Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Minnesota/Wisconsin, USA
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Northern hardwood river (240 m)
- Best season
- May – October
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Northern hardwood river (240 m)
- Best season: May – October
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Topic summary
A 252-mile riverway through hardwood forests along the MN/WI border.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: May – October
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Northern hardwood river (240 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway trip tools
How to get there
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is in Minnesota/Wisconsin, USA, Worldwide. Its center point is 45.9000, -92.7000. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — St. Croix National Scenic RiverwayAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Planning to fish St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Minnesota? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Minnesota are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?
- A Minnesota fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Minnesota fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Thinking about hunting St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Minnesota? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Minnesota are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?
- Confirm the land around St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Minnesota?
- A Minnesota hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A riverway trip in Minnesota and Wisconsin
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a Minnesota–Wisconsin destination. For regional orientation, St. Croix County lies in Wisconsin, its county seat is Hudson, and the county belongs to the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington metropolitan area. That context helps place the destination geographically, but it does not establish Hudson as a riverway entrance, boat launch, or visitor-service location. Keep the distinction between the county and the riverway clear when planning: a county destination is not necessarily a suitable starting point for an outdoor trip. A useful itinerary needs a verified access location and a defined stretch or activity area. Without those details, treat this as an initial destination outline rather than a navigation guide or a ready-to-follow route.
Establish access before arranging travel
The first practical planning step is to identify an actual public access point for the activity intended. No specific launch, trailhead, landing, or visitor center can be identified here with confidence. Likewise, a driving route or travel time would require a confirmed starting location and endpoint. Before setting out, ask the managing agency which access locations suit the proposed outing, how to reach them, and whether the arrival and departure arrangements are practical. If planning to travel along the river rather than return to the same starting point, establish the return journey before committing to the route. Do not treat a nearby town name, a county boundary, or the riverway designation itself as confirmation of public access.
Build an itinerary around confirmed conditions
A route recommendation needs more than a destination name: it needs an identifiable start and finish, an appropriate activity, and enough information to judge the demands of the outing. No particular river segment, walking route, distance, or difficulty rating can be responsibly specified here. The same limitation applies to seasonal recommendations and named hazards; neither should be assumed from the riverway's title alone. Confirm current conditions, suitable equipment, and any applicable access requirements with the managing agency before choosing a plan. Ask about permits and fees directly rather than assuming that a protected-area designation settles either question. Once access and conditions are established, match the outing to the group's experience and available time, leaving room to change plans.
Sample itineraries
- One-day St. Croix Riverway planning outline · 1 day
Choose a single outing after confirming a suitable access point, permitted activities, and current conditions with the managing agency. Keep the schedule flexible; this is a planning outline, not a verified route.
- Two-day St. Croix Riverway planning outline · 2 days
Plan two separate day outings using agency-confirmed access points. Arrange overnight accommodation independently after checking availability and applicable rules. Specific routes and overnight locations need confirmation before departure.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Confirm locally
Spring access and activity suitability need local confirmation. Obtain current conditions from the managing agency before choosing an outing.
Summer
Confirm locally
Summer operating schedules and conditions need confirmation. Do not assume every access point or visitor service is available.
Fall
Confirm locally
Confirm fall access, current conditions, and available services before setting the itinerary.
Winter
Confirm locally
Winter access and suitable activities need explicit local confirmation. Do not treat a warm-season itinerary as a verified winter option.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Confirm locally | Spring access and activity suitability need local confirmation. Obtain current conditions from the managing agency before choosing an outing. |
| Summer | Confirm locally | Summer operating schedules and conditions need confirmation. Do not assume every access point or visitor service is available. |
| Fall | Confirm locally | Confirm fall access, current conditions, and available services before setting the itinerary. |
| Winter | Confirm locally | Winter access and suitable activities need explicit local confirmation. Do not treat a warm-season itinerary as a verified winter option. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements, fees, and reservation procedures directly with the managing agency.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Site-specific hazards are not established here; obtain current safety guidance before departure.
- Access-point and route suitability remain unverified. Confirm both before committing to an outing.
- Emergency arrangements are not established here. Identify how to request help for the chosen location before departure.
What to pack for St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
- Current agency map
- Confirmed access-point details
- Written itinerary
- Managing agency contact details
- Local emergency contact information
- Accommodation confirmation if staying overnight
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway FAQ
- Where is St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?
- The destination spans the Minnesota–Wisconsin region of the United States. Confirm the exact location of your chosen outing before arranging transportation.
- Is Hudson a confirmed Riverway access point?
- Hudson is the county seat of St. Croix County, Wisconsin. That does not establish it as a Riverway access point; confirm access directly with the managing agency.
- Which route should a first-time visitor choose?
- No specific route is verified here. Ask the managing agency for an option suited to your experience, available time, and intended activity.
- Can an overnight trip be planned?
- Confirm authorized overnight options and their rules before building an overnight itinerary. The two-day outline does not establish camping availability.
- What is the best season to visit?
- A reliable seasonal recommendation is not established here. Choose dates after confirming conditions, access, and suitability for your intended activity.