic Osceola Landing, providing insight into the region's history✦ Remote stretches of the Namekagon River for those seeking solitude and quiet
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee required; campfire permits needed for backcountry camping.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Trego Park Campground

Located near Trego, offering easy access to the Namekagon River for paddle sports.

Sand Creek Landing

A more rustic option right on the river, perfect for seasoned campers who enjoy river access.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Amery
⌖ 4.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Amery, Wisconsin

A friendly small town offering a mix of tranquil lakeside paddling, scenic trails for hiking and biking, and winter sports in a peaceful Northwoods setting.

Late Spring to Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowmobiling and ice fishingExplore Town
Dresser
⌖ 9.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dresser, Wisconsin

A peaceful small-town gateway to vibrant outdoor fun including hunting, paddling, and winter sports amidst scenic farmland and river valleys.

Spring through Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowmobiling and skiingExplore Town
Balsam Lake
⌖ 9.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Balsam Lake, Wisconsin

A tranquil lakeside retreat offering refreshing water-based adventures, forest trails, and year-round activities blending small-town warmth with natural charm.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Centuria
⌖ 10.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Centuria, Wisconsin

A quiet gateway to the scenic St. Croix River Valley, offering tranquil paddling, rugged trails, and peaceful woodland escapes with a warm Midwestern charm.

Spring through Fall for paddling and biking; Winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Taylor Falls
⌖ 11.40 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Taylor Falls, Minnesota

A scenic river town offering easy access to rugged gorge hiking, paddling on the St. Croix River, and year-round outdoor activities in a glacially carved landscape.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
St. Croix Falls
⌖ 11.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

A riverfront town offering outdoor enthusiasts access to water adventures, scenic hiking, and peaceful nature escapes in Northwest Wisconsin.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.