Tag Archives: places to paddle

Sunset Over Horseshoe Island

Door County is surrounded by more water than any other other county.  This makes for lots of water to paddle!  Here’s a view of the sun going down behind Horseshoe Island from Eagle Harbor.

Eagle Harbor usually provides protected paddling from the waves on most days.  Paddling out to and around Horseshoe Island is a nice shorter trip.

Launching from Nicolet Bay in Peninsula State Park will make the paddle to Horseshoe Island a little shorter.

We will be adding more information about paddling in Door County in the coming weeks and more launch locations to our paddling map.

Portage Canal Days Paddle

June 5th was a beautiful day for the first Fox Wisconsin Heritage Paddle of 2011.   A group of over 30 paddlers met at the wayside across Hwy 33 from the Fort Winnebago Surgeon’s Quarters in Portage.  We had a variety of kayaks, canoes, 2 stand up paddlers and even a voyager canoe joined up on this first leg of the paddle on the Fox River.

The journey from Hwy 33 to the Portage Canal was about a mile on the winding and fairly narrow Fox River.  When our group reached the Portage Canal we encountered our first of 3 portages. We were also lucky enough to enjoy a historic re-enactors battle performance at the canal.

After a short break to enjoy the re-enactors camp we began the paddle in the weedy canal.  The Portage Canal is only partially restored.  It was very weedy for the beginning of June and became very narrow as we approached the 2nd portage.  After the 2nd portage canal paddle became much easier in the restored sections.  We had a long tunnel paddle under a road and traveled through an old non working lock to the final portage to the Wisconsin River.   This 2nd portage had the longest carry but we had a paved trail and sidewalk right down to the sandy shores of the Wisconsin River.

The 6 mile paddle from Riverside Park in Portage to Dekorra was beautiful.  We were floated and paddled with the current.  Development along the river is mostly buffered by trees, creating a natural experience right on the edge of the city of Portage.  We had an eagle fly right by us about 2/3 of the way on the river.  The Wisconsin River is full of sand bars that shift and change with the flows of current.  Wide and mostly shallow, the Wisconsin River around Portage is an easy and enjoyable paddle trip for all abilities.

Here’s an overview of the Portage paddle.

Portage celebrated its annual Canal Days Celebration June 4 and 5 this year and we’ll be kicking off our Fox Wisconsin Heritage Paddle 2011 by passing through their canal. Our trip will pick up from last year’s Fox River Heritage Paddle with a short trip down the Fox River from the Fort Winnebago Surgeon’s Quarters to the Historic Indian Agency House and then proceed through the Portage Canal with a few short portages in the City of Portage to the Wisconsin River just above Riverside Park. We’ll continue down the Lower Wisconsin River to end the trip at Dekorra. This trip totals about ten miles, but includes several minor interruptions for portages and plans for lunch at Riverside Park. Those who would rather hike the two-mile Wisconsin River Levee Trail from the Surgeon’s Quarters to the park can join us after lunch to paddle down the Wisconsin River to the end of the trip.

Why was this route chosen?

As we made plans to continue our rediscovery of the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway, it became apparent that completing the link through Portage is critical. Not only the symbolic high-point of the fur trader route through Wisconsin, it is also the true “high point” of the route! Passing from the Fox River, through Portage, and into the Lower Wisconsin River establishes the link that connects the entire Parkway!

Enjoy of Photo Gallery from the Portage Canal Days Paddle

 

Video: Menasha Paddle Launch Ribbon Cutting

Fox Cities area paddlers are fortunate to have new launch facilities in Menasha’s Jefferson Park and the Menasha Marina. These new launches are courtesy of Friends of the Fox and their plans to develop the Fox Wisconsin Heritage Parkway. This water trail will cross the state from Green Bay to the Mississippi River.

Here’s a video from the recent ribbon cutting event. Thanks to Greg Steiner for the photo and video footage.

Have to enjoyed a paddle through Menasha on the Fox River?

Double Kayaking Downstream on the Wolf River

We recently enjoyed a double kayak downstream journey on the Wolf River with our friends Cheryl and Hoss.   Two doubles and 2 couples enjoying a fabulous day paddling down the Wolf River.   Our paddle started at Barker Park South of Shiocton after we left a vehicle at the landing on Hwy M.

Barker Landing to Hwy M is about 10 miles one way.  With the water still being high from our Spring rains we decided to take a short side trip and went about a mile upstream on Bear Creek before a too small to paddle under bridge blocked our way to Stephensville.

The Lower Wolf River is one of the nicest places to go paddling near the Fox Cities.  The Wolf can get busy with fishermen early in th Spring. In the Summer boat traffic North of New London is usually minimal.  If you can paddle these sections of the Wolf on a weekday you may be the only boat on the river during the Summer.   There are many potential takeout spots and if you don’t mind a little paddling upstream against the current and then returning to your launch spot you don’t even need to shuttle your  vehicle.

Double Kayaking Downstream Photos

 

Map of the Lower Wolf between Shiocton and New London.

