Red Lake River

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Northwest Minnesota with the Red Lake River highlighted

The Red Lake River on its crooked path through Crookston, Minnesota

The Red Lake River is a river located in northwestern Minnesota. The river begins on the western side of the Lower Red Lake and flows westward. After passing through Thief River Falls, Red Lake Falls, and Crookston, the river merges with the Red River of the North in East Grand Forks. The total length of the river is 193 miles (310.6 km). The term "Forks" in Grand Forks comes from this forking (joining) of the Red and Red Lake rivers near downtown Grand Forks.

As a tributary of the Red River, the Red Lake River contributed to the heavy flooding of Greater Grand Forks in 1997. The river also caused damage in its own right, albeit less severe, in Crookston.

The Red Lake River is a popular source of recreation for area residents, and many enjoy the tubing and canoeing the river makes possible.

[edit] Varied Terrain

The Red Lake River covers a wide variety of terrain. After leaving the Red Lake, the river flows through a marsh in the Red Lake Indian Reservation. The river then flows through a prairie, then through farmland. After St. Hilaire the sides of the river grow steeper, becoming large eroding cliffs. Parts of the river are thickly forested.

The river is relatively smooth for most of the trip. There is a stretch between St. Hilaire and Crookston where there is a chain of rapids, which are easily navigated.

The Red Lake River is one of the few Minnesota state canoe routes in the area. There are a number of rest areas and camping facilities along the route.