2007 Rendezvous > News & Updates

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!

- posted Jun 21st by goeken

Red Lake River Rendezvous Tour River Levels
Not too low...Not too high...just about right!

Red Lake River Rendezvous Tour River Levels by Wayne Goeken

What a difference a month can make! When organizers were planning the Red Lake River Rendezvous Tour in April and May the main concern was that due to low water levels there was going to be more portaging than paddling. However the week prior to the start of the Tour some much needed rains fell east of Thief River Falls bringing water levels up on the upper reaches. Rains continued to fall during the Tour—generally, but not always, while paddlers were off the water and substantial rains began falling during the week following the Tour.

The graph below (sorry, working on getting the graph to show up--check back later)shows three USGS hydrographs of the Red Lake River at different locations. High Landing is in the upper reaches of the Red Lake River between Lower Red Lake and Thief River Falls. The second hydrograph is associated with a USGS gage at Crookston with the third hydrograph measuring river depth at Fisher. A week before the Tour started the High Landing site was at 3 feet with reports of lower spots along the way. By Tour time the river had come up a foot in the upper reaches to allow easy passage with no portaging to Thief River Falls.

Rocks and rapids were encountered from Thief River Falls through Huot Park with many canoes and kayaks making contact as paddlers tried picking the best line through the many rapids. Some hit some pretty good rocks and many had to get out and pull their canoes off rocks and line themselves up for more adventure ahead. Another foot of water would have been nice, but passage was possible. If river levels had been a foot or even six inches less water than was present, passage would have been difficult.

From Huot Park to Crookston no rapids were encountered but paddlers still had to read the river as some rocks still were present and gravel shoals would stop a canoe in its tracks if you found yourself in the wrong part of the channel. Beyond Crookston more rains brought river levels up and by the time the flotilla hit East Grand Forks the river was definitely on the rise as was the Red River from rains in the southern basin working their way north and backing up the Red Lake River.

As of June 17th, one week after the end of the Tour—river levels were significantly up all along the Red Lake River. The upper reaches around High Landing were up to 11 feet—about 7 feet higher than when paddlers past through the area during the Tour. The river went up to nearly 14 feet in Crookston—about 8 feet higher than during the Tour. And in East Grand Forks the river was up to 26 feet and rising—a full 10 feet higher than when paddlers came in one week earlier to wrap up the Tour.

At current river levels we would not have been able to do the Tour due to safety and access issues. There certainly would not be nice sandbars to stop for a snack now as there was during the Tour. For those that paddled the various reaches, keep in mind what it was like when you did it at the water level you experienced. You can look up real-time river stage levels for the three stations noted above on the USGS website at any time to see if the reach of river you might be interested in paddling is at a good level for safe passage. The following web address, http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mn/nwis/current/?type=flow, lists all USGS stations in NW MN (there are some other fun rivers to paddle as well—Clearwater and Wild Rice in some reaches—though watch for tree snags)—just click on the station ID number to the left of the station name and it will take you to current readings for that station and other information.

- posted Jun 21st by goeken

Saturday, June 9th Paddle
Fisher to Pre-East Grand Forks

Fisher residents gave a warm send-off for Saturday’s 17 mile paddle from Fisher to our pre-East Grand Forks site at the Greg Stennes residence. Rain jackets were donned as a light rain began shortly after launching but were removed within the hour as sunny skies with billowing cumulus clouds provided a beautiful backdrop to the grand cottonwoods lining the river. “Cottonwood Corridor” could be an alternate name for this reach of river. Bald eagles again showed their presence—making it a perfect record so far of eagles being spotted each day of the tour. It was such a peaceful, calm day that paddlers took a casual pace paddling and drifting downstream—sharing conversation and stories of the Tour thus far and other paddling adventures.

Local paddling neighbors joined the flotilla near the end to bring the total number of vessels coming down the river to nine—landing at the Greg Stennes landing and overnight campsite about 3 p.m. After vehicles were shuttled relaxation ensued at Stennes with food and beverage aplenty. Fiddling, music, and stories are on the menu for the evening as paddlers prepare for the final day of paddling into East Grand Forks.

