The Souris River flows through north-central North Dakota, traversing Ward, Renville, McHenry, and Bottineau counties in a distinctive northward arc. Originating in Saskatchewan, the river enters North Dakota near Sherwood and flows southeast through Ward County past Minot before turning northward through McHenry and Bottineau counties, eventually returning to Canada near Westhope. This unusual loop pattern—flowing both into and out of the United States—gives the river its French name "Souris" (mouse), a translation from the Ojibwe name referencing the abundant mice in the riverside meadows. The river corridor encompasses three National Wildlife Refuges within these counties: Upper Souris NWR in Ward and Renville counties, J. Clark Salyer NWR spanning McHenry and Bottineau counties, and Des Lacs NWR along the Des Lacs tributary in Ward and Bottineau counties. These refuges protect critical wetland and prairie habitat along the Central Flyway.

**Paddling Opportunities** J. Clark Salyer NWR offers the most developed paddling experience with a designated National Recreation Trail. The 13-mile canoe route from Johnson Bridge to Dam 1 traverses bottomland hardwood forests, requiring 5-7 hours to complete. A shorter 5½-mile option ends at Thompson Well. The river flows gently through oxbows lined with willow, elm, ash, and box elder, with numbered mile markers guiding paddlers. Launch facilities include boat ramps at Johnson Bridge, Thompson Well, and Dam 1. Upper Souris NWR provides boat fishing access on Lake Darling from May 1 through September 30, with designated areas from Lake Darling Dam north to Greene Crossing. The Souris River below the dam offers bank fishing but prohibits boats in most sections. A canoe trail exists at Beaver Lodge, accessible from the parking lot southeast of the main facilities.

**Wildlife and Habitat** Over 250 bird species inhabit the refuges, including American white pelicans, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, wood ducks, and hooded mergansers. Globally significant populations of waterfowl utilize these wetlands during migration. Mammals include white-tailed deer, moose, beavers, muskrats, and porcupines. Northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass populate the waters.

**Access and Regulations** Primary access points include Roosevelt Park Boat Ramp in Minot (Ward County), various landings on Lake Darling, and multiple crossings along the J. Clark Salyer canoe trail accessible from Upham and Westhope. Refuge hours run 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. State fishing regulations apply, with specific refuge restrictions on motorized access and camping. The river historically served as a transportation corridor for Indigenous peoples and later European settlers, with the Civilian Conservation Corps developing much of the current infrastructure during the 1930s.