- Peshtigo River
- Black River
- Bois Brule River
- Brule River
- Chippewa River
- Eau Claire River
- Flambeau River
- Manitowish River
- Menominee River
- Montreal River
- Namekagon River
- Pike River
- Pine River
- Popple River
- Red River
- St Croix River
- Tomahawk River
- White River
- Wisconsin River
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WPG
A canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting guide to Wisconsin's most popular paddle rivers.
Peshtigo River
The Peshtigo is well-known among whitewater enthusiasts throughout the midwest. The short stretch named 'Roaring Rapids' (P5) is a virtual magnet for advanced paddlers looking for an exciting challenge. Nowhere else in Wisconsin will you find a single stretch of river that features more than four miles of nearly continuous intermediate and advanced whitewater. The popularity of this section is evident by the presence of several large outfitters located in the immediate vicinity, providing canoe, kayak, and raft rentals, as well as guided rafting trips.
Another popular whitewater run is from Burnt Bridge to Goodman Park (P3). A twelve mile stretch that features two class 3 waterfalls in Taylor Falls and Strong Falls, along with numerous class 1 and class 2+ rapids. There are a large number of access points in this section which provide plenty of choices on which rapids you want to run.
Quietwater enthusiasts will enjoy the section between Big Joes landing and the CCC Bridge (P1), where the river winds through a remote wilderness setting of dense northern lowland forest. Wildlife is especially abundant in this stretch. South of the CCC Bridge the river flows through more beautiful wilderness scenery with a number of mixed pine and cedar groves covering the banks. The forests surrounding much of the river include: hemlock, tamarack, ash, popple, birch, aspen, maple, and oak. Beaver, otter, deer, and red squirrel are often spotted, along with the occasional black bear.
Two of the most scenic county parks in Wisconsin are located along the river in Segment P4 at Goodman Park and McClintock Park. Both offer pleasant, shaded campgrounds right next to the river. And both feature short but excellent trails with scenic footbridges leading to small, picturesque islands.
The water tends to have a dark color due to the numerous tamarack swamps surrounding the upper Peshtigo. The dark water can make it difficult to spot submerged rocks in many of the rapids.
Season
The best paddling is in the spring and early summer! Changing water levels dramatically alter the river's character. During summer-time, what one day may be a roaring class 3 rapids can turn into a scratchy class 2 boulder garden a few days later, especially in the sections above the Rat River confluence. If you are planning a trip on the Peshtigo in mid-summer or later, you should contact one of the regional outfitters for water levels before you embark. Numerous beaver dams in the many feeder streams in the northern reaches can also have an adverse effect on stream flow, often reducing volume.
River Level Information, Big Joe to Farm Dam
river gage location: USGS Gage near County Highway C Bridge (Wabeno)
suggested minimum level: 4.50 feet
on the web: USGS Gage @ Highway C Bridge
River Level Information, "Roaring Rapids"
Farm Dam to WPS #12
river gage location: County Highway C Bridge (northeast side)
suggested minimum level: Kayak - above 2 / Canoe - above 3
Contact a local outfitter for flow info!