The Kettle is a tributary of the St. Croix River, about 80 mi
(130 km) long, in eastern Minnesota in the United States. Via the
St. Croix River, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi
River. The river's English name is due to the large number of large
rounded holes (kettles) in the sandstone in and around the river,
carved out by the swirling waters of the river.
River character
Throughout the course of the river, the waters of the Kettle have
an amber tint. This tint comes from tannins (leaf colorings) from
wetlands which drain into the river, rather than manmade
causes.
The Kettle's flow changes fairly quickly with rainfall in the
area of drainage, which is about 1,060 square miles (2,750
km2). It is not uncommon for the river to be reduced to
a trickle during dry summer spells, and rise to a whitewater
torrent after a few days of rain. Normal water flows vary
seasonally from 200 to over 6000 ft³/min (0.09 to 2.8 m³/s). Check
the USGS Water Gauge for current flows before you
go.
Very deep sections of the river exist, with some pools reaching
over 100 feet (30 m) in depth. The astounding depth of the river
and general good water quality support a population of the ancient
Sturgeon. The record largest fish ever caught in the state of
Minnesota, was a 70 inch (1.8 m), 94 pound 4 oz (42.8 kg) Sturgeon
caught in the Kettle river in 1994.
Sections of river
The upper section of the river (above Banning State Park) is
generally quick moving with frequent riffles and a few class I
rapids. This section of the river is runnable when water levels are
moderate to high (900 ft³/min).
As the river flows to Banning State Park, its character quickly
changes as the river drops through a series of rapids ranging from
class I to class IV. This rapids are easily runnable in an open
canoe when water levels are low to moderate(600 to 900 ft³/min),
but can become dangerous to even experienced whitewater kayakers
and rafters during very high water (4,500 ft³/min). The steep rocky
sides to the river, and undercut banks and kettles can make a
rescue very difficult in these conditions.
Shortly after exiting the park, the river quiets significantly
before Big Spring Falls. The falls was recreated when a dam built
in 1908 was removed in 1995 to help restore the river. The removal
of the dam has allowed the sturgeon a greater range on the river.
There is also a small picnic area next to the falls, and a bit of a
rough portage down to the water.
From the falls to the confluence of the St. Croix, the Kettle
continues to drop at a moderate rate with frequent riffles and
occasional class I rapids. The rapids increase in frequency, but
not intensity as the river approaches the St. Croix. This last
section of the river is some of the best canoeing available in the
state with manageable rapids, good fishing, frequent wildlife
sightings (including bears) and absence of other people.
Tributaries
The Kettle flows into the St. Croix River 10 mi (16 km)
east-northeast of Pine City.
Near its headwaters the river collects the West Branch Kettle
River, which flows southeastwardly from its source near Wright.
Other tributaries include the Dead Moose and Split Rock Rivers,
which join the Kettle in Carlton County, and the Moose Horn,
Willow, Pine and Grindstone Rivers, which join it in Pine County.
Wolf Creek, in Banning State Park, drops over a twelve foot water
falls just before it enters into the Kettle River.
Kettle River Canoe Route DNR Map...