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Run Time Estimate

Put-in

Take-out

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Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.

Description

Little Falls Dam in Willow River State Park was found to be failing back in 2015. By February 2017, funds were allocated for removal and reconstruction of the dam. As of by Spring, 2021, the new dam is complete, refilling 'Little Falls Lake'. Formerly, there had appeared to be a very brief bit of rapids about where the dam is. From photos online, it appears that my no longer exist (I.E., it's under the dam or the lake). The miles below the dam appear to have mostly relatively mild swiftwater and rips. After Trout Brook Road the remaining distance until encountering the backwaters of Lake Mallalieu (and the subsequent confluence with the St.Croix) appear to have similar shoals, swiftwater, and tame rapids. However, proceding beyond Trout Brook Road is likely to entail much flatwater paddling on the lake/flowage to the next available public landing. While canoeists and recreational kayakers may not mind the distance (at least, if winds are not strong), folks looking for whitewater or at least swiftwater paddling will do well to exit at our listed take-out. SO ... anyone ever paddle the Willow River downstream of the dam? We'd love to have a comment or report! (And photos or links to videos, if you've got them!)