- Manitowish River
- Black River
- Bois Brule River
- Brule River
- Chippewa River
- Eau Claire River
- Flambeau 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)
20.7 miles
riffles
varies
17 feet
0.8 fpm
Manitowish River
Highway 51 Landing to Murray's Landing
The Manitowish River is a very enjoyable trek for quietwater canoeists and kayakers. From its origin at High Lake, the river flows for nearly 44 miles before joining with the Bear River to form the North Fork of the Flambeau River. The 20-mile section featured in this guide is nestled in the northwest corner of the 220,000-acre Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Most of the river meanders through open marsh and lush northern lowland forest, and is predominantly flat-water with only a few sets of riffles. A large number of sloughs provide excellent opportunities for exploration and bird watching. One of the more popular canoe camping rivers in the state, the river has seven overnight camp areas spread out between Circle Lily Creek and the Bear River confluence.
The wide open spaces of the marsh and surrounding landscape makes bird watching easy. Warblers, sparrows, finches, thrush, woodpeckers, wood ducks, and hooded mergansers, are just a few of the species inhabiting the surrounding area. Eagles are also common, often nesting in the taller pines overlooking the river. Beaver are frequently spotted. Other wildlife includes otter, fisher, deer, raccoon, red squirrel, and the occasional black bear.
Between the Highway 51 Landing and Circle Lily Creek, the landscape is a bit drier than the marsh downstream. Majestic red and white pines tower over the riverbanks along with stands of aspen and birch and a few maple trees. After the Wayside Landing the river flows through frequent open wetlands, with scenic stands of spruce and mixed pine occasionally bordering the river but usually set back, giving way to a carpet of berry-producing shrubs, reeds, willows, cattails, and marsh grass. This lowland vegetation is dominant all the way to the Flambeau Flowage.
Manitowish is derived from the Ojibwa name 'Manitous', meaning 'Spirit People'. The river is frequently shrouded in mist during the early morning hours. Oftentimes, when the fog covers the river, the surrounding marsh and forest will be dead quiet, creating a somewhat eerie effect.
Skill level ~ Craft
Easy ~ Canoe, Recreational Kayak
Season
Regular releases from the Rest Lake Dam usually produce consistent water levels from spring through late fall.
River Level Information
phone contact: Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest,
Trout Lake HQ: 715.385.2727