Canoeing Rivers
Pembina River
The Pembina River meanders through the thickly wooded slopes, broad uplands, and isolated tranquility which symbolizes North Dakota’s Pembina River valley. It flows with a beauty and grace distinctly different than any other river in the state. The Pembina River’s rocky bed offers mild white water experiences. The timbered hills of the river corridor not only provide a stately scenic backdrop for canoeists and but also host many unique flora and fauna, such as elk and moose.
The Pembina River valley was a focal point of the first settlement in North Dakota. Driven by the promise of a fledgling fur industry in the early 1800s, the state’s first influx of permanent Euro-American settlers, the Selkirkers, established themselves near the mouth of the Pembina River. A small and simple settlement developed, which contained the first churches, schools and homesteads known to North Dakota. One of the original homesteads from this era, the Kittson Cabin, is a State Historic Site in Walhalla.
The Pembina River has the only white water found in North Dakota. The River’s drop upstream of Walhalla creates Class I rapids. Fast water and river bends create a challenging canoe environment. It is recommended for intermediate canoeists.
Where to go for a day trip
The best trip is along the upper stretch of the Pembina River, from the VANG BRIDGE (County Road 55) in Cavalier County to the N.D. HIGHWAY 32 BRIDGE near Walhalla or Riverside Park in Walhalla, both in Pembina County. There are no specific canoe access points at the bridges, but the access is good. This stretch includes rapids and quick turns. This trip will take approximately 2 to 4 hours. Hazards —Downed trees and snags
Flow Information —Gaging station located at Neche, which is approximately 40 miles downstream of Walhalla. It is worth checking the gaging station readings [USGS. North Dakota home page: http://nd.water.usgs.gov; gaging station is Pembina River at Neche (05100000); a flow of at least 1000 cfs is recommended], but it would be worth contacting the North Dakota Forest Service (701-549-2441) to find out what the flows are near Walhalla
County Maps —Cavalier 2
Contacts —
- Icelandic State Park, 701-265-4561, 13571 Hwy. 5, Cavalier, ND 58220
- North Dakota Forest Service, District Forester, 701-549-2441; Rt. 1, Box 1, Walhalla, ND 58282
- Gringras Trading Post Historic Site and Wallhalla Historic Site, 701-549-2775; RR 1, Box 55, Walhalla, ND 58282
- Walhalla Economic Development Office - 701-549-2707
- Pembina State Museum, 701-825-6840; P.O. Box 456, Pembina, ND 58271
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department (for information on public lands in the Pembina River valley), 701-662-3617; District Office, RR5, Box 218-B, Devils Lake, ND 58301-9235.
- N.D. Tourism - 1-800-HELLO-ND
Other things to do in the area
The area is rich in natural history and human history. The Pembina River valley is a well-kept secret, even from many North Dakotans. The valley is dotted with public lands and historic sites. Several museums herald the rich history. While canoeing might take only a day of an adventurer’s time, there are many trails to hike and other sites to see. Camping and motel accommodations are available in Walhalla.
