River Ramblers Affiliate

An Organization dedicated to leisurely-paced river paddling with emphasis on enjoying the great outdoors.Individual and family participation is encouraged. We offer both quiet and whitewater trips. An Affiliate of the MCA.

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RIVER RAMBLERS TRIP SCHEDULE FOR 2003

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME FOR ONE DAY OF MULTIPLE-DAY TRIPS

April Trips

May Trips

June Trips

July Trips

August Trips

September Trips

October Trips

.Class Abbreviations

1 = BEGINNER; 2 = NOVICE; 3 = INTERMEDIATE; 4 =EXPERT

C = CANOE; K = KAYAK; R = RAFT

TRIP LEADERS

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WHITEWATER TRIPS

APRIL 12, RICE CREEK, Class 2C - 2K(*)

It's nearby; meandering through New Brighton and Fridley on an unusually winding course through narrow wooded canyons and luxurious suburban backyards. Rice Creek is awarm-up for both whitewater beginner and veteran. We'll show you how to make the numerous 90 and 180 degree turns that the creek offers. If the water level is high, the swift current, narrow width, and many turns will give you the basic skills needed to get you around those nasty rocks on other whitewater trips. We will go through several culverts that often have standing waves or ripples.Get the feel of whitewater without the danger. It's fun! The lunch spot is a grassy peninsula half way through the trip; just when the paddlers are in need of a rest.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952/888-4797

APRIL 19, SNAKE RIVER, Class2C - 2K (*)

This is an enjoyable 12 mile trip from Pine City to the mouth of the Snake on the St. Croix. You can expect easy current with some rock-dodging opportunities for maneuvering experience. In high water this is one fast rollicking ride with thrills at every bend. Either way, plan to gain some whitewater experience and see beautiful scenery.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952/888-4797 DNR Route Description

APRIL 26, FLAMBEAU RIVER,Class 2C - 2K (*)

APRIL 27, MONTREAL RIVER (NO ALUMINUM CANOES),Class 4C - 3K (*)

This series of one-day trips traverses the spectrum of whitewater. Choose one or both! The Flambeau provides a constant level of challenge on nationally renowned rapids. Time for you to practice maneuvering around rocks and into chutes through ten named rapids in just four hours. Large standing waves up to Class III should be anticipated. The northern Wisconsin scenery and wildlife are breathtaking. On Sunday the more experienced canoeist can tackle the Montreal's constant Class II and III rapids, canoeing between sheer cliffs of weathered sandstone and overledges. Because of the many rocks, NO ALUMINUM CANOES are allowed on this trip.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952/888-4797

MAY 3, KETTLE RIVER, Class 4C - 3K(*)

This trip features fast water and long, difficult rapids which require whitewater skill and knowledge. This is the test for whitewater graduation. This trip is inspiring in high water, and requires deftness and skill in low water. The river drops through a deep gorge from Banning State Park to Sandstone. Quiet water canoeists and camera bugs are invited to come watch the experts.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952/888-4797 DNR Route Description

MAY 24-26, VERMILION RIVER (KAYAKING/RAFTING, LIMITED PLACES), Class 3K - 4R (*)

WESTERN WHITEWATER IN MINNESOTA? And we are the only club to raft it! The trip features a boat ride across "TheGorge" which has 80-foot sheer rock walls and an abundance of standing waves. This is only a warm up for the next day on the spectacular twenty feet of cascading thunder known as "Table Rock Falls", followed by a mile of sheer delight and roller coaster-like standing waves. You'll tell stories about this trip for years tocome. At night relax at the DNR campsite on the shores of Echo Lake. Bring your own raft or rent space in one of ours. Space is limited so make your reservations now! You must be a good swimmer. Wet suits are a must for warmth.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952/888-4797 DNR Route Description

MAY 24-26, CLOQUET RIVER(Class 2C - 1K) (*)

Indian Lake to Island Lake (35 miles). Canoe camping on a relatively remote, scenic, wildlife rich section of the Cloquet. In the last three years we never seen more than one other canoe group on the river in three days. The river runs through an assortment of habitats giving excellent and varied scenery. Basic river canoeing and wilderness camping skills are needed. This section has eight named Class I and II rapids, all runnable but with well marked DNR maintained portages for those who prefer to walk. The route has several DNR canoe campsites and, depending on water levels, lots of sandbars that are suitable for camping. Aluminum canoes are not recommended unless you intend to portage all the rapids. Details and Registration.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: HANK WELLS AT 651/638-1913 DNR Route Description

JULY 19 & 20, BRULE RIVER(KAYAKING, MUST RESERVE EARLY ), Class 2C - 1K (*)

