This weekend 7 of us (3 canoe teams) heading down the St. Croix in WI & MN. 
We had planned to start at the beginning of the river at the Gordon Dam, but low waters deemed this section “challenging”. At the last minute we opted for a lower section, always check water levels before heading out. This is the section we did (map) . We put in at the C.C.C Bridge (a few miles north of Riverside Landing) and we took out at the St. Croix State Park Main Landing.
This section is wild and scenic. It can get low so check water levels. There are easy riffles and rapids and a 
steady flow. Campsites were very nice (watch out for ticks!) Despite rain on the first night, snowflakes on the second morning, and 35 mph wind gusts, we all had a great time! Without portages you can bring along a cooler and treat yourself to great meals. Each canoe team was responsible for their own breakfast, lunch and snacks. For two nights on the river, 2 teams each took a dinner, and the 3rd team provided dessert and an appetizer for each of the two dinner meals. We ate well!
The MVP’s of the weekend went to our tarps, with the rain and wind it made 
camp-life bearable. Runner-up went to our knee-high wader boots. It was so nice to have dry feet all weekend and to be able to get in and out of the canoe without having to be next to shore. Also, in low spots, it’s easy to jump out, pull the canoe along, and jump back in. Dry feet!
We saw a lot of eagles, herons, osprey, deer, owls and turtles! We only saw one other boat until the take out, we had the whole river to ourselves. The earlier you can plan a river trip the better. I would recommend the St. Croix as an easy beginner trip.
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I’m envious of your trip! I grew up along the banks of the St. Croix and the river will always be about as important to me as the Boundary Waters.
And good call about checking those water levels! I failed to do that (or rather, did check levels, but failed to change my plans accordingly) and had quite the adventure on the stretch below Gordon Dam a couple years ago. Check out the tale here.
Thanks for the great trip report!
Wow, Greg! That could have been us. Great story. I am glad your dog is OK!