Powerline
e
ac
tef
hi
W
RIVER
ite
fac
e
Mu
C
skr
at
47
Crreek
C
oo
dw
oo
2
8
8
8
33
r
n
He
e
or
fac
rvi
Cr
ee
k
Camerronn
Cameron
Lake
Ri
4
53
Cr
ee
k
Ri
ve
r
Tr
ai
l
42
Knife
Kn
nife
f
40
Eagle
Lake
43
Ri
ve
r
Ri
ve
r
Canosia
W.M.A.
er
Riv
Harbors
Harbo
H
bors
b
bo
ors
9
Cr
eek
Horseshoe
Lake
Arlberg
Culver
Riiver
Jacobson
Cree
k
40
Floodwood
River Level Gauge
11
44
Stan
ley
Jacobs
Lake
61
perior
Lake Su
Knife River
43
r
ve
Ri
Fl
5
44
n hi
Sunshine
k
Lake
Rivver
k
ee
Cr
75
Capta
t inn
er
ck
Su
d
r
12
S
Big
ch
en
Fr
OU
.L
T
S
te
ta
e
Shorre
r
ste
Le
ve
Ste
war
t
Knife
e
ttl
Wh
Maney
Lit
tle
Br
an
ch
ake
Li
River
er
66.0
Enter Whiteface Reservior, there is
a water access and a campsite at the
north end of the reservior.
66.0
Water access.
66.0
Dam. Short portage left around
dam.
64.9
Highway 4 bridge.
59.9(L) Confluence of Gimlet Creek.
53.5(L) Confluence of Palo Creek.
50.5
County Road 52 bridge.
48.8
Railroad trestle.
47.1(L) Confluence of Bug Creek.
40.5
County Road 52 bridge.
38.8
Powerline crosses.
We
st
44
r
ve
Ri
rosit
Spid
Cr
Powerline
Aerie
Lake
Ri
IS
Maple Leaff
Lake
Baden
80
le
Litt
RIVER MILE
Bir
Birch
29
Powerline
73
47
ek
5
5
Co Rd 29
Cre
Otter
7
4
Esswhtar
Lake
ife
Kn
Powerline
Highway 53 bridge, City of Cotton.
Confluence of Paleface River.
County Road 52 bridge.
Confluence of Deadman’s Creek.
Powerline crosses.
Confluence of Jenkins Creek.
County Road 7 bridge.
Railroad trestle.
Railroad trestle.
Class I rapids.
Confluence of Joki Creek.
County Road 29 bridge.
Confluence of Little Whiteface
River.
13.0
County Road 133 bridge.
9.5
Powerline crosses.
8.2
County Road 5 bridge.
6.2 (L) Confluence of Otter Creek.
4 (L) Confluence of Spider Creek.
0
Whiteface enters the St. Louis River
at River Mile 78.5.
Riv
er
k
10
Whiteface
e
River
State
Forest
st
38.2
36.5(R)
34.5
31.5(R)
30.5
29.5(L)
27.5
27.5
26.5
26.2
26.0(R)
23.0
15.5(L)
Lieuna
Lake
Kn
ife
Skun
29
85
* Whiteface has no recreational manangement,
users should be aware that area is primitive
with no formal facilities.
133
133
(n ot a d e s ig n at e d w at e r t r ail)
t
Riv
15
Meadowlands
k
Schisler
Lake
NOTE: (R) and (L) represent right and left banks of
the river when facing downstream.
er
Cr
ee
eek
Cr
Little
e
Littl
Rush
Lake
eek
Cre
ek
face
Cloquet
oquet V
Valley
alley State
e Forestt
ck
er
White
Long
Lake
Bug
Kauppi
Lake
Rou te Desc ri p ti on of the W hi tefa c e R i ver
Payne
Powerline
Williams
Lake
st
We
122.5-121.2 Class I rapids.
121.0 Powerline crosses.
121.0(R) Watercraft campsite.
120.8(R) Confluence of West Two Rivers.
116.3 County Road 312 bridge.
113.0(R) Carry-in access, County Road 27 bridge.
110.1(L) Watercraft campsite.
107.1(L) Watercraft campsite.
106.5 Railroad trestle.
105.2 County Road 436 bridge.
99.0 (L) Confluence of Stony Creek, long series of class I
rapids.
99.0 (L) Watercraft campsite.
98.9
Class I rapids and small island.
