Kinnickinnic (St.Croix trib)
West Park Street to CTH.F (7.6 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 7.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 15 fpm |
| Gauge | Kinnickinnic River Near River Falls, Wi |
| Flow Rate as of 56 minutes | 89 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 28, 2021 |
Projects
The Kinnickinnic River runs through downtown River Falls, Wisconsin, where it has been historically altered by two hydroelectric developments: Junction Falls and Powell Falls. The River Falls Hydroelectric Project, licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as Project No. 10489, included both dams, which together inundated a series [...]Read More
River Description
The popularity of this trip is evident if you zoom in (on the aerial/satellite view) and scan your way down the river. You will notice a great many kayaks on the water or pulled ashore (or on sandbars, etc), either private trips or (far more likely) from an outfitter running trips on this river.
Expect to find numerous areas of shoals, riffles, rips, and even a few solid rapids (though generally nothing too intimidating, after all, they do put dozens upon dozens of neophytes in open-cockpit kayaks on this stretch).
And (having said that), you can get a look at what to expect on this stretch of river from this video of a recreational kayaker's run: YouTube Vid of Lower Kinnickinnic
River Features
Put In
Drive to (park at) Glen Park Pickleball Courts then walk a path (the South Kinnickinnic River Trail) to below the dam to put in.
Take Out: CTH.F
We recommend taking out here. While there are a few more areas of shoals, riffles and rips in the ~1.9 miles downstream (to the mouth of the Kinnickinnic), the gradient is much dimished, and you will have a longer walk/carry to where you can park a shuttle vehicle.
Additionally, on any sort of pleasant sunny day, the Kinnickinnic Sandbar (at the St.Croix) is likely to be filled with powerboats and people (drinking and partying).
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI had trouble with the grid quadrants and GPS in this area.Take out is 8057 Cr-f Clifton,WI 54022 . Put in is Glen park 355w park st,river falls WI 54022 .