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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)
2.9 miles
class IV
varies
40 feet
13.8 fpm
Menominee River - Piers' Gorge
Mills Street Landing to Piers Gorge Landing
This is a high adrenaline action run that features Missicot Falls in Piers Gorge, a class IV (4) drop that should only be attempted by advanced and expert kayakers or on a guided rafting trip. The run through Piers Gorge is comparable to many of the big action rivers out west. Though it may not have the huge drops, the sheer volume and velocity of the water flow raises the hazard level considerably.
This run is very scenic as high bluffs tower over the north bank in the first mile before approaching the first whitewater at Sand Portage Falls. About a mile later, the river roars into Missicot Falls in Piers Gorge where it plunges over an eight to ten foot ledge, then constricts and roars through a narrow gorge for nearly a half mile. The scenery in the gorge features beautiful rock formations and tall stands of pine and hardwoods. Be sure to bring a camera!
Skill level ~ Craft
Advanced ~ Whitewater / Creek Kayak
Skill levels vary on guided rafting trips, talk to a local outfitter!
Season
Water levels are almost never too low for paddling. However, release from the Little Quinnesec Falls Dam determines water levels and the dam does not operate on a set schedule. The levels fluctuate tremendously between roughly 900 cfs to as high as 20,000 cfs.
Kayakers should not attempt at high water levels. When river levels rise above 3000 cfs, some of the holes below Missicot Falls become quite powerful and have been known to "de-boat" paddlers into an unpleasant half mile swim. Injuries occasionally occur! Exercise common sense, and know your limitations!
River Level Information
river gage location: USGS Gage @ Niagara, WI
suggested minimum level: 1000 cfs
suggested maximum level: 5000 cfs (estimate)
on the web: USGS Gage @ Niagara, WI
River Level Information
phone contact: Little Quinnesec Falls Dam (recording); 715.251.8230