Crow Wing River — Nimrod to Motley: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Crow Wing River · Class I · Minnesota
Current verdict
Good to paddle
Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.
USGS gauge 05244000 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class I
- Length
- —
- Float time
- —
- Best months
- April–September
- Put-in
- Nimrod access
- Take-out
- Motley access
Reading USGS gauge 05244000 — CROW WING RIVER AT NIMROD, MN ↗
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Crow Wing River — Nimrod to Motley?
This section is generally runnable at 300–1,100 cfs. Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Crow Wing River levels?
We read USGS gauge 05244000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Crow Wing River — Nimrod to Motley good for beginners?
This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Crow Wing River here?
Typically April–September, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.