 


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Paddlers Get New Canoe & Kayak Launches in Menasha

Yesterday was the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Menasha paddle launches at Jefferson Park and the Menasha Marina.  The Jefferson Park launch can be found at the very far West end of the park.  The best place to access the new paddle launch in Jefferson Park is from Broad Street near the intersection of Green Bay road.

 

Paddlers waiting in the Fox River for the ribbon cutting ceremony.  The launch is a small floating platform on the seawall in the park.  This launch location is part of the greater Fox Wisconsin Heritage Parkway and part of a water trail that will follow the Fox River through the Fox Cities.

 

Here’s the ribbon cutting as seen from the water.

Brian Tungate, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Menasha opened the ribbon cutting ceremony and thanked the Friends of the Fox and Fox Cities Greenways for their contributions.  The Mayor of Menasha, Donald Merkes was also on hand and shared a few words of thanks.  Pete Hensler, President of Friends of the Fox, shared the plans for a water trail from Green Bay to the Mississippi River that will be the Fox – Wisconsin Heritage Parkway.

 

After the ribbon cutting ceremony a group of paddlers decided to put the launch to use right away.  The white platform floats and will make for easy launching and landing along the seawall as the water height shifts through out the paddling season.

 

Jeff Mazanec, President of North East Wisconsin Paddlers getting in his kayak at the new launch.  There is a bit of current at the Jefferson  Park paddle launch.  It’s a good idea to point your kayak upstream when launching here like Jeff is doing in this photo.  Jeff is demonstrating a safe way to enter your kayak by using your paddle behind you as a brace.  It’s always a good idea to have a friend help steady the boat too.

 

Our ribbon cutting attendees head out for a paddle.

From Jefferson Park paddlers have easy access to Lake Winnebago.   For quiet waters on windy days the channels directly South of Jefferson Park make for a nice short paddle.

Menasha also has an additional paddle launch on the West side of the Menasha Marina.  The marina is a short paddle East through the city. Stay far river right to avoid the stronger currents and dam. The marina launch gives paddlers an option taking a break in downtown Menasha for refreshments or dining.

We want to thank the City of Menasha, Friend of the Fox and Fox Cities Greenways for making the Menasha waterfront more paddler friendly.

Have you paddled in Menasha?  Will you be using these new paddling launches?

Waupaca Chain O' Lakes Paddling

Waupaca Chain O' Lakes

Waupaca’s Chain O’ Lakes is a beautiful and popular place for paddling.

The Upper Chain is all no wake and only can be accessed by small boats. The Upper Chain is a great place to start your paddling on the Waupaca Chain. There is a small boat landing off of Knight Rd. in the channel between Knight Lake and Manomin Lake. Nice Summer days bring a lot of paddlers to these waters. If you go on a weekend it is likely to see other paddlers on the Upper Chain.

The Upper Chain O’ Lakes includes Marl Lake, Pope Lake, Manomin Lake, Knight Lake and Lake Orlando.

Beasley Creek is a shallow connecting channel to the Lower Chain O’ Lakes. The lower Chain is busy with power boat traffic in the Summer and has many large homes and cottages around all of these lakes shores. If you go paddling during the week these lakes are not usually too busy. Weekends in the Summer you will have plenty of boats to sharing these waters.

Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes Photo Gallery

 

Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes Map


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Boise Brule River Paddling Guide

By Nick Pritchard

The Boise Brule River is a north woods gem that flows north for 44 miles until it reaches Lake Superior. The Brule is best known for it’s abundant wildlife, trout fishing, great paddling, and it’s serenity. Many presidents have also visited the Brule River including President Coolidge who spent the summer of 1928 at his lodge on the river.

The Brule River has something to offer every paddler from flat water to exciting whitewater and a breath-taking paddle out onto Lake Superior. The character of the river also varies from coniferous bog to steep clay banks lined with aspen and balsam fir.

All 44 miles of the Brule River are located in the Brule River State Forest. It has many put ins/take outs making it easy to find a section that is just right for you. There are also numerous outfitters in the area that can help you with all of your equipment/shuttle needs.

Some of the more popular day trips include:

  • County S to Highway 2
    • 12 miles
    • Mostly flat water with a few rapids mixed in and beautiful scenery
  • Highway 2 to Pine Tree Landing
    • 8 miles
    • Quiet scenic flat water
  • Pine Tree Landing to Highway 13
    • 7.5 miles
    • Offers continuous whitewater including some fun Class II ledges
  • Highway 13 to Lake Superior
    • 8 miles
    • Characterized by easy riffles and ends with a memorable paddle out onto Lake Superior

Camping is available at Copper Range Campground and Boise Brule Campground, both are located on the river.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has put together this video with some great information about visiting the Boise Brule River State Forest.

 

Kayak and Canoe Launch Ribbon Cutting and Opening in Menasha

Kayaking in Menasha

Meetup and Paddle in Menasha.  Try out the new quiet launch docks at Jefferson Park and the Menasha Marina.  We’re looking for a great turn out of paddlers.  Let’s celebrate the new access spots in Menasha and go for a group paddle!

