The river flows south and southwest below the dam at St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. After first passing through the rocky, cliff-enclosed narrows in Interstate State Park, the river broadens out and slows down. This section is then characterized by numerous channels, sandbars, marshes, and backwaters. The Arcola Sandbar at the southern end of the section blocks the big boats of the lower part of the river from going farther upstream. North of the sandbar, the river craft are canoes, kayaks, small fishing boats, and pontoons. The exceptional big craft are the river boats that give tours through the narrow defile at Taylor's Falls, Minnesota.