Quetico Provincial Park is located entirely within this area.

The area has gradually been reduced in size as portions of it were annexed by surrounding incorporated townships.

In 2004, the Township of Morley annexed the geographic townships of Sifton and Dewart, thereby splitting Unorganized Rainy River into two non-contiguous areas.

[2] The Township of Atikokan, as well as the Indian reserves of Rainy Lake 17A, 17B, 26A, Seine River 23A, and 23B, are enclaves within the unorganized area.

Communities include Arbor Vitae, Burditt Lake, Calm Lake, Flanders, Crilly, Gameland, Glenorchy, Government Landing, Kawene, Mine Centre, Off Lake Corner, Rocky Inlet and Sapawe.