See all 6 routes on Namekagon River
Wisconsin | St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Namekagon RiverFritz Landing to Riverside Landing / St. Croix River
Lower Namekagon N5 day or overnight-capable Riverway route from Fritz to Riverside, ending after the St. Croix confluence with NPS/WTG campsite and landing support.
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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
A lower Namekagon day or overnight route from Fritz through McDowell, Namekagon Trail, the St. Croix confluence, and Big Island channels to Riverside Landing.
Access map
Put-in
Fritz LandingThe Leonards gauge is far upstream for this route; near the floor, call the Namekagon visitor center or make a local visual check before launching.
Take-out
Riverside Landing / St. Croix RiverRiverside Landing is on the St. Croix below the Namekagon confluence. Missing the take-out extends the trip onto a larger river corridor.
Road shuttle
Stage Riverside Landing on the St. Croix first, then drive back to Fritz Landing. McDowell Bridge and Namekagon Trail are intermediate landings if the group wants a shorter lower-Namekagon split.
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Access planner
Choose your launch and take-out
This changes launch and take-out logistics, not today's river score.
Fritz Landing to Riverside Landing / St. Croix River is about 17.5 mi. Use the planner to compare shorter access pairs.
Additional access notes
- Use only public Riverway landings and signed campsites; do not assume private banks, islands, or sandbars are legal overnight stops.
More route and safety guidance
- The route crosses the Namekagon/St. Croix confluence and Big Island channel area. Choose channels deliberately and avoid blind side channels at low water.
- Riverway campsites are first-come and designated only; do not treat private banks, islands, or sandbars as legal camping by default.
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.
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Download GPX Route geometry only; no schedule required.
Conditions
Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.
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Gauge source
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Weather
Hourly forecast
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Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
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Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Namekagon River at Leonards, WI. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
Look for recent access, obstruction and hazard observations. Context photos may show a different part of the river.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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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.
- WTG N5 routeFritz to Riverside, 17.5 miles
WTG N5 documents the exact Fritz-to-Riverside route, 8-hour / multi-day timing, Class I rapids, access details, and WGS84 coordinates.
- Lower Namekagon level evidence103 cfs / 1.7 ft at Leonards
Miles Paddled recommends the recorded 103 cfs / 1.7 ft level for County K to Riverside while warning that Leonards is about 55 miles upstream and visitor-center checks remain useful.
- Camping and route characterTwenty-four N5 Riverway campsites
WTG says N5 has extensive backcountry campsite support and describes wooded islands, Class I rapids, the St. Croix confluence, and the Riverside group-camp context.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-2358.6 cfs / 1.46 ft at 2026-07-23 00:00 CDT
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.
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 Namekagon River
All 6Nearby routes within 75 miles
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