Namekagon River Canoe Paddle Adventure
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Paddle Wisconsin’s beautiful Namekagon River as it twists and turns through large cutbacks in glacial moraine lake country, a great place for novices and accomplished paddlers alike. Paddle past big sand “eskers,” winding sand hills created when the glaciers receded from the area, and paddle lively yet easily navigated rapids. Watch eagles soar and deer drink at the shoreline. Spot rare river otters along pine and balsam-lined banks. The Namekagon is a tributary of the St. Croix River and is protected by the National Park Service as a Wild and Scenic Riverway.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy campfire meals & snacks prepared together
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Your trip begins at County K Landing in Wisconsin. Review skills and begin your journey!
Your trip starts in the early afternoon at County K Landing on the Namekagon River in Wisconsin. After you arrive meet your trip mates, review personal gear, repack into Duluth packs, and participate in a canoe orientation. Launch the canoes after lunch and paddle a few miles to your first campsite at Whispering Pines. Talk about the days’ coming adventures around a campfire under the stars.
Day 2 – Search for bald eagles and herons as you paddle the winding waters of the Namekagon.
After breakfast, load gear into the canoes to continue down river. Expect to see bald eagles, herons, and other wildlife as you paddle. The sandy banks will bring you past white pines, hardwoods and marshes. After stopping for short breaks and lunch, you’ll end the day at Howell Landing. Enjoy a relaxing evening watching the sunset as you have dinner with your group.
Day 3 – Rise early for a 13 mile paddle through twists and turns and light rapids.
Rise with the sun to be on the river early. After breakfast, navigate approximately 13 miles down river. This section of the river has a number of twists and turns and some gentle rapids that give you the opportunity to perfect your paddling skills. Camp at the site of your choice between Webb Creek and Namekagon Trail Landing.
Day 4 – Break camp and paddle the final leg of the journey to Riverside Landing.
After breaking camp, pack up the canoes one last time for the final leg of the journey to Riverside Landing on the St. Croix. From Webb Creek paddle down river to the confluence of the Namekagon and the St. Croix Rivers. As the Namekagon joins the St. Croix River it becomes wider with fewer bends. Pay attention to water flow, as you will get a chance to test your new canoeing skills on small rapids near Big Island. The trip officially ends in the early afternoon after lunch.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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