Novice whitewater enthusiasts will enjoy the fourteen named rapids in the upper reach of the North Fork Flambeau, nine of which rate class II. Hardwoods often overhang the banks and occasional, pine-covered rock formations and dalles occur where the river rushes through several of the rapids. This is an excellent, scenic, small river run for novice whitewater enthusiasts.
From the put-in at Robinson Landing, the fun starts quickly with a pair of class I rips in the first 400 yards, followed by the scenic and challenging Notch Rock Rapids (class II). After a short stretch of flatwater, the river splits around a large, wooded island, follow the main channel down river-left and you’ll soon paddle through Island Rapids, a fun, wavy class I-II.
The next several miles are long stretches of quietwater with occasional riffles and short easy rapids. Enjoy the fantastic, intimate scenery as you glide through one of the more remote wilderness areas of Wisconsin.
About eight miles from the put-in, the river bends right and constricts into Quinn’s Rapids (class II). Anglers may find smallies in the large, weedy pool below. This is a beautiful setting surrounded by low wooded hills.
A half-mile further on is Stubb’s Rapids, a short class I. Depending on river levels you’ll want to keep river left, there is often shallow, submerged boulders on river-right. The river widens and you’ll pass several weedy islands as you continue downstream.
Holt’s Landing is on river-right, 9.8 miles from the put-in. A short pitch of riffles a half-mile downstream is quickly followed by the first of eight class I and class II rapids over the next two miles. Two large islands are also in this stretch. Both channels are navigable around the first, however, Sixth Rapids (class II) sits at the head of the second island and the entrance to the river-left fork may not be navigable depending on river levels and build up of deadfall.
The river slows and gradually widens in the last 1.5 miles. Homes and docks surround Agenda Landing on river-right at the north end of Park Falls.
River Camping
There are no canoe campsites in this segment.
Season
Generally good paddling throughout spring, summer and fall. Rapids in this segment will get scrappy during lower flows. Less experienced paddlers should avoid the river during the winter melt-off in early spring, and after a heavy rainfall. High water levels can produce dangerously high waves in some of the rapids. Call the WDNR State Forest Office at 715.332.5271 for water level information.
River Level Information
Phone: 715.332.5271 (Flambeau River State Forest)