TRIP 03 - NAMEKAGON : PHIPPS LANDING TO DOCK

2.5 river miles north of Trout Run is the Phipps landing.

This trip begins with a flat water paddle across the Phipps flowage. The channel is well defined as you paddle through the flowage back to a big beautiful wetland area. The exit may not be obvious but will be to the southeast. (maps will be provided, bring your compass). Soon you will hear the rapids and see the elevation change in front of you. The white water chute is runable right into the small waves at the bottom or you can portage on the right. After the chute exit left or run a ground on the sandbar. From the Trout Run Landing, it is 5 river miles down to our dock. You will enjoy class 1 moving water in the river. Hayward Lake starts as you go under the Hwy 77 Bridge. Once on the lake, explore the Lake and take note of the active eagles' nest on the island near the City Park. Eagles, Osprey, Otters, Deer, Bear, Beaver and Black Squirrels are all common sightings on this trip. Stop for lunch at the Hayward City Beach Park. Aim for the Old Water Tower and you will find our Kayak Dock. Take out river left. This trip takes 3 hours if you paddle straight through to maybe 3+ hours of leisure and exploring.

Hayward Lake was created when the Hayward Dam was built. The lake is part of the Namekagon River, part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, managed as a canoeing river, by the National Park Service. Hayward Lake, not Lake Hayward, was an important part of the logging era and then again when Historyland was a dominant tourist destination. You will see 100 yards worth of old pilings in the lake, remnants of the old logging dock that was later used by Historyland.

Choose from a variety of rental canoe and kayak models. We have boats to fit individuals of all shapes and sizes.

In the recreational class of kayaks we offer the Dagger Axis 12', Perception Tribute 12', in addition to the Sit-on-Top Mad River Synergy 14'. We also have two tandem kayak models available if you wanted to kayak with a partner! The Perception Prodigy II 14.5 and the Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135T. If you are looking for canoes, you can choose from either the Mad River Explorer 16', perfect for both lake and river paddling and with plenty of storage room, or a Mad River Adventure, which is available in either a 14' or 16', and is equipped with comfortable seat backs and an additional third seat.

The price listed includes a paddle, lifejacket, boat, and shuttle. To set up a trip or if you have any questions please call 715-266-2990.