Popple River
(PO2) Morgan Lake Road Bridge to Pine River Confluence, Wisconsin Trail Guide
Trail Facts
| Distance: | 11.7 miles |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Whitewater: | Class III |
| Approx. Paddle Time: | 6-8 hours |
| Elevation Drop: | 174 feet |
| Average Gradient: | 15.1 fpm |
Synopsis
Trail Review
After the Morgan Lake Road Bridge, the final 11.7 miles of the Popple take on a much rougher character with four class 3's and several long and difficult class 2 rapids and boulder gardens. Notable rapids in this stretch include: Little Bull Falls, Big Bull Falls, Washburn Falls and Jenning's Falls; all rate class 3 and all feature multiple drops of at least three feet or more.
Scenic rock formations often occur wherever there's serious whitewater. The challenging rapids and the wild, rugged scenery make running this section an awesome experience when water levels are adequate.
This is a very scenic, small river through a remote forest with very little development. Alder thickets, mixed hardwoods, cedar, hemlock and mixed fir often overhang the river banks.
Season
In angler's terms this is a 'freestone' river, fed more by snow-melt in the spring and rain during the summer and fall, than by natural 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 with the number of rapids you will encounter. The best paddling is in the spring and early summer, and after a sustained rainfall in mid to late summer.
River Level Information
Suggested Minimum Level: 150 cfs
Suggested Maximum Level: 800 cfs
USGS River Gauge: 04063700 - FR 2159 Bridge near Fence, WI
The river gauge referenced below is located in the previous segment (PO1) and should provide an accurate indication of current conditions in this reach.
Estimated Difficulty at Gauge Flow
| Below 150 cfs |
Paddling not recommended. |
| 150 cfs to 250 cfs |
Low runnable flow for intermediate and advanced whitewater enthusiasts. Falls and rapids will be scrappy. You may have to portage Big Bull Falls and Washburn Falls. |
| 250 cfs to 400 cfs |
Low to medium runnable flow for an enjoyable run through the falls and rapids for intermediate and advanced whitewater enthusiasts. |
| 400 cfs to 600 cfs |
Medium runnable flow for intermediate and advanced whitewater enthusiasts. The falls and rapids should be producing nice waves. Less technical in this range. |
| 600 cfs to 1,000 cfs |
High runnable flow for intermediate and advanced whitewater enthusiasts. Big waves and sticky holes in the falls and rapids. Watch for strainers and deadfall anywhere the river constricts! |
| Above 1,000 cfs | Paddling not recommended. Riverbanks overflowing, strainers and deadfall are very hazardous when present. |
Visual Gauge
For on-site, visual reference, see the river gauge installed by the staff of the Wisconsin DNR's Wild Rivers Intrepretive Center at the Highway 101 Bridge. The gauge is below the bridge on the north side of the river. Their readings for enjoyable paddling the Popple River above Highway 101 are as follows:
| Below 2 Feet | Paddling not recommended. |
| 2.0 Feet | "Minimum necessary for a decent run." |
| 2.5 Feet | "Considered very good" |
| 3.0 Feet | "excellent" |
Source: "Canoeing the Wild Rivers of Florence County" prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
