Red River

Quick Facts about this section

distance:

most difficult rapids:

approx. trip time:

elevation drop:

average gradient:
(feet per mile)

2.1 miles

class III

1-2 hours

28 feet

13.3 fpm

photo gallery and printable map and guide

River Highlights

Red River
Gresham, Weed Dam Powerhouse to Zeimer's Falls

This short stretch of the Red River serves up a fun action run that often has a reliable flow when other rivers are running low. Water levels are mainly dependent on release from the Weed Dam Powerhouse which is located at the put-in for this section.

Intermediate and advanced kayakers will find several pitches of rapids that offer excellent play opportunities to practice and perfect their 'play-boat skills'. The most consistent play-spots are at Zeimer's Falls (Class 2-3), and at Second Drop Rapids (class 2-3). Both feature nice surf waves! The most challenging rapids are at Monastery Falls, a narrow rocky chute that will rate class 3 during a dam release.

The river flows through a scenic strip of woodlands surrounded by agricultural farmland. A variety of hardwoods including maple, oak, ash, and cottonwoods canopy the river banks. When you're on the river all you'll see is the forest, you usually won't notice that there are pastures and fields less than a hundred yards away.

Skill level ~ Craft

Intermediate ~ Rocker Canoe, Whitewater Kayak

Season

A good way to determine the height of the river is to look at the base of the powerhouse wall where it meets the water, a large gap means low water levels, while no gap means the river is high and the rapids downstream will be fast and challenging. Previously the powerhouse dam had scheduled release times, but now the system is automated so times can vary. Still, it is common for releases to occur twice daily; in the morning between 7am and 10am and again in the afternoon between 3pm and 6pm. A horn will sound just before a release.

If you decide to paddle during low water, pay attention to the river level as it can change in a hurry after a dam release. When water levels are low, the rapids are far less challenging and the river can be scrappy in numerous places, though the river is still navigable. When water levels are high, the rapids provide some of the better 'small-river' wave action in Wisconsin.

River Level Information

river gage location: N/A