Flambeau River

Quick Facts about this section

distance:

most difficult rapids:

approx. trip time:

elevation drop:

average gradient:
(feet per mile)

8.3 miles

class IV

3-4 hours

56 feet

6.8 fpm

photo gallery and printable map and guide

River Highlights

Flambeau River, South Fork (FS3)
Fisherman's Landing @ County M Wayside to Hervas Camp Landing

The most challenging whitewater of the Flambeau South and North Forks are found in this segment. The rapids begin in earnest within a half-mile from the put-in, where a short series of boulder gardens lead into a right bend and the river constricts between scenic rock formations and rumbles into Slough Gundy Rapids. This frothy class 2-3 can develop pushy waves in high water!

A short stretch of boulders follow, then the river forks around a small wooded island where the main flow goes down the right fork and roars into Little Falls. The falls rate a strong class 3 in medium flows and grows into a class 4 screamer in high water. Scout the falls from the right bank. Portage if you have any doubts!

Downstream from the Falls, the river runs through a long series of class 2 rapids and boulder gardens named Scratch Rapids. Further downstream, class 1 Gunners Rapids begin in a left bend and end as you approach a series of grassy islands.

More shallow riffles and easy boulder gardens occur over the next three and a half miles until the confluence with the North Fork. Nothing in this final stretch compares with the first three miles.

Advanced and expert kayakers who only wish to do the short action run through the rapids and falls can leave your cars in the 'Little Falls, Slough Gundy Scenic Area' parking lot and take the short hike in to the river. The small trail system here makes it easy to run the rapids and falls over and over.

Season

Water levels tend to fluctuate more on the South Fork than the North Fork. The best paddling is from early spring through June, thereafter best after a sustained rainfall. Very high water levels can produce hazardous waves in several of the rapids.

River Level Information

phone contact: Flambeau River State Forest HQ: 715.332.5271