South Kawishiwi River
Ely, Minnesota
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Conditions: Blocked
for canoeing, todayAn agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good
2 factors · 2 sources
Newest 10 h ago · oldest 10 h
problem: Agency alerts
10 active alerts in Superior National Forest; most severe: Post Wildfire Closures, Effective October 1, 2026
USFSPosted Oct 1 · checked 10 h ago
clear: Weather
Clouds, high 60°F / low 38°F, 0% precip — 96/100 for canoeing
OpenWeather10 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Why you'll love it
River facts
- Water
- Flows year-round
- Average flow
- 420 cfs
- Average current
- 1.7 ft/s
- Drainage area
- 382 sq mi
Long-term averages modeled by USGS (NHDPlus HR), not today's conditions. Check a gauge before you go.
Here's your day on the water, mapped
South Kawishiwi River
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Photos
Directions & GPX
Permits & access
No permit or access details on file for this water — check with the local land manager before you go.
About this water
South Kawishiwi River is a 0.1-mile paddling stretch near Ely, Minnesota. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 420 cfs.
Add to a trip & share
Keep exploring — more water worth the drive
Isabella River
~20 min drive
Isabella River is a 0.6-mile paddling stretch near Ely, Minnesota. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 333 cfs and a gradient of about 57.7 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
South Fork Kawishiwi River (S) Public Water Access Site
~2 min drive
South Fork Kawishiwi River (S) Public Water Access Site is a boat launch in Minnesota.
BWCA Entry Points
~18 min drive
BWCA Entry Points is a paddling stretch in Minnesota. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Farm Lake Public Water Access Site
~8 min drive
Farm Lake Public Water Access Site is a boat launch in Minnesota.
Circle Route
~22 min drive
Circle Route is a paddling stretch in Minnesota. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
White Iron Lake Public Water Access Site
~10 min drive
White Iron Lake Public Water Access Site is a boat launch in Minnesota.
Birch Lake (NE) Public Water Access Site
~11 min drive
Birch Lake (NE) Public Water Access Site is a boat launch in Minnesota.
Garden Lake Boat Access
~12 min drive
Garden Lake Boat Access is a boat launch in Minnesota.
Fall Lake (S) Public Water Access Site
~14 min drive
Fall Lake (S) Public Water Access Site is a boat launch in Minnesota.
One Pine Lake Boat Access
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Minnesota.
