A) The Grade/153 to Cascade River Road/157 (6.8 miles)

Among the many aptly named rivers this one ranks well up there. From well up in its headwater areas to its final plunge toward Lake Superior, it takes chunks of its gradient in spectacular fashion, creating marvelous cascades to behold (and to boat). This reach starts well up toward the Boundary Waters lake area. While there is some additional gradient upstream, the next convenient upstream access would necessitate miles of lake paddling. However, from our listed put-in, it appears that those interested _could_ paddle upstream about 1/3-mile to check out an upper drop. Similarly, downstream of the listed put-in, it takes just over a half-mile before the first significant drop is encountered, as the river drops at least 20' in a very short distance. This could be done as a 'park-and-huck' (if/when runnable), as the road is close by. Downstream, gradient is mostly much more gentle (no apparent big drops), interspersed by ponded areas.