The Pembina River winds through the forested slopes and broad uplands that epitomize North Dakota’s Pembina River valley. The timbered hills of the river offer grand scenery for canoeists and are home to several species of North Dakota wildlife like elk and moose.

The Pembina River has important historical significance. The river valley was a focal point of the 1st European settlement in the North Dakota territories.

The Pembina River has the only white water found in the state of North Dakota. Though the Pembina’s stony bed only provides mild white water rafting opportunities, the river’s drop upstream of Walhalla creates some enjoyable Class I rapids, and fast water riffles coupled river bends make for a challenging North Dakota canoeing environment, that can be fun for intermediate-level paddlers.