A final reminder and invitation to anyone to come to the Stennes launch site on Sunday morning for the final leg of this 193 mile Rendezvous Tour of the entire Red Lake River which started on May 29th at Lower Red Lake. Go east on U.S. Highway 2 out of East Grand Forks and head south at the pet cemetery where multi-colored flags are posted—take the first right and head towards the windmill where you can carry your canoe or kayak down to the Red Lake River and join the flotilla for the final 10 miles into East Grand Forks. Due to the high waters on the Red River, paddlers will take off at the boat landing on the Red Lake River at East Grand Forks just upstream of the Murray bridge. Paddlers will be welcomed and a final commemoration of the Tour will wrap things up.

- posted Jun 9th by goeken

Friday, June 8th paddle
Pre-Fisher to Fisher

Friday morning broke with clear skies and a generous provision of coffee, orange juice, and food from our hosts—the Wentzels. A better morning could not be asked for as we headed out for the day’s paddle to Fisher. Six vessels were in our entourage for today’s reach. Two inches of rain had fallen the day before so the river was up a bit, the current was moving along quite nicely, winds were down, and skies were sunny—all making for an easy and enjoyable paddling day.

The pre-Fisher reach of the Red Lake River continued to wind its way west to the Red River. Mature riparian forests were a treat to behold with towering cottonwoods, some with ice scars, watching over the proceedings of this day and days from decades gone by—providing habitat to birds and wildlife along the sinuous river corridor—a ribbon of life in the increasingly agriculturally dominated landscape. Yes, more bald eagles were present along this reach-continuing the string of seeing eagles every day of the tour. A beaver swam in front of paddlers for a bit and several deer nervously danced off after curiously watching us from ashore.

Once again, we were greeted and treated generously in our host community. Mike Marshall, Fisher representative on the Red Lake River Corridor Enhancement Project’s Joint Powers Board went above and beyond any expectations of a host—from hosting our “campsite” in his backyard to arranging showers at the local Fisher school to arranging meals for hungry paddlers. A load of laundry was even washed for paddlers—truly a full-service stop! The Fisher Chamber of Commerce provided a welcome feast topped off by fresh rhubarb desserts. Histories of Fisher including paddleboats ferrying passengers and freight up to Fisher’s landing in the late 1800’s were shared around the evening campfire. Hard to imagine paddleboats making it up to this point, but Fisher was a thriving city in its day and still is a wonderful community with a huge heart. Thanks to all for a great stop! And I do believe I hear the call for breakfast being provided by the local Cenex Convenience store—time to load up some calories for our 17 mile paddle to our final night of camping before our final 10 mile paddle to East Grand Forks on Sunday. All are welcome to bring your canoe or kayak and join the flotilla to cap off the final day of the Red Lake Rendezvous Tour. See you Sunday!

- posted Jun 9th by goeken

Come One—Come All! Time to paddle to the finish!!!

All paddlers that have paddled any stretches of the Rendezvous Tour thus far are invited to come to help finish off the tour for the final day—Sunday, June 10th as we make our final leg of the Rendezvous Tour to East Grand Forks where the Red Lake River confluences with the Red River of the North. It’s a short 10 mile paddle the final day and we hope to have a large flotilla of boats make a big splash with their paddling presence coming down the river. See directions to get to the pre-East Grand Forks launch location elsewhere on this website. Hope to see all the paddling friends we have made along the way and new ones for the final day of the Tour.

