The Crow Wing River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, drains an area of about 3,760 square miles, essentially all of which is covered by glacial deposits.
Topography of most of the watershed is slightly- to moderately-undulating and has local relief of up to about 50 feet. The margin of the watershed, particularly the southwestern and northwestern parts, is higher and has local relief often exceeding 150 feet. The higher areas contain numerous lakes and, in the extreme north and east parts of the watershed, are heavily forested.