Map 1: Lower Red Lake to Thief River Falls
From river mile 195.5 to 182.5, the river flows through the Red Lake Indian Reservation and past diverse marshlands. Paddling is prohibited here, unless a permit is obtained from the Red Lake Department of Natural Resources.
Downstream, trees are sparse along low, grassy banks. Near High Landing, the trees become larger and the river meanders through farmland. Stands of willow, elm and cottonwood are interspersed with fields. You'll find residential development as the river flows past Thief River Falls.
Hazards include several dams - be sure you know the portage locations.
Recommended day trip
Smiley Bridge to Centennial Park
- Put-in location: Smiley Bridge carry-in access, river mile 140.9
- Take-out location: Centennial Park trailer access, river mile 128.6
- Length: 12.3 river miles
Spend the day on a gentle stretch of river that is great for beginner paddlers. Follow the river's meandering path past farmland, residential areas and low trees. This trip ends at a park in the city of Thief River Falls. Centennial Park has picnic areas, drinking water and restrooms.
Explore on shore
Wildlife management areas (WMAs)
You'll find several wildlife management areas on the landscape surrounding the Red Lake River. Many offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing and hunting. Search for wildlife management areas. (The river passes through Clearwater, Pennington, Red Lake and Polk counties.)
Local contacts
DNR Northwest Headquarters
2115 Birchmont Beach Road NE, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-308-2700
Nearest medical facility
Sanford Health-Thief River Falls Hospital
3001 Sanford Parkway, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
218-681-4240
The Red Lake River.
Photo: Red Lake Watershed District
Flat water greets paddlers along much of this route.
Photo: Red Lake Watershed District
Map 2: Thief River Falls to East Grand Forks
You'll pass significant development as you enter Thief River Falls. Below St. Hilaire, the banks steepen and are heavily wooded. Near Red Lake Falls, you'll see tall, eroded cliffs and the first of many large slump areas. Spring floods have torn away entire hillsides and deposited them in the river.
In its lower reaches, the river meanders through farmland, often screened from the river by stands of elm, willow and cottonwood.
Hazards include Class I-II rapids and several dams. The river is generally smooth, except for a chain of easily navigable boulder-field rapids and pools below St. Hilaire to almost Crookston. The river drops 110 feet in this 17-mile stretch. Some rapids can be Class II at high and low water.
Recommended day trip
Sportsman's Park to Huot Park
- Put-in location: Sportsman's Park (trailer access), river mile 93.0
- Take-out location: Huot Park (trailer access), river mile 79.5
- Length: 13.5 river miles
This trip is for paddlers who are comfortable maneuvering past scattered boulders, riffles and rapids that vary with water levels. Low water levels can create scrapable conditions in portions of this route.
Begin your day on the river at Red Lake Falls. Paddle past tall bluffs, high clay banks and farmland before passing through the Huot Wildlife Management Area.
Explore on shore
Red River State Recreation Area
This area is a unique natural and urban blend. Enjoy trails, a picnic area, river access for fishing and boating, and a large campground near the Red River. Reservations are required for camping.
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is a key part of a patchwork of regional preserves and wildlife areas that include some of Minnesota's best remaining prairies.
Local contacts
DNR Northwest Headquarters
2115 Birchmont Beach Road NE, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-308-2700
Nearest medical facilities
Sanford Health-Thief River Falls Hospital
3001 Sanford Parkway, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
218-681-4240
Riverview Health
323 South Minnesota Street, Crookston, MN 56716
218-281-9200
Altru Medical Services
1200 South Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201
701-780-5000
Tall, eroded cliffs rise above the river.
Photo: Red Lake Watershed District
You'll encounter rocks, riffles and rapids along this stretch.
Photo: Red Lake Watershed District
