The Rum River 
A wild, winding, postcard-perfect Minnesota river.

On this a beautiful Labor Day weekend with temperatures in the mid-to-high 70s I launch just north of Highway 7 near Spencer Brook. My first glimpse of this scenic narrow river is as promised, it is lined with thick green trees as far as I can see. 

At he beginning of my 70 mile overnight journey the river is so narrow the overhanging trees create a canopy and cast their shadows over its entire width. It is here where fallen trees, hairpin turns, and swift current challenge me most. If it weren’t for local fishermen who have cleared a path with their chainsaws, this area would be impenetrable.

My open sea kayak is not designed for the swift and narrow turns of the winding Rum, where I often find myself pinned sideways against a fallen tree. With the threat of the river spilling into my open kayak and pulling me under, I hurry to free myself from yet another snag and near river disaster.

A few hours later the river begins to widen, and the sharp turns are less frequent. After a while, the extraordinary beauty of the scenic Rum becomes almost routine. 

This holiday weekend the Rum is busy with fishermen, kayakers, canoeists, pontoons and abundant wildlife. On this trip, I get closer to the unsuspecting animals than ever before, often within a few feet of eagles, geese, ducks, deer and the occasional beaver.

​In just a few weeks the Rum will be in full display of fall colors of red, yellow, purple, black, orange, and magenta. I suspect in many parts the river will be entirely covered by a thin blanket of leaves and in its sharp turns there will be a broad collection of memories of the seasons before.

I arrive in Anoka where Minnesota River State Water Trail map indicates a 30-yard portage around the Anoka dam. When I arrive, there is no sign indicating a portage. When I finally spot a landing space and scope the area, it is clear the 30 yard marker is an error. The distance is much greater and re-entry too dangerous. ​

It is here where I stop and call for my ride home then visit with the others enjoying Anoka’s Riverfront Park.