Popple River

(PO2) Morgan Lake Road Bridge to Pine River

Popple River

11.7 Miles
Distance

Intermediate
Skill Level

Class III
Whitewater

5-7 Hours
Paddle Time

174 Feet
Elevation Drop

15.1 FPM
Avg Gradient

Below Morgan Lake Road Bridge, the final 11.7 miles of the Popple take on a much rougher character with four class III's and several challenging class II rapids and boulder gardens. Notable rapids in this stretch include Little Bull Falls (class II-III), Big Bull Falls (class III), Washburn Falls (class III) and Jenning's Falls (class III). All feature multiple drops of three feet or more and good maneuvering skills are a must.

Guide (PDF) Map (PDF)

Please be aware that flipping in any of the above-mentioned rapids can be hazardous. Helmets with face guards are strongly recommended, especially at 'medium runnable flows' or lower (see chart below).

Scenic rock formations usually occur wherever there's serious whitewater. The challenging rapids and beautiful wilderness 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, hardwoods, cedar, hemlock, and mixed pine often surround the iver.

Guide (PDF) Map (PDF)
Season

In angler's terms this is a 'freestone' river, fed more by snowmelt and rainfall rather than natural springs. Although several spring-fed creeks feed into the river, their flow is not enough to maintain sufficient levels for paddling in summer and fall, especially considering the number of rapids you will encounter. The best paddling is in late spring, early summer, and after a sustained rainfall in summer and fall.

River Level Information

The river gauge referenced below is located in the previous segment (PO1) and should provide an accurate indication of current conditions in this reach.

River Gauge Location: FR 2159 Bridge near Florence
Suggested Minimum Level: 150 cfs
Suggested Maximum Level: 800 cfs
USGS Website: 04063700

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.
USGS Daily Discharge Graph (cfs)
USGS Water-data graph for site 04063700
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.