98.4
County Road 230 bridge.
98.0 (R) Confluence of East Swan River.
94.2 (L) Carry-in access, County Road 52 bridge.
93.8 (R) Confluence of Sand Creek.
90.8 (L) Watercraft campsite.
90.0
County Road 156 bridge.
89.2
Powerline crosses.
87.1
County Road 133 bridge.
81.3
Powerline crosses.
80.7
County Road 29 bridge.
79.4 (L) Confluence of Whiteface River.
78.5 (R) Carry-in access.
78.0 (L) Watercraft campsite.
75.8
Powerline crosses.
72.9 (R) Water access .5 mile up on Floodwood River.
River level gauge.
72.8
County Road 8 bridge, City of Floodwood.
72.5 (R) Confluence of Floodwood River.
Su
r
ve
Ri
R.R.
IRON RANGE R.R.
FE
Little Whiteface
River W.M.A.
Jenkins
Whiteface
River
7
Cr
Bug
Bo
u
30
SANTA
Elmer
Strand
Lake
53
&
20
90
Cotton
Kelsey
Dumblane
133
ve
r
iC
Jok
I
25
52
45
40
35
it
Wh
Palo
50
.
DW & P R.R
5
Powerline
Deadman’s Cr.
r.
DULTUH, MISSABE &
NORTHERN
52
efa
ce
Dent
Lake
Lower
Comstock
Lake
55
Cameron
Lake
59
Creek
dge
Cooli
Schubert
Lake
Sax
W
M
W.M.A.
Cr.
Comstock
Lake
eek
Cr
G ON
BURLINGT
k
ee
Cr
95
5
Wilson
Lake
let
Gim
Br
an
ch
r
Sand
J
60
Bear
Lake
28
Cr
ee
k
83
Toivola
Berg
Lake
Dinham
Lake
Zim
W.M.A.
ny
4
To
28
Sto
k
ee
Cr
dle
r
ve
Ri
r
we
83
I
a
oul
ite
at
59
Fermoy
Fermoy
F
W.M.A.
W
.M.A.
k
Cr
ee
Morcom
Lake
e
fac
7
100
Sh
ive
Cr
ee
k
Cr
ee
k
65
bc
Creek
k
ee
Cr
e
Pa
r tr
Ri
ve
r
S Access
Hay
Lake
Bo
105
5
Toivo
T
Toivola
Stati
Station
Markham
Lake
Augusta
le
Pa
R.R
OU C
OUIS
CO.
O.
LAKE
K C
CO.
O.
Fens
East Stone
CO
.
.
No
Pa
Cloquet
Valley
V ey Stone
Vall
Lake
State
Forest
Casco
River
108
Murphy
Lake
83
Hjalmer
Lake
ST. LOUIS CO.
CO.
LAKE CO
CO.
O.
er
Riv
rrass
Emba
Crreek
C
ne Lake
Stone
IS
ST
.L
OU
Hen
Re
se
110
R.
W
Seven Beaver Lake. Carry-in access south of
lake on Round Lake. Access accessible only by
ATV.
198.7 Railroad trestle.
193.6(R) Confluence of Stone Creek.
188.5(R) Skibo Landing water access.
188.5(R) Confluence of Laird Creek.
183.9(L) County Road 110 bridge, carry-in access.
181.4(R) Hush carry-in access.
181.9(R) Confluence of Hush Creek.
175.2(L) County Road 346 water access.
172.2 County Road 346 bridge.
164.6(R) Confluence of Partridge River.
164.2 County Road 100 bridge.
151.9 State Highway 4 bridge.
148.1 County Road 108 bridge.
144.5(R) County Road 95 carry-in access, bridge.
141.1(R) Confluence of Embarrass River.
136.0 County Road 957 bridge.
134.4(L) Confluence of Mud Hen Creek.
132.9 US Highway 53 bridge.
129.5 Railroad trestle.
128.7 Powerline crosses.
128.6 Powerline crosses.
127.9(R) Carry-in access, Forbes Dam. Portage on right.
126.9 Powerline crosses.
125.9(L) Carry-in access, County Road 7 bridge.
125.8 Railroad trestle.
124.1(R) Confluence of Elbow River.
123.4 County Road 788 borders the river, no bridge.
Linwood
Lake
Little
Markham
L
Lake
.
R.R
Perch
Lake
kkila
Hiekkila
Lake
Mud
Lake
.
