English Coulee Trail - a trail in the woods with trees and rocks
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English Coulee Trail

4
·3 reviews·Grand Forks, United States

An extreme water-based expedition through a challenging coulee known for wildlife, quicksand, and a potent odor.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Fewer wildlife encounters

CrowdLow
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English Coulee Trail - a trail in the woods with trees and rocks

English Coulee Trail

Best Time

Spring mornings

Fewer wildlife encounters

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An extreme water-based expedition through a challenging coulee known for wildlife, quicksand, and a potent odor.

4
(3 reviews)

"An adventure non other, the English Coulee is a beast of its own."

Vertical photo
TIP

🛶 Paddle Preparedness

Bring a sturdy paddle and be ready for aggressive wildlife. 🛶

⚠️ Quicksand Awareness

Stay to the center of the trail; quicksand is a real danger. ⚠️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4 · 3 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mysterious English Coulee Mouth

The Mysterious English Coulee Mouth

Confluence with the Red River

Discover the legendary entrance to the English Coulee, a challenging yet rewarding expedition for seasoned adventurers.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Along the trail

Navigate past snapping turtles and aggressive geese; an adventurous challenge for the brave.

Quicksand Hazards

Quicksand Hazards

Trail edges

Exercise extreme caution due to quicksand present on either side of the trail.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for the Unexpected

The English Coulee Trail is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable wildlife. Be ready for potential encounters with snapping turtles and geese, and be aware of quicksand. Proper gear and a cautious approach are essential for a safe adventure.

Navigating the Coulee

This trail is not for the faint of heart. Previous adventurers have described it as a 'different beast altogether,' with a strong odor and difficult conditions. Researching the best routes and understanding the risks is crucial before embarking on your expedition.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Fewer wildlife encounters
Crowd
Low
When
Late Summer afternoons
Why
Slightly less intense odor
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🛶 Paddle Preparedness

Bring a sturdy paddle and be ready for aggressive wildlife. 🛶

⚠️ Quicksand Awareness

Stay to the center of the trail; quicksand is a real danger. ⚠️

👃 Odor Mitigation

Consider a mask or bandana for the strong smell. 🎭

🗺️ Route Research

Understand the terrain and potential hazards before you go. :world_map:

Tips

from all over the internet

🛶 Paddle Preparedness

Bring a sturdy paddle and be ready for aggressive wildlife. 🛶

⚠️ Quicksand Awareness

Stay to the center of the trail; quicksand is a real danger. ⚠️

👃 Odor Mitigation

Consider a mask or bandana for the strong smell. 🎭

🗺️ Route Research

Understand the terrain and potential hazards before you go. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4
(3 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The English Coulee Trail is an intensely challenging and unique adventure, primarily for experienced explorers. Visitors should brace for aggressive wildlife, treacherous quicksand, and a strong, unpleasant odor. While not for the faint of heart, successfully navigating its waters and discovering the coulee's mouth offers a significant sense of accomplishment.

"I have had adventures non other like the expedition of the spring of Two Thousand and Nineteen in the notorious English Coulee. I have had experience being a Sherpa on three separate attempts to summit the Lone Cone, only one of which was successful. The other two attempts costed most of my expedition party's lives since we ran out of oxygen on the Hillary Steppe above the West Armchair; not to mention the North Face Ice-fall was terribly unpredictable. The English Coulee was an entirely different beast altogether. There were snapping turtles attacking every push of the paddle, quicksand on either side, Jiang attack geese, and a smell so strong it causes immediate histotoxic hypoxia to the untrained lung. My expedition was unsuccessful, but on a separate one of the Red River, I was finally victorious in discovering the mouth of the greatly mysterious ENGLISH COULEE."

Calder Hughes

"Dirty stagnant body of water"

Wesley Smith

""

Beethoven Ludwig

What People Like

Unique adventure
Challenging expedition
Discovering the mouth

What People Dislike

Aggressive wildlife
Strong odor
Quicksand hazards

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to the English Coulee Trail is typically via the Red River. Adventurers often use kayaks or canoes to reach the mouth of the coulee. Ensure your vessel is suitable for potentially rough waters and be prepared for a challenging paddle. Reddit

Navigating the English Coulee requires a watercraft like a kayak or canoe. The trail is described as a 'dirty stagnant body of water' with significant hazards. Reddit

Information on specific parking facilities near Red River access points for the English Coulee Trail is limited. It's advisable to research local boat launches or public access areas along the Red River in advance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no official ticket or entry fees mentioned for the English Coulee Trail, as it appears to be a natural, undeveloped area. Access is primarily through the Red River. Reddit

As a natural trail, the English Coulee Trail does not have set operating hours. However, it is recommended to plan your expedition during daylight hours for safety. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Be prepared for encounters with snapping turtles and aggressive geese. The coulee is also noted for its strong, unpleasant odor. Reddit

The English Coulee Trail is generally considered challenging and not suitable for beginners due to quicksand, aggressive wildlife, and strong odors. Reddit

Always be aware of your surroundings, especially for quicksand on the edges. Carry appropriate gear for water travel and be prepared for wildlife encounters. Consider a mask for the smell. Reddit

The time required to explore the English Coulee Trail can vary greatly depending on your pace and the conditions. Previous expeditions suggest it can be a significant undertaking. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no food or dining facilities directly on or near the English Coulee Trail. It is a remote natural area, so you will need to bring all your own provisions. Reddit

Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks. Given the challenging nature and potential for delays, ensure you have more than you think you'll need. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo opportunity is capturing the mysterious mouth of the English Coulee where it meets the Red River. Documenting the unique wildlife and challenging terrain can also make for dramatic shots. Reddit

A waterproof camera or a reliable phone with a waterproof case is highly recommended due to the water-based nature of the trail and potential for splashes. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the expansive river views. Reddit

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