Canoeing Rivers
Souris River
The Souris River enters from Canada and flows 80 miles southeastward in North Dakota before it loops northward and exits the state. Bordered by two national wildlife refuges, the waterway is a haven for North Dakota wildlife species. These refuges contribute to the state’s significant population of breeding waterfowl. They also serve as critical resting areas for the thousands of birds that annually migrate through the Central Flyway. The refuges also provide homes for terrestrial wildlife such as white-tailed deer and unique birds such as the baird’s sparrow.
The association of wildlife and undisturbed settings within the Souris corridor make the river stretch a popular place for sightseeing, nature observation, and fishing. Canoeing is also a preferred pastime, as both the Upper Souris and J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuges encompass interpreted canoe trails varying in length from three to 13 miles.
Where to go
Both the Upper Souris and J. Clark Salyer refuges provide canoe trails that are perfect for day trips. Both provide good access with easy to moderate canoeing. Because these trails are within national wildlife refuges, canoeists should contact the refuge headquarters for the most recent flow information and regulations. The best time to canoe these trails is usually spring or early summer in the early morning hours for wildlife viewing.
UPPER SOURIS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Two canoe trails open May 1. Canoeing is allowed only on designated canoe routes.
1. Beaver Lodge Canoe Trail (6 miles round trip)
3 to 5 hours
Canoeists must canoe both upstream and downstream on the same route, since there is only one access
Access—
- Canoe parking lot southeast of Outlet Fishing Area (good).
- The trail extends downstream to a dam and water control structure, where you must return to the put-in point
Hazards—
- Several short portages may be required.
- No fishing or swimming is allowed.
County Maps—Ward 2
Contact—Refuge Manager, Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, 17705 212th Ave. NW, Berthold, ND 58718-9666; 701-468-5467.
2. 5-Mile Trail (10 miles if you take a round trip)
3 to 6 hours
Access —
- Renville County Memorial Park (good) - begin here and canoe upstream to refuge boundary and back.
- Can also put in or take out at Swenson Bridge (good)
- Fishing is allowed.
County Maps—Renville 1
Contact—Refuge Manager, Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, 17705 212th Ave. NW, Berthold, ND 58718-9666; 701-468-5467.
J. CLARK SALYER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The river flows north here into Canada! A 5½ mile route (2 to 3 hours) or a 13 mile route (5 to 7 hours) can be taken. The trail is well marked with mile markers along the river.
Access—
- Johnson Bridge (good)
- Thompson Well (good)
- Dam 1 (good)
Hazards—Log jams, strong current. This trail is not recommended for novices or people canoeing with small children.
County Maps—McHenry 1
Contact—Refuge Manager, J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 66, Upham, ND 58789; 701-768-2548.
Flow Info—U.S.G.S. North Dakota home page: http://nd.water.usgs.gov. Gaging station is Souris River at Bantry (05122000). A flow of at least 60 cubic feet per second at the Bantry gaging station is recommended for fair canoeing.
Other cautions—Canoeists should avoid canoeing through the City of Minot. There are many lowhead dams and water control structures in the river through the city, which are very hazardous.
General Information—
- Kenmare Chamber of Commerce - 4 2nd St. NW, Kenmare, ND 58746; 701-385-4857
- Minot Convention and Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 2066, Minot, ND 58702; 701-857-8206
- N.D. Tourism - 1-800-HELLO-ND
Other things to do in the area
Both refuges have scenic trails and visitor centers.