- posted Jun 8th by balstad

June 8, 2007 entry (from 6/7 events)
Crookston to pre-Fisher/Wentzel’s

Overcast skies greeted paddlers at the day’s put-in just below the rock dam retrofit near Riverview Hospital. The forecast was for showers developing later in the day along with strong winds. Well, the forecast was right about the wind and about the showers—they just had the timing of the showers off a bit—as it began raining just into the trip and continued off and on—mostly on for the remainder of the day. After putting in below the rock dam in Crookston, paddlers made it through engineered rock jetties that are protecting the river channel from erosion but soon came upon another rock dam within a third of a mile. After nearly losing one paddler to slipping on the rocks as we pulled our boats around the edges of the obstruction we continued downstream, wondering what the reason was for this man-made rock blockage. These are the type of obstacles that this Tour is scouting out and raising awareness of the need for better access and portages around obstacles.

Once underway with full rain gear in place paddlers followed curve after curve as the Red Lake River began winding its sinuous path to the Red. Very low gradient can make for a slow ride on these lower reaches, however a good current was helping on this day. A steady, gentle rain fell for two hours until a bit of a break which the paddlers took advantage of for a break of their own to snack along a sandbar. Winds had come up as dark clouds were flying by overhead—20-30 mph with higher gusts. Whitecaps topped a few waves as paddlers dug in on a couple reaches that were directly into the wind. However, with the winding nature of the river, other reaches were protected and a tailwind pushed us quickly down other reaches—all kind of averaging things out for the day. We were very glad to see the Rendezvous flag and “Welcome Paddlers” banner marking our campsite for the day where we hoped a drying fire could be made to dry clothes and warm spirits.

Though wet and windy, it was a good day on the river. Wildlife sightings included deer, eagles, otter, great-horned owl, and songbirds both seen and heard. Through the generosity of Richard Wentzel who allowed us to camp at his farm we were able to get a fire started and sustained—a very welcome warming fire. The evening cleared off and good campfire conversation ensued—tales of other trips and river dreams were exchanged. Starry skies promised a good paddling day ahead with Fisher in sight.

- posted Jun 8th by balstad

Launch Site for Saturday June 9, 2007
Pre-East Grand Forks

From East Grand Forks travel East on Hwy.2 to 410th Ave. NW (Pet Cemetery will be on the North side of the road, Mallory). Turn right (South) onto 410th Ave. NW. Travel South approximately 3/8 mile and take the first right to windmill. Signs will direct you where to park and how to get down to the river access.

- posted Jun 8th by Balstad

Launch Site for Friday June 8, 2007
Pre-Fisher Site

26247 310th Ave. SW.

From Crookston - Travel west 5 miles from Hwy. 2 (Dairy Queen and McDonald's intersection) on Polk County 61. The road will dead end at a "T" crossing. Turn left and follow road through farm yard to large red machine shed. Park and unload gear which will need to be taken down a path to the river access.

- posted Jun 7th by Balstad

June 7, 2007 Entry (from 6/6 Events)
Gentilly to Crookston

Weather forecasts were for early morning rains to be cleared out by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. Well, not quite. Paddlers assembled and launched in the rain from a field edge just east of the Polk County Hwy 11 bridge crossing—definitely a need for an access in this area as existing public options are poor to nonexistent. Nine hardy souls in three tandem canoes, one solo canoe, a solo kayak, and a water bike launched at 10 a.m. Rains were not coming down hard, but they were persistent. About 11:30 the skies cleared as paddlers took a lunch break on a gravel sandbar. Good conditions prevailed the remainder of the trip to Crookston where a community welcoming party greeted the paddlers as they pulled in about 1:45 p.m. Fishing demos and door prizes were provided by Cabela’s and food aplenty by the Crookston community. A bonfire warmed all as evening showers threatened.

The wildlife sighting of the day was a coyote which ran along the bank ahead of the paddlers for quite a distance before finally veering off into the woods. The river current was moving along nicely with shallow spots here and there. Several slumps were observed as bank sloughing occurs.

