- Eau Claire River
- Black River
- Bois Brule River
- Brule River
- Chippewa River
- Flambeau River
- Manitowish River
- Menominee River
- Montreal River
- Namekagon River
- Peshtigo River
- Pike River
- Pine River
- Popple River
- Red River
- St Croix River
- Tomahawk River
- White River
- Wisconsin River
- Wolf River
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WPG
A canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting guide to Wisconsin's most popular paddle rivers.
distance:
most difficult rapids:
approx. trip time:
elevation drop:
average gradient:
(feet per mile)
13.9 miles
class III
6 hours
168 feet
12.1 fpm
Eau Claire River - Marathon County
Bear Lake Road Bridge to County N Bridge
The most prominent feature of the river is the Eau Claire Dells, a scenic rocky gorge where the river roars through a challenging class 3-4 that should only be attempted by advanced and expert kayakers. Outside of the Dells, the river is generally wide and shallow with a slow to moderate current, and a number of riffles, low hazard rapids and boulder gardens suitable for intermediate and 'experienced' novice paddlers in a canoe or kayak.
Other noteable rapids include a long stretch of whitewater located about a mile and a half below the Bear Lake Road Bridge. This stretch features two named rapids; Master Ledges (class 1-2), and Three Rows Falls (class 2). Further downstream, below the Eau Claire Dells, is another class 2 named Barnard Rapids, which occurs shortly below the Highway Z Bridge and is fast, narrow and rocky.
Much of this section meanders through a quiet agricultural countryside mixed with hardwood forests and frequent open meadows. Maple, hemlock, birch, and mixed pine often overhang crowded banks of lush undergrowth including thick patches of canada yew in the Dells. The spring bloom in the Dells is beautiful!
Skill level ~ Craft
Eau Claire Dells:
advanced ~ whitewater kayak.
Rest of the river:
experienced novice ~ canoe, recreational kayak.
Season
The best paddling is in the spring, especially through the Dells. From about mid-June through the fall the riffles and rapids may become to shallow to paddle through, except after a sustained rainfall. You should not attempt at high water levels! (above 750 cfs).
River Level Information
river gage location: County Highway SS Bridge
suggested minimum level: 1.0 feet / 175 cfs (max 750 cfs)
on the web: USGS gage @ Kelly, Hwy SS Bridge
phone contact: N/A