Vermilion Gorge Watercraft Campsite

Crane Lake, Minnesota

About

The Vermilion River flows 42 miles north from Lake Vermilion to Crane Lake, surrounded by the Kabetogama State Forest. The river winds along forests of pine, spruce, fir, aspen and birch, with much of it appearing wild and passing exposed bedrock and tall bluffs. The river is best for experienced paddlers due to few accesses and numerous rapids. The Vermilion River gets much of its flow from Vermilion Lake, so it rises and falls slowly. It is usually canoeable well into autumn. Most rapids are runnable if the U.S. Geological Survey gauge below the Vermilion Dam reads above four feet. Quiet sections of the river are runnable below four feet. Hazards include a dam and Class I-VI rapids. Know where portage locations are. Some of the portages are long, but all are well worn. Much of this river is surrounded by forest.

Amenities

Available Site Types

• Tent Sites

Local Attractions

• Kabetogama State Forest
• Superior National Forest
• Cook Hospital
• Ely Blumenstein Community Hospital