Peshtigo River

Welcome to playboaters paradise! When river levels are flowing within a certain range, the "Roaring Rapids" segment of the Peshtigo River provides a fantastic whitewater experience, almost 5 miles of continuous class II to class IV rapids with many fun waves, holes, eddies and chutes. This is likely the premier whitewater run in Wisconsin for advanced-level kayakers and guided rafting trips (you don't have to be 'advanced' to go on a guided rafting trip! In fact, you don't even have to be a 'novice').

From the put-in at Farm Dam Landing, the river starts out, shallow and rocky with a 200 yard-long rapids begining a short ways downstream. Then, the river bends left and rumbles through a mile-and-a-half of continuous class II boulder gardens and rapids.

A small clearing on both sides of the river is called 'Area 51' by the locals; so named because of the small numbered sign on the riverbank that marks a gas pipeline. First Drop Rapids, a class III-IV, is about 80 yards below the clearing. First Drop is a series of three ledges with a big sidecurler down the center. Oftentimes, kayakers (and occasionally rafters) who hit this wave in medium to high flows end up flipping and swimming. The challenge for many, is to hit the wave and not flip.

First Drop is followed by Second Drop Rapids, a class III that is less technical. This is followed by a long stretch of class II whitewater which extends through several bends. Watch for a small rocky island in the middle of the river; Third Drop Rapids - a class III - is just downstream and should be scouted! Do so from the right bank. There is an infamous wave here called 'Joey's Hole' that will easily trap the unwary (and sometimes the wary) in high water. Paddle Hard! Five Foot Falls, a short, powerful, class III+ drop is right after Third Drop Rapids. This is a river-wide ledge that features a fun, challenging, wavy chute.

After Five Foot Falls the river flows wide and slow through more rocky whitewater as it approaches Horserace Rapids. Watch for the horizon line and listen for the roar! The river plunges into a narrow rocky chute and forms a fast, frothy, wavy, rip over several ledges. This run is known as both Horserace Rapids and Jerry Chute (class IV). Here, you're facing a hundred and fifty yards of adrenaline-charged fun! Especially in medium to high-water (Jerry's Chute is the name for the narrow wave-train at the end of Horserace Rapids). Scouting is a must, so make sure you land on the right bank immediately following Five Foot Falls.

Shortly downstream is the fun and wavy, S-Curve Rapids (class II-III) located in the left fork around a long narrow island. More wavy rapids (class II, ...yawn!) continue for several hundred yards downstream after S-Curve. The whitewater is not as challenging as what you've previously paddled, but will require some maneuvering so pay attention!

This section ends below the Highway C bridge through some riffles as you approach the WPS landing.

Season

This segment is best run in spring through early summer, and after a moderate rainfall from mid-summer through fall - but is fairly navigable during lower flows. Whitewater paddlers should exercise extra caution when the Gauge at County Highway C Bridge reads over 5.5 feet (roughly +17). Above 6 feet (+24) is considered heaven for whitewater rafting in 8-12 person rafts by the locals. Very high water creates powerful hydraulics and dangerous holes that can overpower kayakers and canoeists.

River Level Information

The river gauge referenced below is located in this segment and should provide an accurate indication of current conditions in this reach.
(Numbers in parenthesis reference the Paddler’s Gauge at Highway C)

River Gauge Location: Hwy C Bridge near Wabeno
Suggested Minimum Level: 3.6 feet
USGS Website: 04067958

Estimated Difficulty at Gauge Flow