- posted Jun 7th by Balstad

Red Lake Falls to Huot Park

June 5, 2007 entry (from 6/4 events)

Sunny skies greeted paddlers on Monday’s run from Red Lake Falls to Huot Park. Winds were up, but for the most part were in the paddlers favor with the 15 mile reach of river being covered in 4 hours at a leisurely pace. Class I-II rapids kept paddlers alert but didn’t pose problems as paddlers read the river and found the best line through. Bluffs weren’t as high in this reach but were still plentiful and provided a beautiful backdrop to this scenic reach of river. Eagles continued to provide escort downstream with orioles’ crisp, clean song providing pleasant, regular background music for the day. The Red Lake River continues to widen—up to nearly 100 feet across in places with sandbars and a few islands providing plenty of opportunity to stop, stretch, and enjoy the river ambiance.

Mature cottonwood, basswood, oak, and elm were a regular part of the riverine forest. Cyr Creek and the Black River entered the Red Lake River in this reach. Huot Wildlife Management Area also straddles the river in this reach-near a mature stand of virgin basswood we were told of by local landowners who take great pride in this river resource. Paddlers arrived at historic Old Crossing Treaty Park, aka Huot Park by mid-afternoon. Members of the Red Lake County Historical Society treated paddlers and the public to buffalo burgers, baked beans, and salad including fresh asparagus as stories were told of the historic nature of the park—one of the most historic sites in Minnesota.

In 1863, a treaty was signed at this site between the Red Lake and Pembina bands of Ojibwe and U.S. government ceding approximately 11 million acres of land for $510,000 and miscellaneous gifts. The land exchanged is approximately 180 miles long, north to south, and approximately 127 miles wide, east to west. It runs from Lake of the Woods at the north down to the mouth of the Thief River, where it joins the Red Lake River, then southeast to the Wild Rice River to the river’s mouth, then up the Red River of the North to the mouth of the Sheyenne River, and continuing north to the boundary between U.S. and British possessions. This encompassed the land west of the Thief River and Red Lake River and into Dakota Territory as far as Devil’s Lake.

The park is currently managed by the Red Lake County Park and Recreation Department and is the site of an annual Chautauqua celebration in late August hosted by AFRAN—the Association of the French of the North. In 2008 a special Chautauqua is planned to commemorate the anniversary of the dedication of a statue placed at this site 75 years ago.

Well, time to break camp and prepare to advance another reach as a sunny day has again dawned. See you down river.

- posted Jun 5th by balstad

Thief River falls to Red Lake Falls
June 3, 2007

The Rendezvous entourage continues to work its way downstream, reaching Red Lake Falls on Sunday, June 3rd. We are now over halfway—having covered 100 miles of the 193 miles of the Red Lake River. Saturday and Sunday’s paddles from Thief River Falls to St. Hilaire and on to Red Lake Falls tested the paddlers maneuvering abilities as rocks and rapids were plentiful—though “pleasantly so.” Fortunately river levels were up from recent rains and overall it was a very scenic and enjoyable paddle. Eagles provided escort down the whole reach from St. Hilaire to Red Lake Falls—5 being counted at one time soaring overhead with many more along the entire reach. 8 boats launched from Thief River Falls on Saturday and 14 boats took off on the 21.5 mile reach from St. Hilaire to Red Lake Falls on Sunday. The youngest paddler thus far was 4 year old Jasmine and the senior paddler thus far has been Anne Healy of Red Lake Falls at 89 years young.

Thief River Falls greeted paddlers with a community celebration and food provided by the local Kiwanis Club. St. Hilaire provided a wonderful potluck meal for the paddlers on Saturday compliments of the local Lions Club. The paddlers look forward to more visits with communities as they work their way downstream to Huot Park, Crookston, Fisher, and their final destination at East Grand Forks on Sunday, June 10th.

- posted Jun 4th by kingery

Paddlers Welcome
9:00 a.m. Daily Departure

Even if interested paddlers haven't registered on-line in advance, you are welcome to join the group on any day of the Tour. Unless otherwise noted, paddlers should plan to leave for each day's paddle at 9:00 a.m. at the departure point for any particular day. Extra canoes and gear will be available to rent for $15 per paddler per day. To ensure a canoe it is best to call in advance to Joe Courneya at 701-261-0330 or Wayne Goeken at 218-280-0516. At the end of the day, paddlers will be shuttled back to get their vehicles. So come on out to see some great scenery and join the fun!

