See all 9 routes on Big Fork River
Minnesota | Northern Minnesota
Big Fork RiverHighway 1 to Highway 6 South
Remote upper-Big-Fork overnight-capable route from the Highway 1 carry-in to Highway 6 South, with DNR Map 1 support, multiple watercraft campsites, Muldoon Rapids, and a mandatory Little American Falls portage.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch at Highway 1 and finish at Highway 6 South for the upstream Big Fork section above the existing Highway 6 South-to-North card. The route includes remote campsites, Muldoon Rapids, and the mandatory Little American Falls portage.
Access map
Put-in
State Highway 1 carry-in accessHighway 1 and Highway 6 South are official public accesses, but both are remote carry-in landings; inspect parking, mud, and launch condition before leaving a vehicle.
Take-out
Highway 6 South / State Hwy 6 Bridge carry-in accessLittle American Falls is not an optional casual feature. General paddlers should portage left and budget time for a steep or brushy carry. A county campground and picnic area are nearby but require a climb from river level.
Road shuttle
Stage the take-out at Highway 6 South / Craigsville before driving to the Highway 1 carry-in. This is a remote northern shuttle and should normally be planned as an overnight with daylight margin for portages.
Additional access notes
- This route is too long to improvise late in the day. If campsites are occupied, weather changes, or water is lower than expected, shorten the plan rather than forcing the full distance.
More route and safety guidance
- Muldoon Rapids is a long Class II boulder stretch with a mapped river-right portage; scout or portage when levels, skill, or loaded boats make the line uncertain.
- This is a 32-mile remote forest route with limited quick rescue, first-come watercraft campsites, cold shoulder-season water, and brushy portage approaches.
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Conditions
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Photos and recent reports
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Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- DNR bands4.0 / 4.5-8.5 / 9.5 ft
MN DNR interprets the Craigsville / Highway 6 South gauge as Scrapable below 4.0 ft, Low from 4.0 to 4.5, Medium from 4.5 to 8.5, High from 8.5 to 9.5, and Very High above 9.5.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-174.81 ft at 2026-07-17 07:00
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- Map supportHighway 1 RM 123.8 to Highway 6 South RM 91.5
MN DNR Map 1 places Highway 1, Busticogan campsite, Muldoon Rapids, Little American Falls, Old Hudson Bay Farm campsite, and Highway 6 South in sequence over 32.3 river miles.
- Mandatory hazardLittle American Falls Class IV-V
MN DNR identifies Little American Falls as Class IV-V and says the falls must be portaged by all but the most experienced paddlers.
- Public access recordsWAS01804 to WAS01794
Minnesota public-water-access GIS resolves the Highway 1 carry-in and Highway 6 South / State Hwy 6 Bridge access with coordinates and river-mile context.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
More on Big Fork River
All 9Nearby routes within 75 miles
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