Map 1: Island Lake to St. Louis River
This area of the Cloquet River offers a scenic paddle past forested banks and occasional farmland or homes. You'll encounter several bridges as the river makes its way to the St. Louis River.
The river level depends on release from the Island Lake Dam. Minnesota Power is required to provide a minimum flow of 350 cubic feet per second (CFS) in May and June, which offers good paddling. During the rest of the summer, only 175 CFS is provided (if available). This is enough to float down the rapids with some scraping and river walking. Class I-II rapids become numerous near the St. Louis River.
Within the river is a diverse fish population with plentiful smallmouth bass. You may also spot painted, snapping and wood turtles. To protect their eggs, avoid trampling on sand bars and sandy banks.
Hazards include Class I-II rapids. Portages are available for Class II rapids and should be used by beginners. Always get out and scout the rapids before proceeding.
Recommended day trip
Island Lake Dam Carry-in Access to Bachelor Road Access
- Put-in location: river mile 28.6
- Take-out location: river mile 20.5
- Length: 8.1 river miles
Enjoy scenic country with good fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass and brown trout. Plan to carry-in your canoe to launch, and watch for Class I rapids near the launch site.
Explore on shore
DNR watercraft campsites
In this section, you'll find numerous primitive watercraft campsites on property managed by the MN DNR. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require a fee. Camp during a longer trip, or simply stop for a picnic meal.
Local contacts
DNR Area Office
1568 Highway 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-1430
Nearest medical facilities
St. Luke's Hospital
915 East First St., Duluth
Tel. 218-249-5616
St. Mary's Medical Center
407 East Third St., Duluth
218-786-4000
Lake View Hospital
325 Eleventh Ave., Two Harbors
218-834-7300
A large boulder in the Cloquet River.
The Cloquet River.
Map 2: Indian Lake to Island Lake
This stretch of the Cloquet River offers vast forested banks and a remote, primitive feel. Paddle past red and white pines, fir, spruce, aspen and birch as the river makes its way to the St. Louis River.
Medium to heavy stream flow is best for an enjoyable run through the river's rapids. Stream flow is usually high during spring runoff and typically falls throughout the summer. The river above Island Lake can rise quickly after heavy rains and take three to seven days to return to normal flow. The rapids in this area may only be runnable after heavy rains.
This river stretch has a diverse fish population with abundant northern pike, walleye and brook trout. You may also spot painted, snapping and wood turtles. To protect their eggs, avoid trampling sandy areas.
Hazards include Class I-III rapids. Portages are available for Class II rapids and up, and should be used by beginners. Always get out and scout the rapids before proceeding.
Recommended day trip
Indian Lake Access to Bear Lake Road
- Put-in location: river mile 71.8
- Take-out location: river mile 61.5
- Length: 10.3 river miles
Paddle this narrow, northern stretch of the river and enjoy wooded banks on either side. Expect a set of Class II rapids halfway along your route, with an option to portage around or run them. Watch for bald eagles, deer and even otter. You'll find several public campsites, allowing you to turn this into a longer trip if desired.
Explore on shore
DNR watercraft campsites
In this section, you'll find numerous primitive watercraft campsites on property managed by the MN DNR. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require a fee. Camp during a longer trip, or simply stop for a picnic meal.
Local contacts
DNR Area Office
1568 Highway 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-1430
Nearest medical facilities
St. Luke's Hospital, 915 East First St., Duluth
Tel. 218-249-5616
St. Mary's Medical Center, 407 East Third St., Duluth
218-786-4000
Lake View Hospital, 325 Eleventh Ave., Two Harbors
218-834-7300
Paddlers on the Cloquet River.
Paddlers on the Cloquet River.
