Pigeon
B) Old Hwy.61/MN89 to Hwy.61 (8 miles)
| Difficulty | II-III+(V) |
| Length | 8.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 42 fpm |
| Gauge | Pigeon River at Middle Falls Nr Grand Portage Mn |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 1940 cfsabove recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 3, 2018 |
River Description
This river is the US/Canadian border. The put-in is on tribal land (of the Grand Portage band Ojibway) and may be disputed. (Recommend putting in 150 yards downstream of former bridge, to reduce possible conflicts with property owner.) Portage (for all mortal boaters) at Pigeon Falls. Take out is near customs station.
Jason Stingl provides (2005-07-01):
There is a waterfall on the Pigeon that is accessable from the Canadian side. I think it is called Middle Falls. It is about 15 feet or so and kind of a horse shoe shaped drop. There is a hole upstream of the drop about 200 yards that might be fun in a playboat if you weren't too worried about the drop below (there is a rock-bar downsteam of the hole so it would be pretty safe). Not sure what level it comes in at. I think I ran it around 1500 cfs. Probably a class IV.
River Features
Put In
Middle Falls (USGS Gauge location)
This falls is listed at 20'. Satellite view appears to show three separate pitches or features. The upper has the river squeezed through a center-slot. The middle is a much-lesser ledge which (reportedly, at some flows) forms a playable wave. The final pitch appears it may be labeled as 'Little Falls'.
Jason Stingl provides (2005-07-01):
There is a waterfall on the Pigeon that is accessible from the Canadian side. I think it is called Middle Falls. It is about 15 feet or so and kind of a horse shoe shaped drop. There is a hole upstream of the drop about 200 yards that might be fun in a playboat if you weren't too worried about the drop below (there is a rock-bar downstream of the hole so it would be pretty safe). Not sure what level it comes in at. I think I ran it around 1500 cfs. Probably a class IV.
Further info and pictures may be found at Go Waterfalling.
Pigeon Falls (AKA High Falls)
This is listed as the highest falls in Minnesota, with a height (varyingly stated) from 120-150'. Satellite view appears to show a large falls, followed (perhaps) by a short sequence of smaller falls or rapids.
Further info and pictures may be found at Go Waterfalling.
Take Out
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