Have you ever thought you would like to try kayaking? The Brule is the place to be on this weekend for rookie and veteran alike. There's no need to cart your equipment around, we have an outfitter to do it for us. Theoutfitter provides: kayak, paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, helmet and shuttle service. All you need to bring is your camping gear. Every year, beginners try kayaking and have fun on the river. Being a daredevil is not required, just an ordinary person who wants to try something new. On Saturday we put in on an easier section of the river to get the feel for currents and mild rapids. The entire Saturday trip takes about four hours, which allows time at the campground for a fire as well as a swim in a beautiful lake. Sunday we run several enjoyable rapids. Cost in past years for the Saturday night camping fee and kayak rental for two days has been approximately $40. For guaranteed spots reserve four (4) weeks prior to trip; later reservations ONLY if space is available.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952/888-4797

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QUIETWATER TRIPS

April 5, MINNESOTA RIVER, Class 1C - 1K

Come paddle the river that was named after this great state. Wide and scenic with plenty of wildlife, this river flows through the south metro and is the only wildlife refuge so close to a metropolitan area. We will be paddling past Murphy's Landing (a village from the 1800's that was established along the river). Also, see one of the most unique bridges ever built across the Minnesota River. We are planning a 15.5-miletrip from Shakopee to the 35W bridge. Loosen up those muscles for the long summer ahead.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: MARK DEBOER AT 952/926-4675 DNR Route Description

MAY 3 & 4, UPPER KICKAPOO RIVER, Class 2C-2K

Located in southwestern Wisconsin's "HiddenValley", the Kickapoo River meanders through limestone bluffs and through long narrow valleys. Join us for a quiet water spring cruise on what is regarded as one of the most scenic rivers in the Upper Midwest as we paddle from Ontario to LaFarge, WI. We will have a group campsite at the spectacular Wildcat Mountain State Park. Canoe rentals are available in Ontario.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: KEVIN HANNON AT 612/824-2241

MAY 11, UPPER MINNEHAHA CREEK, Class 2C - 2K

If you liked Rice Creek and the Lower Minnehaha,you will also enjoy the Upper Minnehaha. You paddle through some swamps and down some drops to hone your whitewater skills. Paddle past homes with manicured lawns and see the western suburbs from a different point of view.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: PAUL STREETER AT 651/765-2546

MAY 17, LOWER MINNEHAHA CREEK, Class 2C - 2K

If you liked Rice Creek, the Lower Minnehaha offers all of the same amenities: sharp turns, narrow width, low bridges and spots of fast moving water. Paddle under many scenic bridges, alongside beautiful Minnehaha Parkway,and through Lakes Nokomis and Hiawatha. The water ranges from slow and meandering to small Class I rapids.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: MARK DEBOER AT 952/926-4675

MAY 31, RUM RIVER, Class 1C - 1K

Come enjoy good company on a beautiful river where the Dakota and Ojibwa once lived and hunted. This small, intimate river is quite isolated for being so close to the Twin Cities. We have a choice of two trips. Water level will determine which one we will do. A one-foot per mile gradient creates a slow current that is easy to paddle, while occasional maneuvering is required around a few rocks and boulders. Trees of many species that are remnantsof the vast forest that covered the region provide ever-changing wooded scenes. So pack a lunch and plan to spend a relaxing day on a quiet river.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: MARY MURPHY AT 612/788-9136 DNR Route Description

JUNE 14 & 15, CROW WING RIVER, Class 1C - 1K

This trip is for the beginner as well as the expert. We will be camping with easy access to the river. The hardest part of this trip will be the drive to get to the Staples/Nimrod area. This section of river will offer a lot of woods and wildlife to look at.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: HANK WELLS AT 651/638-1913 DNR Route Description

JUNE 21 & 22, UPPER ST. CROIX RIVER,Class 1C-1K

The Upper St. Croix offers something for everyone: Beautiful scenery, swim spots, novice rapids, slow currents,and free camping. Saturday, the lazy paddling from Riverside to just above St. Croix State Park takes about 4 hours. Here the river offers a current strong enough for an easy paddle most of the way. The clear water and sandy bottom allow swimming almost at will. Sunday, the trip on the Lower Namekagon from the Namekagon Trail Bridge back to Riverside features small rapids and easy paddling through heavily wooded wilderness. This section takes about 3 hours.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: JOE REISCHEL AT651/702-1136 DNR Route Description

JUNE 28, RED CEDAR RIVER, Class 1C - 1K

This river is about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from the Twin Cities. We will be paddling from Riverside Park in Menomonie to County Road Y Bridge near Dunnville (approximately 14 river miles or 4 hours). This river offers sections of fast moving water for the beginner as well as the experienced canoeist to have fun paddling. Bring a lunch fora mid-trip break. Wildlife abounds along the river, so remember your camera or binoculars.After take-out, we will visit "The Creamery" in Downsville for dessert or a snack.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: GAIL SMITH AT 651/683-9360

JULY 12, MIDDLE ST. CROIX RIVER, Class 2C-1K

This year, we are adding a new section of the St. Croix River to our trip list. The Middle St. Croix offers great scenery and a few rapids to keep things interesting.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: MARY MURPHY AT 763/788-9136 DNR Route Description