 

Tuesday May 24, 2011

6 pm

Ribbon Cutting and Opening for New Paddling Launches

On May 24th at 6 PM the City of Menasha, Fox Cities Greenways and the Friends of the Fox will have a ribbon cutting and opening of two quiet launch docks in Jefferson Park and at the Menasha Marina. Greenways and Friends of the Fox donated funding for the purchase of the two quiet launches. The two launch sites are designated locations on the Fox Wisconsin Heritage Parkway Water Trail. Paddlers will now have easy access and portages for paddle outings on the segment of the Water Trail between Menasha and Sunset Park in Kimberly. Over this summer the FWHP, Greenways and FOF will extend the Water Trail on the upper Fox and at locations north of Kimberly on the lower Fox.

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Paddling the Flambeau River

By Nick Pritchard of Winding Rivers Canoeing

Many folks have visited the Flambeau River and they continue to visit time and time again because it offers such a variety of paddling.  There is a trip for every type of paddler. Most of the river is undeveloped making it a great location to get away from the hustle and bustle. From a lazy float down the north fork to the raging whitewater of the south fork everyone is sure to have a great trip. The Flambeau River also offers free camping along the north fork making it a great destination for a weekend getaway.

The north fork of the Flambeau twists and turns from it’s headwaters at the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, but as it moves further south it’s character begins to change. The first whitewater on the north fork is Porcupine Rapids, a mild section of Class I. From Porcupine Rapids on, the river is interspersed with mild whitewater which may cause problems for novice paddlers during high water. The north fork also holds the only campsites available on the river. These sites are often well maintained and most of them are designed to be used by several groups.

The south fork of the Flambeau is more well known for it’s whitewater but the northern flatwater stretches can be incredibly beautiful to paddle as well, however, there is NO CAMPING available on the south fork. Some guide books indicate that there are sites available on the south fork, however, these are not legitimate sites. The DNR does check the south fork and they will likely write you a citation if they find you camping on the south fork, particularly if you are not following Leave No Trace principles.

The most popular whitewater stretch of the south fork is from County M to Skinner Creek Landing. Some highlights of this trip are Slough Gundy rapids, a fun Class II-III 3 ledge drop; Little Falls, a Class III-IV where an island splits the river and there is a 6′ waterfall on river right (river left is often not runnable); and Scratch rapids, a Class II-III set which has some great play potential at higher water. Most groups will portage Little Falls on river left where there is an obvious path leading to just below the falls.

The Flambeau River has something for every paddler and is sure to go on everyone’s list of favorites.

Flambeau River Resources

Paddle the Flambeau has a great website where you can look at the most up to date water levels, trip logs, maps, and much more. You can also order a free Flambeau River guide on their website.

Paddling Northern Wisconsin by Mike Svob also outlines each section of the Flambeau and includes maps of each section.

Winding Rivers Canoeing will be having an ACA River Canoeing course on the Flambeau River June 10th-12th, 2011. We will be camping on the river and learning a variety of new skills! Check us out for more information.

Paddling Through the April Snows

Launching through the snow at Black Otter Lake

 

Spring in Wisconsin has been slow to warm up this year.  April 19th brought a record snowstorm to Northeast Wisconsin.  Our 8 + inches of white stuff  was the most snow we’ve had after April 15th ever. What’s a paddler with a new boat to do?

Go paddling!

Buying a new boat and a stretch of cold Spring weather don’t go together very well.  Of course the desire for time in the new boat over rules the rational thinking that it’s too cold to go paddling.

A nice, used Current Designs Extreme came into my possession less than a week ago.  I’ve been having a blast playing with it on our little local lake.

 

Deer watching me paddling

Three deer wondering what I’m doing in the snow on the water.   There was actually snow in the water ahead of me in this photo.

Snow in the shallows

One of the things I like about early Spring paddling is getting into the shallow areas of these small bodies of water before they get choked with weed growth.  The Extreme must have a very shallow draft because I was cruising in 6 inches of water with the paddle in the mud.

Paddling through floating snow

This is snow I’m paddling through, not ice.   The wind pushed the snow that didn’t melt from the storm the day before into some of the protected areas on the lake.

Railroad bridge to upstream shallows on Black Otter Lake

This railroad bridge on the Southeast end of Black Otter Lake connects to a very shallow section and wide upstream section of the lake. In the Summer this is usually too weedy for decent paddling.

Culverts under the Wiouwash Trail

These 3 culverts are the route for going further upstream. The water levels have to be right to make it through here.

Next set of culverts, the end point for today's journey

After going through the culverts the channel opens back up to a wide shallow marshy area. This is really only navigable in the Spring. I found the river channel on the South end and continued on as far as I could. Another 1/4 mile or so after the first culverts there is another set of culverts that take the water flow back on the other side of the Wiouwash Trail. I didn’t have enough limbo in me today to make it through these.

Black Otter Lake is a 78 acre lake in the village of Hortonville. There are 2 boat landings on the lake. The one in Black Otter Park is a small gravel landing which is good for small boats. There is also a new concrete landing on the Southwest end of the lake. Black Otter Lake is shallow and gets very weedy in the Summer.