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Canoe RiversThe Indians, fur traders and settlers were the first to ply Wisconsin's wilderness riverways in sleek birchbark canoes. Today, you can experience the same beauty and excitement when you canoe Wisconsin! Paddle a gentle stream or ride the whitewater rapids; Wisconsin rivers come in all shapes and sizes and offer great adventure for beginners and experts alike. The following list does not contain all of Wisconsin's canoeable rivers, but is a guide to the state's more prominent waterways prepared in part by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
NorthwestApple River Outfitters in and around Somerset provide rentals and transportation for this popular tubing river. The first half of the trip offers relaxed family floating. The last half features a wild rapids area with a walkway along the side for the less adventurous. Bear River 715/561-2922 Tranquil, unspoiled, with good opportunities to see wildlife. Much of its 25-mile course passes through the Lac du Flambeau Chippewa Reservation. Upper portion is narrow with steady current through pine forests; lower stretch passes through Powell Marsh narrowing again before joining the Manitowish River as it enters the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. Low hazard riffles. Several access points off town roads. Call for river maps in Iron Dcounty. Bois Brule River 715/372-5678 World-famous for trout fishing, scenery and exciting rapids. Canoe trips can start at Stone's Bridge (Hwy S) and proceed upstream or downstream. Upstream, there are no rapids. Downstream trips can end at canoe landings near Hwy B, the ranger station, or at Hwy 2. The rapids between Hwy B and Hwy 2 are more difficult than those found above Hwy B. Canoe trips beyond Hwy 2 require another day to reach the river's mouth on Lake Superior. NOTE: A section below the Hwy 2 bridge contains dangerous rapids which no party should attempt unless accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. There are two state forest campgrounds located along the river. Chippewa River 800/535-7875 (Rusk Co.) or 888/672-5709 (Pepin Co.) Rich in history and scenic beauty, the river is navigable for most of its length from the Holcombe Flowage south to the Mississippi River. Water levels are occassionally subject to rapid fluctuation - check locally. The 40-mile stretch below the dam at Eau Claire is generally gentle to moderate with adequate flow. Random portages may be necessary in dry weather or late on Sunday when dams up-river are drawn-up. Access is available at road crossings and developed landings. The last twelve miles run through the 13,000-acre Tiffany Wildlife Area. Flambeau River 800/535-7875 One of the best whitewater rivers in the Midwest. The north fork provides the most stable water flow, traversing five Wisconsin counties as it falls from the Willow to the Holcombe Flowage. Along its upper reaches, the eighteen miles from the Turtle Dam to Park Falls are rated Intermediate to Expert with many Class I & II rapids. (For maps and information, call the Iron County Development Zone at 715/561-2922.) The southern sections also provide the challenge of rapids and whitewater. The most traveled stretch is from Nine Mile Creek to Ladysmith. There are campsites and landings along the way in the Flambeau River State Forest. The Upper Flambeau above Nine Mile Creek and the stretch below Ladysmith to its junction with the Chippewa are also canoeable. Access is available at road crossings, impoundments and old logging roads. Call for river maps, call Rusk County Tourism Information. Manitowish River A river for variety and fun. Flows from Presque Isle in Vilas County through Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters to the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage in Iron County. The upper portion connects 25 lakes including the famous Manitowish Chain of Lakes. With numerous access points, boat landings, and more than fifty campsites, paddlers can design trips of any length. Downstream, the lower portion is steady current flowing through beautiful north country into the flowage. Great opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially eagles. Low to medium-hazard rapids and riffles. Canoe rentals and access maps available locally. Call for river maps: in Iron County call 715/561-2922; in Vilas County call 888/626-9877. Montreal River - West Branch One of the Midwest's most challenging whitewater kayak rivers under high water conditions. Site of the 1994 ICF Junior World Kayak Championships. Water levels fluctuate greatly by season. Class II-Class V rapids and numerous falls. Lower portion flows through 300-foot-deep Montreal River Canyon. Take out at Hwy 122 near Lake Superior. NOTE: This river has not been officially surveyed. For expert kayakers only. Low water conditions make river impassable. For river maps in Iron County, call 715/561-2922. Namekagon River Known for camping and fishing, the Namekagon provides lake and river canoeing with some low hazard rapids. Low water is the chief obstacle, and levels should be checked locally. Access is available at towns, (Cable, Seeley, Hayward and Trego), and road crossings. Red Cedar River The Red Cedar runs 60 miles from Chetek to the Chippewa River below Menomonie. The upper 20 miles are relatively shallow and wide with a brisk current and lots of islands -- an ideal float trip for novices and families. The lower 15 miles parallel the Red Cedar State Bike Trail. Fishing is good all along the river. Access is available at numerous county parks. Canoe rentals are offered at many towns along the river. St. Croix River Designated a 'National Scenic River,' the St. Croix combines smooth water and low to medium-hazard rapids. It is navigable from its source at Solon Springs to its mouth on the Mississippi River. There is, however, a dam and portage at St. Croix Falls. The lower portion (below St. Croix Falls) is open to commercial traffic. Tomahawk River Offers a medium to fast current including two difficult rapids on the lower stretches of the river. Access is available at dams and road crossings. Turtle River 715/561-2922 A relatively unknown and unspoiled river flowing 27 miles through Iron County lakes and wilderness into the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage at Lake of the Falls. Some Class II-III rapids may require portaging dependent on water levels. Portage at Shay's Dam Falls required. Numerous public access points and state and county campsites. Call for river maps in Iron County. Upper Wisconsin River 715/362-7616 The upper Wisconsin (Vilas-Oneida County to Merril) is a relaxing way to view the natural beauty of the Northwoods. Winding through forest and farmland, the majority of the river offers a slow current with few obstacles. There is one portage at the Rainbow Lake Dam. Rainbow Rapids offer some excitement, but the rocks are usually submerged. For more information, contact the Wisconsin DNR station in Rhinelander. Yellow River Stream and lake canoeing with a slow to moderate current and a few gentle rapids. Access is available at numerous road crossings and public landings. NOTE: Aquatic growth may hinder navigation in mid-summer.
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