JULY 19 & 20, LOWER NAMEKAGON RIVER, Class1C-1K

The Lower Namekagon offers a slow pace to give you time to enjoy the scenery, bask in the warmth, observe the animals, and celebrate the hazy days of summer. Saturday, we will be canoeing the shallow, sandy-bottomed section down stream from the campsite. Lunch will be at a halfway point where there are picnic tables or you may sit on the bridge and watch other canoes float by. After lunch, we will be going past the highest sand dune in northern Wisconsin. We will also have many swim stops where the water deepens. Saturday evening we will have time at the campsite for renewing old friendships and reminiscing round the fire. On Sunday, we will put in upstream and paddle back to the campsite take-out.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: JOE REISCHEL AT651/702-1136

JULY 26, LOWER CANNON RIVER, Class 1C-1K

This trip begins in Cannon Falls and meanders 18 miles through the wooded countryside to the Highway 61 bridge.If a shorter trip is desired, you may spot your car in Welch and shorten the trip by approximately 6 miles. There will be opportunities for swimming, viewing wildlife, and catching glimpses of bicyclists and rollerbladers enjoying the Cannon Valley Trail that parallels the river.

FMI AND A TRIP PACK CALL: GAIL SMITH AT 651/683-9360 DNR Route Description

AUGUST 2, CHIPPEWA RIVER, Class 1C - 1K

The lower part of the Chippewa is a scenic river with pretty hills that become more prominent as you near the Mississippi River. The river has a sandy bottom with a steady current strong enough for easy paddling. Numerous sand bars offer great opportunities to play in the water. Pack a lunch for a mid-trip snack.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: KEVIN HANNON AT 612/824-2241

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AUGUST 9, LOWER ST. CROIX RIVER, Class 1C - 1K

Come join the River Ramblers for an easy paddle down this section of the St. Croix, with no rapids or strainers.Our put-in will be at the bridge that goes over to Osceola, WI. The take-out will be across the river from Marine-on-St. Croix. Sand bars and steep banks abound on this section of river. Lunch will be at a sand bar, complete with floating facilities.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: MARY MURPHY AT 763/788-9136 DNR Route Description

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AUGUST 16 & 17, UPPER NAMEKAGON RIVER, Class1C - 1K

The Upper Namekagon between Hayward and Earl, Wisconsin has a swift current with a series of moderate (ClassI-II) rapids - just enough to keep it enjoyable. This is the section that has the osprey nest atop a high powerline pole right at rivers edge. We will be pausing to watch any chicks in the nest. We have been fortunate almost every year with seeing at least one, and sometimes the parents. Bring your camera, and telephoto lens to capture the beauty of one of America's most scenic wild rivers. Wildlife abounds on this trip. Saturday night we lounge around the rustic campground at Earl that is encircled by the river. The current is slow here giving children of all ages the opportunity to step into the river on the frontside of the camp and float (body surf) a good quartermile and step out right at the back, at the side of the campground. What away to relax before snuggling into your sleeping bag. We will be canoeing for about 4 hours each day.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: JOE REISCHEL AT 651/702-1136

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SEPTEMBER 6, UPPER CANNON RIVER, Class 1C - 1K

This is a trip for the whole family; for everyone who enjoys the scenery and wildlife that only a river can provide. Below Faribault the Cannon twists and turns, at times wide and quiet, at times narrow and fast on its way to Northfield. In many places trees overhang the river forming a lacy green canopy.Along this 6- hour trip, bank swallows dart into cliffs of sandstone and limestone, oxbow ponds harbor wood ducks, teal, and mallards. Bring your camera. If the river is low, we will paddle from Northfield on down.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952/888-4797 DNR Route Description

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SEPTEMBER 26-28, LOWER KICKAPOO RIVER, Class2C-1K

The lively, quaint town of Steuben, WI will be our host from Friday night to Sunday morning. They will provide camping space, Saturday breakfast, hot lunch on the river,shuttle service, supper and an evening of entertainment. Saturday canoeing is relaxed paddling in an easy current, but will require dodging fallen trees and tree branches. Sunday we will leisurely paddle through statuesque rock pillars south of Ontario, WI. Last year the cost for camping, meals, shuttle, and entertainment was $25 per adult and less then half that for children. Call for updated cost and reservation form, which you will be responsible for sending directly to Steuben by September 20.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: GAIL SMITH AT 651/683-9360

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OCTOBER 18, ZUMBRO RIVER (RIVER RAMBLERS FALL COLOR TRIP), Class 2C - 1K

The Zumbro is a scenic river with an active current and easy Class I rapids. This is River Ramblers grand finale.This trip may overlap the trip that was done in June but this time the trees should be in full color. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the oranges, reds, yellows and the occasional bluff. This is a great trip, just 70 miles south of the cities.

FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: GAIL SMITH AT 651/683-9360 DNR Route Description

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