Pembina
Walhalla: County 55 to County 32 (10.5 miles)
| Difficulty | I |
| Length | 11 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Pembina River at Walhalla, Nd |
| Flow Rate as of 48 minutes | 1140 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 9, 2026 |
River Description
While mostly characterized as a scenic flatwater float, this river is host to what is often (mistakenly) reported as 'the only whitewater' to be found in the state of North Dakota. An area of Class I boulder-garden rapids lies upstream of Walhalla.
Aaron Kennedy provides:
I've had the opportunity to run this river on a couple of occasions. This river is runnable down to ~300-350cfs or so. At this level, do expect to scrape bottom a few times. In addition, numerous boulders become exposed requiring navigation at several small ledges/drops. As such, I'd rate a portion of the river as class II . . . it isn't just riffles. A much better level to run it is around 600cfs. This erases most of the scrapes.
Primary hazard along this river is strainers, however, at least at lower water levels (600cfs and lower), flow is pretty slow so they are easily avoidable. Plenty of places to get out and stretch along the way.
Primary put-in is at the County 55 Bridge. While not confirmed, there may be access farther north near the Canadian border. I'll investigate this reach one of these days.
Take-Out at County 32 Bridge in Walhalla or possibly at their riverside park. Overall, just a fun river to paddle down in the summer. Great for introducing friends to a little whitewater with not much danger.
River Features
Put In
Park roadside on County 55 / 104th Street NE, then carry up a dirt path to a rocky area.
Take Out
Some paddlers may prefer extending the trip just a bit further, to take out at Riverside Park.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportFor nearly 3 years I lived 150 miles south of the Pembina Gorge and was able to do the run about 15 time at flows ranging from 400 cfs to 12,000 cfs.
For experienced whitewater boaters, optimal flows for surfing low angle glass waves appear to be between 3,000-3,500 cfs. The local outfitters in Walhalla rent recreational boats to tourists to float the river at summer time flows, (below 1,000 cfs (?) ) when the river has a different character.
Above 5,000 cfs the Pembina Gorge rapids mostly wash out and it makes sense to go over to the Little Pembina for 12 miles of continous class 2-3+ boogie of a few hundred cfs in a mineature canyon. Sadly this enters the main Pembina just downstream of the primary rapids.
A shorter run of 3 1/4 miles that captures most of the rapids is possible if you take out at the Brick Mine Bridge. It is odd to take out midway down a long small class 2 rapid in North Dakota. However, it will save many miles of flatwater and make for a short shuttle.
There are more waves than the video link below shows, but it is hard to take out and set up tripod in most spots due to a tricky shore.
The river bottom is composed of heavy mud that is able to hold it's shape well enough to make up rapids. Mini-root cliff embankments block exit for long stretches of the river and make for a hidden peril to novice boaters. Finally, many beaches are actually quicksand. So maintain caution on this unique hazard.
april 18 1054 cfs good running. no scrapes very fast and lots of good waves. lots of fun. the first big one about 20 minutes downstream is a hoot. hiked it to hit it again.
There is access farther north just shy of the canadian border. it is hard to access you would need a four wheeler or capable off road machine to tow/haul boats. but it is a very remote fun section of river.
Put-In for the Pembina River. Small dirt path leads to a rocky area just north of the County 55 Bridge near Vang,ND.
Typical Afternoon route for the Pembina River in ND. Put in at the Veng (County 55 Road) Bridge and take out at Walhalla (County 32 Bridge or Riverside park).
First Take-Out along the Pembina in Walhalla. Seems commonly used; A path is usually weed-whacked.