Popple River

Quick Facts about this section

distance:

most difficult rapids:

approx. trip time:

elevation drop:

average gradient:
(feet per mile)

14.4 miles

class II

6-7 hours

171 feet

11.9 fpm

photo gallery and printable map and guide

River Highlights

White River
Maple Ridge Road Landing to Highway 112 Dam Landing

Meandering, narrow, fast, rocky, and wild, these are commonly used words when describing the float down the White River from Maple Ridge Road to Highway 112. Canoers and kayakers will discover a remote stream with long stretches of class 1 and 2 rapids and boulder gardens, and almost no development after the first two miles. The river is frequently compared to the lower reaches of the Bois Brule, not only for the characteristics mentioned above, but also due to the 'silty' quality of the water and the similarities of the landscape. The banks are often steep cliffs of red clay, and dense underbrush, thickets frequently hang over the river. A lush forest canopies steep slopes rising up from the river basin. You will often feel a sense of remoteness that may be unmatched by any other river in Wisconsin.

The surrounding forest is comprised of a wide variety of trees. Birch, maple, alder, ash, cedar, spruce, balsam fir, and mixed pine are prevalent. An abundance of wildlife inhabits the surrounding forest, white tailed deer, snowshoe hare, mink, red squirrel, and a variety of woodpeckers are just a few that you may encounter.

This is a narrow river surrounded by dense vegetation, and overhanging trees. Paddlers must be alert for downfall and strainers!

The White is one of the premier trout streams in Wisconsin. Although most anglers prefer to fish upstream from the section featured here. The most popular areas include the South, East, and West branches of the White River before they join to form the main branch, and in the Bibon Marsh, where if you don't catch a large brown trout you are sure to catch a couple dozen mosquito bites.

Skill level ~ Craft

Intermediate ~ Canoe, Recreational Kayak

Season

Water levels are usually adequate for an enjoyable run. Occasionally the White River Flowage is drained at the Highway 112 Dam. When this happens, the river becomes dangerous and should be avoided. Call Bear Country Sporting Goods in Drummond at 715.739.6645 for water levels before you paddle the river.