National Water Trail Route Video Series

Jan 7

At the headwaters of Lake Superior lies the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail, nestled between Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. With 11 loop routes for paddlers and boaters of all skill levels and abilities, this multi-use waterway invites you to experience the wild diversity of the St. Louis River while being minutes away from town.

As a tool to plan your trip, we’ve put together a video series highlighting the 11 loop routes. Click ‘Learn More’ on each post to watch a short video and learn about unique trail features and what you might expect while you explore.

Featured

Boy Scout Shuffle

Length: 3-4 miles
Points of Access: Boy Scout Landing, Perch Lake

This intermediate distance trip will bring you through marshy backwater and offers excellent bird and wildlife observation opportunities.

Radio Tower Relay

Length: 1-3 miles
Points of Access: Oliver Landing

This short loop highlights the historic Oliver Bridge, the Radio Tower Bay restoration area, and the causeway at Mud Lake.

Tallas Adventure

Length: 1-7 miles

Points of Access: Munger Landing, Indian Point Campground, Spirit Lake Marina (private)

This short to intermediate distance trip explores many of Duluth’s bays with long beautiful views across the open water.

Pokegama Bay Paddle

Length: 5-9 miles
Points of Access: Pokegama Bay Landing

This intermediate to long distance trip explores the immersive environment of the Pokegama River delta. Public land surrounds this loop, making it an ideal place to explore the area’s natural habitat and wildlife diversity from the water or by land.

Pokegama Loop

Length: 2-3 miles

Points of Access: Oliver Landing

This short seasonal trip offers excellent bird and wildlife observations with impressive scenery and views of the rugged landscape surrounding the river.

St. Louis River Excursion

Length: 2-8 miles

Points of Access: Oliver Landing, Boy Scout Landing, Perch Lake, Historical Park, Chambers Grove

This short to intermediate length trip provides impressive views of the St. Louis River landscape and historic sites along the way.

Spirit Lake Loop

Length: 5-7 miles

Points of Access: Munger Landing, Spirit Lake Marina (private)

This intermediate distance trip provides scenic views of Spirit Mountain and the Duluth landscape.

Clough Island Circuit

Length: 5-6 miles
Points of Access: Munger Landing, Spirit Lake Marina

This trip offers scenic long views across open water and provides access to remote and interesting features.

Superior Bays

Length: 3-12 miles
Points of Access: Billings Park, Arrowhead Pier, Woodstock Bay Landing

This short to long distance trip has some of the most spectacular scenery in the estuary with steep rocky cliff faces and long panoramic views of Duluth and the surrounding area.

Red River Run

Length: 2-4 miles

Points of Access: Boy Scout Landing, Perch Lake

Description: This short seasonal trip offers excellent bird and wildlife observations with impressive scenery and views of the rugged landscape surrounding the river.