At medium-runnable flows (see below), this segment is a blast for novice whitewater enthusiasts seeking the fun challenges of low-hazard rapids and boulder gardens. Yes, there are several long stretches of flatwater and riffles, but the main draw here is the combination of wild and beautiful scenery, and fun whitewater.
The rapids often occur where the river narrows into tight, fast, and wavy constrictions. Picking a line through the rapids is usually pretty straightforward, but there are some places where you'll need to maneuver quickly to avoid boulders, especially when river levels are low.
The most difficult rapids are at Preserve Rapids, where paddlers will find a mile and a half of nearly continuous class I and class II whitewater. Wavy fun in medium to high water.
This segment continues to be scenic and wild with very little development. The surrounding forest is a beautiful mix of northern hardwoods and conifers. Pine, cedar, and hemlocks frequently overhang rocky banks wherever there are rapids; at other times the river is surrounded by birch, poplar, basswood and maple. Dense patches of alder, dogwood and tall grasses cover the banks when the river meanders through marshlands.
Always watch out for strainers.
River Camping
This entire segment runs through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. There are two rustic campsites at Burnt Bridge Landing for canoe camping, one on each side of the river. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are very popular. If you are planning on camping here, make sure you arrive early, and if one is available pitch your tent (or park your RV) before you paddle.
Camping in the Chequamegon
The National Forest has three campgrounds within a short driving distance of this section. Popular Bear Lake (27 sites) is closest. Most of the campsites are on a low wooded rise overlooking a scenic, 66-acre lake. A majority of the sites are spaced well-apart from each other creating pleasant levels of seclusion. Balsam fir, cedar, red pine, and hemlocks shade the lakeshore while the surrounding woods are maple forest. Large beds of trillium are scattered throughout the campground, especially near the south end, and the early summer blooms are impressive.
To the northeast is Laura Lake Campground (41 sites). Laura Lake offers a fun camping experience next to a pair of idyllic northwoods lakes, Laura Lake (106 acres) and Gordon Lake (51 acres). Both clear-water lakes have wilderness shorelines and fantastic scenery. On Gordon Lake, hemlocks and pines lean out over the water and a spruce-tamarack bog lies on the west shore. Laura Lake is surrounded by areas of hemlocks, balsam fir, pines, and hardwoods.
To the southeast is Ada Lake Campground (19 sites) which is next to a beautiful, 75-acre, arrowhead-shaped lake with a 60-foot-deep hole near its center. The deep waters provide an excellent habitat for a variety of fish including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Panfish, and Largemouth Bass. Paddlers will enjoy exploring the shallows along the west and north shorelines, the water is so clear you’ll see fallen logs on the rocky bottom and plenty of fish (wear polarized sunglasses!).
Season
This segment is usually best in in the spring and early summer. In summer and fall, best conditions are after a moderate to heavy rainfall. Depending on water levels the character of the rapids can change dramatically, from scrappy and bony to fast and wavy. At high levels, some of the rapids will 'wash out'.
River Level Information
The river gauge referenced below is about 26 miles downstream from this segment. So, while this gauge provides a good indication of the general height of the river, the reading should only be considered as an estimate of the conditions in this reach. At higher levels, several of the rapids become more difficult, and strainers and deadfall become more of a hazard when present.
River Gauge Location: Hwy C Bridge near Wabeno
Suggested Minimum Level: 4.5 feet
Suggested Maximum Level: 6.5 feet
USGS Website: 04067958
Estimated Difficulty at Gauge Flow
| Below 4.5 feet |
Paddling not recommended. |
| 4.5 feet to 5.0 feet |
Low runnable flow. Should be OK conditions to navigate the rapids which are likely scrappy at the lower end of this range. Preserve Rapids are class I-II. |
| 5.0 feet to 6.0 feet |
Medium runnable flow for novice paddlers. Should be excellent paddling conditions in the rapids. Preserve Rapids are class II. |
| 6.0 feet to 6.5 feet |
High runnable flow for novice paddlers. |
| 6.5 feet to 7.5 feet |
Novice paddlers should avoid the river above 6.5. Several pitches of rapids approaching class III. Scenic whitewater run for intermediates. |
| Above 7.5 feet |
Rare, unusually high flows. Some rapids washout while others are producing class III waves. Exercise caution if you paddle the river in this range. |