Map: Snake River
This river is susceptible to quickly fluctuating levels, based on precipitation. Paddlers should check river levels before heading out.
The upper Snake's banks are heavily forested with birch, aspen, oak, maple, ash, elm and some black spruce, tamarack and white pine. Gently rolling hills as well as sharp granite outcrops are all evidence of glacial activity that predominates over the area. Sandstone bluffs are exposed below the Cross Lake stretch.
From Mora to Pine City, the river travels through wooded banks that give way to a wide farming valley below Grasston. Below Cross Lake, forested banks as well as sandstone bluffs make this stretch very scenic.
Recommended day trip
Canary Road access to Cross Lake/Pine City
- Put-in location: river mile 22.1
- Take-out location: river mile 11.9
- Length: 10.2 river miles
This stretch of river is nice for paddlers of all levels. It varies from farmland to wildlife areas to trees to city.
Silver Star Road to Lower Falls Campsite
- Put-in location: river mile 79.1
- Take-out location: river mile 71.5
- Length: 7.6 river miles
For more experienced paddlers. This stretch has some portages, with towering red and white pine, fabulous blueberry picking, rock outcrops and gorgeous scenery along the portage.
Explore on shore
Snake River (Northwest Company) Fur Post
This Minnesota Historical Society site has an historic fur post, Ojibwe camp, trails and visitor center to explore.
City of Mora
The city of Mora is a short walk away from the Highway 6 access. The city has a history center, theater, restaurants and shops.
Chipmunk Hollow (short trail)
For a chance to stretch your legs, check out the short trail just off the Chipmunk Hollow access.
Local contacts
DNR central region headquarters
1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5800
Nearest medical facilities
Welia Health
301 Highway 65, Mora, MN 55051
320-679-1212
Lakeside Medical Center
129 Sixth Avenue SE, Pine City, MN 55063
320-629-2542
Floating down the river toward a bridge.
Photo by DeAnna Evjen.
Hardwoods along the river make for a beautiful fall paddle.
