|
| While far less frequently run than the lower reach (the Roaring Rapids section), a few fine drops can be found in the upper reaches of the Peshtigo River. The best of these begins at (Forest Road) FR2695 (aka 'Burnt Bridge Road'). Action begins with a good drop, Michigan Rapids, two views of which are shown above. |
|
|
The next significant action is The Dells, also known as Ralton's Rip. A large, wooded island (much underbrush) divides the flow. The left channel appeared fairly straight-forward (though, at low water it would be unnavigable), while the right channel held a more challenging drop. A twisted entrance, tripping around trees (above left), leads to a series of offset ledges and holes (above right).
More stretches of low grade rapids lead to FS2136 at Burton Wells Bridge, where one can take out. Downstream there is about three miles of river with little-or-no rapids until the river approaches FR2367 (aka 'Goose Creek Road'), where a small roadside pull-off again allows (put-in or take-out for) a shorter trip. Minor boulder-garden rapids exist downstream of this point until reaching Taylor's Falls. |
|
|
At Taylor's Falls (pictured above left), a rock ledge diverts the flow sharply right (off-frame-right of photo), then allows it to spill back to the left across a broken ledge and across shallow rocks in the outflow below. While it typically should cause experienced boaters no problem, beginner/novice boaters may wish to scout and/or portage this drop; A flip or swim here is likely to be somewhat punishing. (As always on northern Wisconsin rivers, when on shore, always be on the lookout for poison ivy . . . it abounds here.)
More low grade (class I-II) boulder-garden rapids will lead to Goodman Park. Most boaters will wish to take-out in a good pool which precedes a footbridge crossing to an island. To the right of the island is a congested, braided channel, generally next-to-impossible to navigate, but very worthwhile to look at (and photograph various places) on a hike from the park. To the left of the island (passing under the footbridge) the river slides down a narrowing chute into a hole. A brief pool precedes Strong Falls (shown above right). While this has been run by a good number of folks, the offset ledges and holes, coupled with an abundance of large rocks barely covered by typical flows (which could cause navigational trouble whlie right-side-up, and considerable pain if upside-down) leads most boaters to just admire (and photograph) this falls. Just downstream, some easy waves and good currents provide a great place for easy beginner play practice. The next section of the river from Goodman Park, through McClintock Park, and to Otter Creek (the put-in for the most popular section of this river) is a generally flat-but-flowing float. A few low-grade (class I-II) rapids punctuate the reach, but hardly enough to classify this stretch as a whitewater reach of river. |
|
| More than adequately familiar to whitewater boaters all over the Upper Midwest, the Roaring Rapids section of the Peshtigo River hardly need be covered here. Above are two shots of an open boater running the normal (river-left) route at Five-foot Falls (above left), and approaching the heart of Horserace Rapids (above right). |