- posted May 31st by goeken

River Levels Up

Significant rains over the past week throughout various portions of the Red Lake Watersheds and its subwatersheds of the Clearwater and Thief Rivers have helped bring water levels up a foot or more along the Red Lake River. This makes for a faster current and as the Tour works it way down to the rapids in the St. Hilaire and Red Lake Falls reaches this weekend it should make passage over and through the boulder fields a bit easier--though extra caution is also needed due to the faster moving and higher volume of water. To monitor the river levels in real time go to the USGS Water Levels link at this website.

- posted May 31st by goeken

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 Paddle
Neptune Access/Penn. CR 27 to near Penn. CR 23--17.5 miles

Wed. 5/30/07 paddle: Two paddlers returned for the second day of paddling--starting at Neptune Access on Pennington Co. Rd. 27. Rains of about 3/4 inch overnight made for higher waters and faster current--also for more turbid waters as soil particles washed downstream. Cool temps, generally overcast skies, and little wind made for a perfect day for paddling. "Family friendly" is how the Red Lake River upstream of Thief River Falls should be described as it is safe and easy to navigate with no tree snags crossing the river or rapids that need to be negotiated. Rather it is a peaceful, meandering river with lots of wildlife. Birds were more abundant today with Eastern Kingbirds being one of the most abundant species. Immature bald eagles, red-tailed hawk, orioles, morning doves, yellow warblers, belted kingfisher, great blue herons, white pelicans, gray catbirds, bobolink, Canada Geese, mallards, wood ducks, and many more species flitting among the shrubs and trees lining the shores. The current was brisk, allowing good time to be made--it only took the paddlers 4.5 hours to travel the 17.5 mile distance--an average speed of 3.9 miles per hour. A highlight of the day was just before the end of the day's paddling, a doe was spotted along the shore with a spotted fawn standing in miniature underneath her calmly nursing without a care in the world. The doe stayed rock solid frozen in her tracks locking eyes with us as we silently glided by to leave them in peace. One of many fine moments on the Rendezvous Tour thus far. Tomorrow: South of Pennington Co Rd 23 to Smiley Access on Pennington Co. Rd. 3. Trip distance=17 miles.

- posted May 31st by goeken

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 Paddle: Start of Tour at Lower Red Lake
Lower Red Lake to Neptune Access/Penn. CR 27--20.5 miles

Wed. eve, May 30th update: The Red Lake River Rendezvous Tour successfully disembarked Tuesday morning from Lower Red Lake following an opening ceremony led by Red Lake Nation Chairman Buck Jordain, paying respect to the waters and life connected to the Red Lake River. Seven canoes launched on the first stage of the Rendezvous Tour--a 20 mile paddle down the headwaters of the Red Lake River--20 miles of some hard paddling into some often stiff winds. But no rain until the very end and not heavy till all were off the water. A welcoming committee from the Red Lake Nation met the paddlers at the rock dam and provided a wonderful and welcome picnic of brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers to the hungry paddlers. The paddlers burned off the calories paddling hard all the way--well, most of the way anyway. But a great paddle--lots of birds--white pelicans, bald eagles, numerous waterfowl species, songbirds, and small flocks of trumpeter swans. An otter also greeted the paddlers--plus much more along the scenic river channel--much better as you moved past the initial COE channelized reach into more natural meanders. All in all a great day and a downpour ensued just after getting off the water and into our vehicles at the Neptune access on Pennington Co. Rd. 27. Tomorrow: Neptune Access to river crossing just south of Pennington Co. Rd. 23--approximately 17.5 miles.

- posted May 30th by goeken

Are you ready?

Please register for the Red Lake River Rendezvous at the link on this page.

- posted May 16th by kingery