Br
200
USFS Campgrounds
4
FIC
CI
PA
27
Round
Lake
ch
Markham
Lake
&
Zim
ce
efa
hit
(reflects most likely canoe route, paddling distances may vary)
South
Section 14
ter
Wa
G
27
Zim
Access
R.
PE
&
FE
er
at
W
NI
Bluebill Lake
Forest
RIVER MILE
an
Br
IN
7
SA
NT
A
Little Mud
Hen Lake
W
Onega
National
NOTE: (R) and (L) represent right and left banks of the river
when facing downstream.
r
ate
W
M
Makinen
Mud
,
120
115
25
16
Mud Hen
Lake
Hen
Twin Lake
TH
ER
N
Coe
Lake
166
16
TH
I
Powerline
NO
53
Little Tony
Lake
Forbes
Access
Clover
Lake
Loon
o
L
Lake
a
ake
ek
Cre
LU
ER
ers
5
Powerlines
Pine
Lake
Ro u te De sc rip tio n o f th e Up p e r St. L o u is Rive r
4
Cedar
Lake
Sayer
Lake
130
RIV
Riv
BU
RL
IN
GT
ON
95
140
DU
Riley
100
145
Half Moon
Lake
135
Long
Lake
N.
Co Rd 315
16
125
108
Wh
Elbo
w
rs
16
Forbes
346
He
n
ek
Cre
Keenan
190
110
Superior
Frying Pan
Lake
Palo
150
Cr.
ve
Ri
Two
T
25
95
Pleasant
Lake
Harvey Lake
Forbes Townline Rd
Dam
Moon
Lake
Peary
7
y
Ha
Two
T
W
Che
h rr
Cherr
NORTH
Cr
.
Long
Lake
Hwy 110
G
rk
Kirk
Designated Public Land
W.M.A. = Wildlife Management Area
St. Mary’s
Lake
195
IN
25
37
Sp
p
Spruce
h
Ramshaw
Round
Lake
IN
R.
R.
Co Rd 346
South Twin
Lake
Lost
Lake
Ely
Rapids
Mud
Lake
M
I
RE
4522
&
185
Cr.
155
er
v
ea
nB
ve ke
Se La
175
Elbow
L
Easst
DM
Skibo
Skibo
200
O
100
Bass
Lake
180
Neff
Lake
North Twin
Lake
7
River Mile
Stone
Lake
Skibo Mill
sh
L
Lake
Scott
k
IRON R
ANGE
ER
Hu
Watercraft Campsite
&
RIV
Hush
170
Silver
Lake
Horseshoe Lake
De Forest
Forest
st
H
Hibbing
IS
Esquagama
Lake
Leaf
L
Lake
BE
SH
37
, M
I
110
LOU
ttitt
ettit
Eveleth
Campground
Dam
ST.
TH
R.
Doherty
Doh
Do
o rty
ohe
Lake
ake
k
165
Cr
ee
SSA
Whitewater
Lake
4
Salt Lake
Largo
Water Access
73
160
Gilbe
Mid
Midway
Swamp
Lake
in
Cranberry
Lake
R.
Forge
Fo
F
rrge
ge
Lake
135
Carry-in Access
Cedar Island Lake
Lake
White
Lake
LU
Hoyt Lakes
lw
H
RT
O
100
DU
Big
Lake
Co
r.
110
McKinley
y
Elcor
110
0
N
irginia
ni
I R.R
.
Pa
rtr
idg
e
Aurrora
a
Aurora
110
DM &
Ri
ve
r
ineville
Belgrade Cave
ve
Lake
Belgrade
La
ird
C
r
ve
Ri
Mountain
tain Iron
Ir n
idg
Superior National
a
Forest
r
Whiteface River)
Ri
ve
r
A S T A T E WA T E R T R A I L G U I D E T O T H E U P P E R S T. L O U I S R I V E R ( I n c l u d e s t h e
0
0
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5 Miles
5 Kilometers
© 2014 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources
.
T
S
R
E
P
P
U S RIVER
I
U
O
L
A
STATE
WATER
TRAIL
GUIDE
TO
THE
UPPER
ST.
LOUIS
RIVER
(Includes
the
Whiteface
River)
ATER
W
E
T
A
A ST AIL Guide
TR
“...in that moment when you ease the canoe from the bank into the
current, you sense that you are a part of something very old and precious.
