Canoe/Kayak River Routes

Washburn County offers many opportunities for kayakers and canoeists. The Namekagon River is part of the National Scenic Waterway system managed by the National Parks Service. Canoeing and kayaking opportunities also exist on the Yellow and parts of the Totogatic River.

Birchwood Canoe trails:

Washburn County has two primitive canoe/kayak routes in the Birchwood area, six miles north of Birchwood. Both routes are in a primitive area with little to no development and provide a unique opportunity for a quiet, back country experience. The canoe/kayak route areas lie within heavily forested, rolling topography with a high density of small glacial lakes. These lakes are land locked deep soft water lakes with steep banks and wooded shores. Bass and Panfish are abundant. A canoe portage and trail system has been marked to guide canoeists.

Sawmill Lake Primitive Kayak/Canoe Route:

This kayak/canoe route begins at the Sawmill Lake campground. The portage trail accesses 9 separate lakes, with most portages less than 100 yards. The lakes along this route are relatively deep, with maximum depths of up to 40 feet. Bass and Panfish are abundant, however many of these lakes are prone to winterkill. Of particular interest is the presence of Green Sunfish. Click here for Sawmill Canoe/Kayak Route Map

Loyhead Lake Primitive Canoe Route:

This canoe/kayak route is located 7 miles north of Birchwood. The route begins at Loyhead Lake at the boat landing on the Birchwood Fire Lane. The portage trail accesses 7 separate lakes with most portages less than 200 yards. Click here for Loyhead Lake Canoe/Kayak Route Map

Namekagon National Scenic Riverway:

Marked canoe/kayak routes lead you along the Yellow River in the southern part of Washburn County and the Totogatic River in the north, as well as the Namekagon National Scenic Riverway. Many campsites are situated along these waterways, which you'll find little changed from the days when fur traders and Native Americans met along their banks.

The Namekagon River is the northern tributary of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a federally protected wild and scenic waterway stretching 250 miles through Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Namekagon flows for some 50 miles through Washburn County. The National Park Service maintains primitive campsites accessible by water only.

Most of the Namekagon portion of the riverway is entirely undeveloped, offering kayakers/canoeists a genuine wilderness experience. The riverbanks are abundant with deer, muskrat, beaver, turtles and blue herons. Osprey and bald eagles are also seen.

The Namekagon River offers everything from rapids for the experienced kayaker/canoeist to wide, quiet flowages below the dams. Trout fishermen can meet their challenge, and anglers will fish to their heart's content. In most places, no development has been allowed within sight of the river, providing miles of unsurpassed beauty for canoeists and hikers. In recent years, tubing has been added to the many popular river activities. Canoe and tube rentals and shuttles are available in Trego.

The Namekagon District Visitor Center provides maps, field guides and information about camping and river conditions. Located on Hwy. 63 just north of Trego, the center features exhibits on local history, as well as an aquarium, slide show and children's touch table. Call (715) 635.8346 for hours.

Are you looking for a map? Visit Washburn County Trail and River Maps for canoe routes and more.