Red Lake Falls to Huot - Red Lake County

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Paddling from Sportsman's Park in Red Lake Falls to Old Crossing Treaty Historic Park near Huot takes about 4.5 hours. The river meanders 13.5 miles (21.8 km) through floodplain forest and impressive eroding clay banks. The current is more rapid in this stretch than along most of the river (except from St. Hilaire to Red Lake Falls) and may be tricky at low flow. The river bottom is composed of sandy-clay in slack water areas and gravel, cobble, and some boulders in faster riffles (some Class II rapids).

Beginners will be challenged and more advance canoeists will enjoy the rapid, yet relaxing ride. Sportsman's Park lies at the confluence of the Red Lake and Clearwater rivers, the site of historic sturgeon spawning runs as well as the original Red Lake Falls Sawmill. Boat ramps are well maintained and allow easy access to the river at both locations. There are no portages necessary on this section (no dams). Camping is permitted at both Old Crossing and Sportsman's Park, although Old Crossing is "Primitive Camping" (i.e., no electricity or shower). Old Crossing Treaty Historical Park is where the Ojibwa Indians cede almost 10 million acres of land for white settlement of the Red River Valley in 1886. The park also is a historic oxcart crossing along the Red River Oxcart Trail.

The City of Red Lake Falls has many outdoor areas and other amenities. Voyageur's View (upstream of Sportsman's Park) offers tubing rentals, a campground, showers, and more. There are more than 4 miles of paved trails (including a "rails-to-trails") connecting the town to some of its outdoor resources (five parks totaling over 100 acres), and there is a wonderful historic county courthouse. If you time it right, you might hit the Chautauqua French Festival at Old Crossing Treaty Historic Park in late August. This festival offers wonderful food, traditional music and dance, historical "voyageur" recreations, and trade show venders.