Peshtigo River

Quick Facts about this section

distance:

most difficult rapids:

approx. trip time:

elevation drop:

average gradient:
(feet per mile)

5.1 miles

class IV

3-4 hours

176 feet

34.5 fpm

photo gallery and printable map and guide

River Highlights

Peshtigo River (P5) "Roaring Rapids"
Farm Dam Landing to W.P.S. Landing #12

This might be the premier whitewater run in Wisconsin, and is highly recommended for advanced level, whitewater kayakers, canoeists and for those going on guided rafting trips.

From Farm Dam Landing, the river starts out wide and shallow with a 200 yard long, rocky rapids located just downstream from the put-in. After a left bend the river rumbles through a long, class 2 boulder field which extends for nearly a mile and a half. After a short stretch of flat-water, the river passes a small clearing on both sides of the river that is called 'Area 51' by the locals, so named because of the small numbered sign that marks a gas pipeline which runs north and south. First Drop Rapids, a strong Class 3, is about 75 yards after the clearing. First Drop is a series of three ledges with a big side curler down the center. Sometimes kayakers (and canoers) who hit this wave in higher flows end up flipping and swimming, rafters usually only get drenched! Scouting and good 'whitewater reading' skills are important here!

The class 2, Second Drop Rapids occur shortly after First Drop, and are not as complicated. Then comes a long stretch of whitewater which extends through several bends. Watch for a small rocky island in the middle of the river, Third Drop Rapids, class 3, is just downstream and should be scouted! Do so from the right bank. There is an infamous wave here called 'Joey's' Hole' that will easily trap the unwary (and sometimes the wary) in high water. Paddle Hard! Five Foot Falls, a short, powerful, class 3+ drop is right after Third Drop Rapids. This is a river-wide ledge that features a challenging wavy chute as well as a short, bumpy cascade.

After Five Foot Falls the river flows wide and slow through a boulder field as it approaches Horserace Rapids. Watch for the horizon line and listen for the roar! The river plunges into a narrow rocky gorge and forms a fast, frothy, wavy cascade over several ledges. This run is known as both: Horserace Rapids and Jerry Chute, whatever you want to call it, you're facing a hundred and fifty yards of adrenaline pumping fun! Especially in higher water conditions. Scouting is a definite must, so make sure you land on the right bank immediately following Five Foot Falls.

A long narrow island, and more rapids (class 2-3, yawn!) begin several hundred yards downstream from Horserace. The whitewater occurs in several long pitches and is not as challenging as Horserace, yet will require some maneuvering so pay attention! The section ends below the Highway C bridge through some 'wimpy' riffles as you approach the WPS landing.

Season

This segment is best run from spring through early summer, and after at least a moderate rainfall from mid-summer through fall, but is fairly navigable during lower flows. Advanced level whitewater kayakers and canoeists may want to avoid the river when the gage at County Highway C Bridge reads over +17. The river level can get above +24, which the locals consider heaven for whitewater rafting in 8 person rafts. Very high water creates powerful hydraulics and dangerous holes that can overpower kayakers and canoeists.

River Level Information

river gage location: County Highway C Bridge (northeast side)
suggested minimum level: Kayak: + 2 / Canoe: + 3
suggested maximum level for kayak: approximately +17
suggested maximum level for canoe: approximately +12
Contact a local outfitter for flow info!