Brule

A) USFS1378/315/Lima Grde to Timber Creek landing (14.8 miles)

Reach banner
DifficultyI-II(IV)
Length14.5 mi
Avg Gradient20 fpm
Reach Info Last UpdatedApril 29, 2015

River Description

This long upper reach of the Brule is mostly what might be considered a 'canoe tripping' run, containing many areas of low-grade shoals, riffles, and rips (likely class I-II) rapids. However, it also has at least one stretch of nearly 3/4ths of a mile with atypical gradient and what appears to be a rock dike which may form a far more challenging rapids. It is possible this short stretch may be done as a park and carry (parkk and play) short trip for more serious whitewater boaters looking for the best action on this upper stretch of river.


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Gunflint Trail

Distance: 4.8 mi
Access Point
Gunflint Trail

This could be used as egress for a short run on the uppermost section of decent gradient: 4.8 miles at about 22FPM overall, with one mile at about 37FPM.

USFS 144

Distance: 8.2 mi
Access Point
USFS 144

Possible access (put-in) for a short section of steeper gradient.

Rock Dike

Class: III+Distance: 8.6 mi
Hazard
Waterfall / Large Drop
Rock Dike

From aerial views online, there appears to be a significant transverse dike of rock amid a stretch of increased gradient. It is mere conjecture, but I'm thinking this stretch is likely to be class III with good water, and this spot in particular may push into class IV territory. (We'd love a first-hand report here! Anyone? Photos?)

Lullaby Creek

Distance: 8.9 mi
Access Point
Lullaby Creek

The road (Gunflint Trail / 12) is very nearby where Lullaby Creek enters from river-right. This could be a convenient landing for anyone wanting to do a short run of the best gradient on this upper reach.

Wayside/Landing

Distance: 11.9 mi
Access Point
Wayside/Landing

Less than 1/4-mile after Greenwood Lake Road (USFS 309), there is a fine looking landing off the Gunflint Trail.

Landing

Distance: 14.8 mi
Take Out
Access Point
Landing

Perhaps not as large as the wayside/landing at mile 11.9, but this appears to provide fine egress for running to just shy of the flatwater of Northern Light Lake not far downstream.


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