It is a moment that should be guarded jealously and handed down with
care.” John C. Sawhill Forward from The River Reader
Minnesota State Parks and Trails
mndnr.gov/watertrails
CANADA
through beautiful stands of aspen, birch, maple,
red and white pine, spruce and fir.
The Whiteface River, a major tributary of the
St. Louis River, is about 60 miles long, and is
narrow (rarely exceeding 50 feet wide). The
banks are mostly undeveloped with fir, spruce,
aspen, birch, river maple, and pine forests, though
there are a few farms.
Ely
1
pi
Grand
Rapids
i
61
ou
L
St.
eR
r
fac
ite
Wh
ive
Two
Harbors
R
et
qu
53 Clo
2
ke
e
Sup
La
River
Duluth
Aitkin
23
61
Mille
Lacs
Lake
35
Due to the river’s remoteness, paddlers may
see gray (timber) wolves, black bear, moose,
beaver, turtles, otters, white-tailed deer, great blue
herons, and osprey, as well as songbirds.
W
I
S
C
O
N
S
I
N
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This information is available in alternative
format upon request.
Minnesota State Parks and Trails
Regional Unit:
1201 East Highway 2 Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 999-7923
Online water trail information and maps can be
found at mndnr.gov/watertrails
DNR Information Center
The DNR’s Information Center is available to provide free
publications of facilities and services as well as answers questions
pertaining to DNR recreational opportunities in Minnesota.
The DNR Information Center
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
651-296-6157 Metro Area
1-888-646-6367 MN Toll-Free
mndnr.gov
You can make a difference by joining the DNR
Adopt-a-River Program. Be a clean up volunteer
for a portion of your favorite recreation area. Call
the DNR Information Center for a brochure.
This publication was produced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in cooperation
with: Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, St. Louis River Board Special thanks to: Len
Anderson, Katharine Johnson, Lynelle Hanson
Organizations working to protect the river system:
-St. Louis River Citizens Action Commitee (218) 733-9520
-St. Louis Riverwatch (218) 879-0789
All photos: Holly Sandbo
© 2014 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Fishing
Fishing can be good with northern pike,
walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and
sunfish found in these rivers. Because the river
system has such a good fish population, it is
necessary to know the health hazards of eating
fish.
History
The streams and rivers of northern Minnesota
are the result of glacial activity thousands of
years ago. Because northern Minnesota rivers
flow through bog areas, the water is often
coffee-colored. This comes from the tannic acid
in the bog plants.
Mercury contamination is a problem in the
entire watershed. Keep the smaller fish for
eating. Release the larger, older fish which have
a higher concentration of contamination. Eat
smaller portions when you do eat bigger fish.
Since the receding of the glaciers more than
10,000 years ago, humans have lived in and used
the natural resources of the St. Louis watershed.
Artifacts of the Paleo-Indians have been collected
and extensively studied. Pieces of stone, pottery,
and even some copper tools have been preserved.
People, especially women of childbearing age
and children should strictly adhere to these
guidelines. Complete information is available
from the Minnesota Department of health,
1-800-627-3529.
The St. Louis River was an important link
between Lake Superior and trading posts on the
Mississippi River and Vermilion Lake. The rivers
were also important to the fur trade and logging
industries.
Today, the river is increasingly important as a
place of remote beauty, a sanctuary for many
species of wildlife, and a source of recreation.
St. Louis River
The St. Louis River watershed is one of the
largest in Minnesota and is the largest that feeds
Lake Superior. The river’s uppermost section
flows through remote, forested areas, bluffs, and
wooded hills. The middle section is characterized
by the flat bed of the now dry glacial Lake
Upham, woods, and wetlands. For the most part,
the river is wild and forested. There are a few
farms, homes, and small towns.
Like the Whiteface, the upper St. Louis
supports unique wildlife and fish, and offers
wonderful opportunities to canoe and kayak
NEAR FORBES ACCESS; HOLLY SANDBO
169
sip
i
sR
r
rio
r
ve
ssis
Grand
Marais
Vermilion Lake
LEN ANDERSON
Lit
53
tle
Fo
rk
Ri
ve
r
1
sun-warmed banks or bars, elevated above water,
and relatively free of vegetation. Please be
cautious and limit use around possible turtle
nesting areas. Damage could occur if nesting
areas
are disturbed.
a
Whiteface River
Rainy
Lake
71
Mi
The Upper St. Louis and Whiteface
Rivers
(Seven Beaver Lake to Floodwood)
Enjoy!
