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End of Tour Entry--Final Day into East Grand Forks | From June 10, 2007 final 10 mile reach
183 miles down and 10 miles to go—that’s what it came down to on Sunday as sunny skies and higher water greeted paddlers going the final stretch of the Red Lake River to its confluence with the Red River. It was hard for paddlers to leave the hospitality of the Greg and Andrea Stennes encampment as a feast was enjoyed on the final night of camping along with music and story telling by neighbors who came out to join the paddlers around the bonfire.
But depart we did as 13 canoes, kayaks, and a hydro-bike and 21 people assembled in the Stenne’s nook of the river for the final paddle to the rising Red. With only 10 miles to cover, a leisurely pace was set as paddlers visited, sharing stories of the Tour. More towering cottonwoods lined the banks with several rope swings showing signs of summer fun by local youth. A large mature bald eagle provided escort service—making it a perfect score of seeing bald eagles every day along every reach of the Red Lake River—very impressive!
Paddlers assembled in formation just before the final bend as the Red River came into sight ahead. Well-wishers on shore waved and cheered the entourage along as due to the high water we were able to go right over the rock dam on the Red Lake River just upstream of its confluence with the Red. Paddlers completed the trip by paddling into the faster and more turbid waters of the Red River before turning back and paddling back upstream the short distance to the MN DNR boat landing where an official welcome and proclamation took place. Sorry about no pictures of the final day—my camera didn’t cooperate. We’re getting photos from others and will be making a final trip photo and info CD.
And thus the 2007 Red Lake River Rendezvous Tour came to an end—12 days and 193 miles since the first paddle touched the headwaters at Lower Red Lake. Red Lake Band Chairman Jordain’s blessing of the waters at the initial send-off served the Tour well as all made it safe and water levels were neither too low nor too high. Many wonderful experiences were enjoyed along the Tour and new acquaintances made. The hospitality of the communities and many individuals all along the route was nothing less than outstanding—a positive impression was made that paddlers will always remember.
The Red Lake River itself also made a tremendous impression on all who were able to be part of the Tour—from those paddling to those who shared stories of life along this magnificent river. Some have asked about future Tours and also about ways to get involved in helping protect and manage this natural asset to northwestern Minnesota. While the 2007 Rendezvous Tour is over, the work that the Red Lake River Corridor Enhancement Project Joint Powers Board is involved with to protect this resource and improve access for greater enjoyment will continue with renewed vigor. Bookmark this website to keep track of future activities and progress. In the meantime, see you on the river!
- Jun 21st
Previous Updates
The Rendezvous Tour will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Red Lake River being designated an official MnDNR canoe route—the only such route in northwestern Minnesota. The diverse historical and natural features of the Red Lake River will be celebrated. Tour leaders will start paddling at Lower Red Lake on Tuesday, May 29th with the public invited to join en masse on Wednesday, May 30th to canoe or boat for as many days as they wish. The final entourage will arrive in East Grand Forks on Sunday, June 10th. Along the route, communities will greet participants with celebrations, special events, and meals.
| Date | Location | Distance | Skill | Description | |
|---|
| May 28th | Lower Red Lake | Community Event | Pre-trip Blessing of Waters at Red Lake | |
| May 29th | Lower Red Lake to PennCR27 (Neptune) | 20.5 | B | This section is on the Red Lake Indian Reservation and closed to the public—selected Tour participants will be allowed passage to help achieve the goal of traveling the entire length of the Red Lake River. | |
| May 30th | PennCR27 (Neptune) to PennCR23 | 17.5 | B | This upper section of the river meanders through farmland interspersed with stands of willow, elm and cottonwood. Paddlers will pass High Landing access, a historic landing for timber transit from logging times in the early 1800's. | 1 Photo |
| May 31st | PennCR23 to Penn CR7 (Smiley) | 17 | B | This section signals the beginning of more forested river banks and faster water in some locations though still very suited to novice paddlers. | |
| Jun 1st | PennCR7 (Smiley) to Thief River Falls | 13 | B | The river banks are much more forested in this reach; and toward Thief River Falls, residential lots line the banks. Boulder riffles become more frequent and might create a few problems for passage at low flow. | 2 Photos |
| Jun 1st | Pioneer Village in Thief River Falls | Community Event | Black Powder Gun demonstration, Bluegrass music, and food available at Pioneer Village Friday June 1. For more information contact
Diana Josephson at 1-800-827-1629. | |
| Jun 2nd | Thief River Falls to St. Hilaire | 10.5 | B | The river continues to pass forested residential areas south of Thief River Falls but towards the end of this reach the current quickens and some rocks need to be negotiated. | 4 Photos |
| Jun 2nd | Island Park in St. Hilaire | June 2 | Community Picnic and Geo-caching demonstration event planned on Island Park in St. Hilaire. For more information contact Stacy Myhrer 1-800-827-1629. | |
| Jun 3rd | St. Hilaire to Red Lake Falls | 21.5 | I | The river picks up speed and flows through several class II rapids, making travel faster paced and maneuvering skills essential. High bluffs often present. Paddling at low water levels will be difficult. | 5 Photos |
| Jun 3rd | Sportsman’s Park in Red Lake Falls | Community Event | Bonfire at dusk in Sportsman’s Park. For more information contact Allan Ducharme at 218-253-2684. | |
| Jun 4th | Red Lake Falls to Huot (Old Crossing Treaty Park) | 14.8 | I | Similar to previous section, the current is swift and flows through several Class II rapids, making travel faster paced. At average water levels, the journey takes from 3-5 hours. Paddling at low water levels will be difficult. | |
| Jun 4th | Huot Park | June 4 | For more information contact Allan Ducharme at 218-253-2684. | |
| Jun 5th | Huot (Old Crossing Treaty Park) to Polk CR11(approx) | 12.4 | B | The section from Old Crossing Treaty Park to Crookston is wonderfully forested with some agricultural lands and residential areas approaching Crookston. The river slows dramatically as it moves from the Lake Agassiz Beach Ridge formations into the flat and wide Red River Valley. This section is still floatable even at very low flows (stages near 4 ft. at the gauging station in Crookston). | |
| Jun 6th | Polk CR11(approx) to Crookston | 11.1 | B | | |
| Jun 6th | Central Park in Crookston | Community Event | Join the festivities in Crookston at Central Park on June 6th. For more information call Juanita at 218-281-4320. | |
| Jun 7th | Crookston to pre-Fisher site | 14.5 | B | From Crookston to Fisher the river is slow and meanders extensively. The river is almost always navigable, even during low flows. Fishing is good, as catfish become more abundant and the presence of pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, drum, and goldeye provide a diverse catch. | |
| Jun 8th | Pre-Fisher site to Fisher | 13 | B | | |
| Jun 9th | Fisher to pre-East Grand Forks site | 17.2 | B | The river continues its slow flow and meanders in almost complete circles. The river is almost always navigable, even during low flows. Fishing is good. Large cottonwoods highlight the lush riparian corridor. | |
| Jun 10th | Pre-East Grand Forks site to EGF | 10 | B | | |
| Jun 10th | Join in a canoe run to the finale | June 10 | For More Information on Greater Grand Forks planned events contact Sandy Dobmeier at 1-800-866-4566. | |
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