Map 1: Osakis Lake to County Road 14
From Lake Osakis to Guernsey Lake, the river is considered impassable most of the year because of low water levels. You'll see broader banks and wider valleys as the river continues south. The river forms a "Chain of Lakes" near Richmond, with over 80 miles of continuous shoreline in less than 8 miles. From there, granite outcrops and small hills offer a scenic landscape.
Hazards include dams; be aware of portage routes. Snags (fallen trees) can be found in the river and may tip an unwary paddler. While unlawful, river neighbors occasionally string fences across the river in the northernmost portion of the water trail.
Recommended day trip
Sauk Centre Dam to Mill Pond
- Put-in location: Below Sauk Centre Dam carry-in access, river mile 95.6
- Take-out location: Mill Pond trailer access, river mile 79.0
- Length: 16.6 river miles
This long, easy stretch offers variety from city to city. You'll paddle under bridges, past wetlands in the Sauk River Wildlife Management Area, and along the river's twists and turns through open lowlands and tree-lined corridors. Plan an entire day for this long trip.
Explore on shore
Sauk River Wildlife Management Area
This wildlife management area borders over five miles of the river. The area allows hunting and is known for deer, pheasants and a wide variety of waterfowl.
This paved, regional trail is 65 miles long and crosses the Sauk River at several points. This provides an opportunity for a great pedal (biking)/paddle experience.
Local contact
DNR area office
1035 South Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320-223-7878
Nearest medical facilities
CentraCare Health - Sauk Centre
425 Elm Street North, Sauk Centre, MN 56378
320-352-2221
CentraCare Health - Melrose
525 West Main Street, Melrose, MN 56352
320-256-4231
Tree-lined riverbanks.
Photo by Sauk River Watershed District
Paddling under a bridge.
Map 2: County Road 14 to the Mississippi River
Near Richmond, the river forms a "Chain of Lakes" with over 80 miles of continuous shoreline in less than eight miles. As you approach Rockville, look for an elevated tamarack bog on the north bank of the river for golden fall scenery. Ancient granite outcrops and small hills provide a scenic landscape as you continue on.
With enough water, the last 2.5 miles of the river offer a nearly continuous stretch of Class I-II rapids and scattered surfing waves before meeting the Mississippi River. Hazards include rapids and dams; be aware of portage routes. Watch for snags (fallen trees) in the river that may tip an unwary paddler.
Recommended day trip
Eagle Park to Miller Landing
- Put-in location: Eagle Park carry-in access, river mile 16.2
- Take-out location: Miller Landing carry-in access, river mile 7.6
- Length: 8.6 river miles
Follow the river's gentle twists and turns past wooded shoreline mixed with farm fields and occasional development. This route is not recommended in late summer when water levels are low, and pockets of thick vegetation may prove a challenge to paddle through. Extend this trip another five miles by starting from the landing at Frogtown Park.
Explore on shore
This 7.5-mile portion of the paved state trail crosses the river at river mile 30.6 and connects the towns of Roscoe, Richmond and Cold Spring.
This Stearns County park has hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnicking, a playground and a prairie restoration site.
Local contact
DNR area office
1035 South Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320-223-7878
Nearest medical facilities
CentraCare Plaza Urgent Care
1900 Centracare Circle, St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-229-5099
St. Cloud Hospital
1406 Sixth Avenue North, St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-251-2700
Trees and shallow water.
Photo by Sauk River Watershed District
A watercraft picnic site.
Photo by Stearns County Parks
