The Trout River is a great adventure for any paddler. This scenic Northwoods river has seen very little development. Paddlers will find no rapids—just riffles. If you need shuttle service, call the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce far in advance so that we can search out a shuttle driver.
All of the routes below begin on the southwest shore of Trout Lake where Highway 51 (Trout Lake Road) crosses Trout River. From there, paddlers can utilize a shuttle service or place pick-up cars to create trips ranging from 3 to 7.5 miles. Here are the take-out options:
3 miles (1 to 2 hours) – Take-out at Popes Road
From put-in, turn left on Gresham Road and drive 2.5 miles. Turn left onto dirt road across from Popes Road and travel one mile to Trout River and unimproved landing. Good area to leave pickup vehicle.
4.5 miles (2 to 3 hours) – Take-out at County H
From put-in, take Gresham Road all the way to the County H bridge and the unimproved landing.
7.5 miles (4 to 6 hours) – Take-out at west end of Wild Rice Lake
From put-in, stay on Hwy 51 traveling northward about 4 miles north to left on Bakken Road. Travel 1.75 miles and turn left on Townline Road. Travel 1/2 mile to improved landing on Wild Rice Lake’s north shore.
