WPG
A canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting guide to Wisconsin's most popular paddle rivers.

Popple River

The Popple River is one of the wilder, more remote rivers in the state, with very little development along its banks. The upper portions of the river lay in the Nicolet National Forest, while the areas east of the National Forest border (near Rock Creek) are protected under the 'Wisconsin Wild Rivers Act of 1965'.

Intermediate level kayakers and canoeists will enjoy the whitewater challenges in the first segment, but only advanced and expert paddlers should attempt the rapids below the Morgan Lake Road Bridge. Everyone will certainly enjoy the wild beauty and solitude.

Much of the upper Popple runs through a shallow valley of open marsh and alder thicket with conifers and hardwoods visible in the distance. The openness of the river habitat makes wildlife spotting very easy, including an abundance of birdlife. Look for flycatchers, gray jays, chickadees, grouse, colorful woodpeckers, wood ducks and eagles. More than 20 species of warblers are also believed to inhabit the shallow valley. Common mammals include beaver, deer, and black bear.

After Newald Tower Road, the forest becomes much more dominant along the banks. Beautiful stands of white and red pine and cedar often border the river along with birch, aspen (popple), beech, maple, spruce, and hemlock. In some of the rocky rapids the river becomes so narrow that trees completely canopy the river, creating an intimate tunnel-like effect.

Season

In angler's terms this is a 'freestone' river, fed more by snow melt (spring-time) and rain rather than springs. Although several springs feed into the river, their flow is not enough to sustain sizeable water levels suitable for paddlers throughout the summer, especially considering the number of rapids you will encounter. The best paddling is in the spring and early summer, and after a sustained rainfall throughout summer.

River Level Information

river gage location: USGS Gage @ FR 2159 Bridge
suggested minimum level: 2.5 feet / 100 cfs (section one OK, portage the falls! )
suggested minimum level: 3.0 feet / 200 cfs (minimum for section 2)
on the web: USGS Gage @ FR 2159 Bridge