Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

First time on the Kinnickinnic River
by MidwestFirecraft

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 03/31/2020
Entry & Exit Point: Other
Number of Days: 1
Group Size: 1
Trip Introduction:
Have read and heard great things about this river for awhile now. Took a few hours to explore it this afternoon and I'm hooked.
Report
Put in at County Road F and paddled upstream approximately 1/2 mile. This is a very boney river with lots of class 1 rapids. I had to get out and line the canoe up some of the rapids, but this was quite enjoyable as it is a rock/sand bottom, and very clear. Water never came over my Lacrose Aerohead boots where I needed to get out. For such a shallow river it had quite a gradient as the water was really moving. 

A lot of the Geology reminded me of the Boundary Waters.


The contrast of the snow in the shaded banks and the sun streaming in was fun to see.

Spoke with a friend in WI on the way home who works near the Kinni and offered to shuttle me to River Falls next time so I can float the length of the river. It was a busy day, but I'm glad I took the time. The first paddle of the season has refreshed my soul.