The “Be Moved” trip down the entire St. Croix River kicked off last Wednesday at the river’s headwaters in Solon Springs, Wisconsin. The trip, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the St. Croix River Association, got off to a great start. The first update came in this weekend:
After a great celebratory kick off with the Barley Jacks the evening before, more than 50 paddlers had their first morning safety briefing on an absolutely picture perfect summer morning.
More than 50 paddlers and 31 vessels set off on their first day -- Solon Springs to Gordon Dam.
Coming to Cutaway BridgeView of the paddlers coming to the Cut-Away Bridge on the first morning.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press printed a story about the trip in yesterday’s paper. Outdoors editor Dave Orrick said the trip is intended to celebrate the river, especially its upper reaches:
Pioneer Press photo. Click to view slideshow.
Although the Lower St. Croix is well-known for motorized boat action, the upper part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway boasts riverbank wilderness campsites and a host of outfitting and shuttle services.
Paddling difficulty is generally nothing to fear – but potentially fun with riffles and standing waves in some stretches. More experienced canoeists and kayakers can check flow levels and seek out Class II and III rapids in high water.
Fishing ranges from solid to outstanding, with smallmouth bass the star attraction in the middle portion of the river. Walleye, sturgeon and muskie are among the species to target downstream.
Advance registration was required to camp with the entire SCRA flotilla during the July 5-22 journey, but day-trippers are welcome to tag along, as long as they’re self-sufficient and understand there won’t be space for them to camp with the rest of the gang.
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