E
HWY 53 BRIDGE, NEAR COTTON; HOLLY SANDBO
International
Falls
FORBES ACCESS/DAM ON COUNTY ROAD 16; HOLLY SANDBO
It will be
ddelightful for you
tto use all of your
ssenses during your
jjourney. The
sspring peepers will
nnever pause in their
sshrill calling as you
sslip by them.
Listen for the
L
eevening calls of
oowls or the screech
oof nesting raptors.
Listen closely in
L
JJune and July to
the teacher, teacher, teacher of the ovenbird or the
deep forest trill of a veery.
Rating Whitewater
Rivers and rapids are rated according to the
International Scale of River Difficulty. Ratings
are estimates based on observations at low or
moderate water levels or on secondhand reports.
The following three classes are found on the
Upper St. Louis and Whiteface rivers.
CLASS I. Easy rapids with small waves and few
obstructions.
CLASS II. Rapids with waves up to three feet
high. Some maneuvering is required.
CLASS III. Difficult rapids with high, irregular
waves capable of swamping an open canoe.
Narrow chutes may require extensive
maneuvering. Usually considered the limit for an
experienced paddler in an open canoe.
Planning a Safe River Trip
A successful river trip is safe. To enjoy a safe
journey, you should be prepared by acquainting
yourself with your route. Choose a distance that is
comfortable for you. Water levels can speed up
or slow down your trip. Get information about
water levels from the regional DNR office, DNR
website, or DNR Information Center. Protect the
water and shorelands and leave nothing behind
you except footprints. Remember that much of
the shorelands are privately owned.
Trip Planning
•
•
•
•
•
•
Turtles
The Whiteface and St. Louis are home to four
species of turtles. The painted turtle is the most
common. More rare are the snapping, Blanding’s
and wood turtles. Due to their rarity, the most
important thing to remember about turtles and all
wildlife is to leave them alone.
Crucial to the long-term survival of turtles is a
safe nesting place. These species require sandy,
•
•
•
Camp only in designated campsites, which are
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bring drinking water. It is only available at a
limited number of rest areas. Drinking river
water is not recommended, but if you do it
must be treated.
Respect private property. Stop only at
designated sites; much of the shoreland is
private property.
Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or
bury human waste away from the river.
Travel with a companion or group. Plan your
trip with a map before you depart and advise
someone of your plans, including planned
departure and arrival times.
Most people paddle two to three river miles
per hour.
Bring a first-aid kit that includes waterproof
matches.
Be cautious of river obstructions, such as
overhanging and dead trees in the water.
You must pack out all trash.
Leave only footprints; take only photographs!
WEST OF HWY 52 BRIDGE, WHITEFACE RIVER; HOLLY SANDBO
Boating Information
Sustainable Ecosystems
•
Outdoor recreation is dependent on a healthy and
attractive natural environment. Sustainable outdoor
recreation enables people to enjoy the outdoors
without negative impacts on the environment.
•
•
•
*The following classes are not found on these
rivers, but are here for your reference.
CLASS IV. Long, turbulent rapids with high,
irregular waves, constricted passages, and blind
drops. Decked canoes and kayaks only; open
canoes should be portaged.
CLASS V. Long, violent rapids with complex
routes and steep drops or waterfalls. Hazard to
life in the event of a mishap. Runnable only by
experts in decked boats.
CLASS VI. Cannot be attempted without great
risk to life.
•
Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal
flotation device that state law requires to be
on board the craft.
Bring an extra paddle.
Not all portions of this water trail are suitable
for motor use.
Register your
NEAR TOIVOLA ACCESS; HOLLY SANDBO
watercraft.
All watercraft
more than 9
feet in length,
including
nonmotorized
canoes and
kayaks, must
be registered
in Minnesota
or your state
of residence.
Communities working together can improve water
resources by promoting environmentally sensitive
land-use practices along rivers and throughout
watersheds. Natural shoreline buffers improve water
w
qquality by filtering out pollutants and sediments.
Healthy and diverse native shoreline plant
ccommunities are attractive and provide important
hhabitat for birds and wildlife.
Natural
Shorelands
40% evaporation
10% runoff
50% infiltration
Rest Areas
and Camping
Sites
•
Public rest
areas are
available along the route to rest, picnic and
explore.
Altered Shorelands
30% evaporation
55% runoff
15% infiltration