Red River

This short stretch of the Red River serves up a fun, intermediate whitewater run that usually has a reliable flow when other rivers are running low. Water levels are mainly dependent on release from the Weed Dam Powerhouse which is just above the put-in for this segment.

There are several rapids that offer excellent play opportunities to practice and perfect your whitewater skills. The most consistent play-spots are at Zeimer's Falls (Class III) and Second Drop Rapids (class I-II). Both feature nice surf waves and fun holes.

The main attraction for most whitewater enthusiasts is Monastery Falls, a narrow 150 foot-long, rocky chute that rates class III-IV. Pushy waves and three challenging holes develop at medium to high flows.

The river flows through a scenic strip of woods surrounded by farms. A variety of hardwoods including maple, oak, ash, and cottonwoods canopy the river banks. When you're on the river all you'll see is the forest, you usually won't notice the pastures and fields that are less than a hundred yards away.

Camping in the Chequamegon

The Boulder Lake Recreation Area features one of the most popular campgrounds in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and makes a great choice for family camping and taking advantage of the abundant outdoor recreation opportunities in the area. The campground lies in a wooded setting on the south shore of a 370-acre lake. Sandy shallows front the entire Recreation Area and campground. Many campers, especially those on waterfront sites, will swim, tube, hang out with friends, or enjoy fun water activities with their kids. The Rec Area also features an excellent sandy swimming beach with a small picnic area shaded by pines and firs. The Boulder Lake Campground is less than two miles from the Wolf River.

Season

Weed Dam Releases
There are two power dams on the Red River at Gresham that effect water flow for this segment; the ‘Upper Dam’ below Upper Red Lake, and the ‘Weed Dam’ below Lower Red Lake. Since 2004, both dams have operated on a ‘run-of-river’ basis; which means both dams release with the natural seasonal river flow, while (in this case) maintaining a consistent water level in both lakes/reservois.

The USGS Gauge on the Red River is located approximately 6 miles upstream from Upper Dam and approximately 8 miles above Weed Dam. So while readings from this Gauge will usually do a good job of indicating streamflow for the segment R1, water levels in R1 may be lower than indicated during dry periods/seasons when releases are somewhat limited to keep the lakes/reservoirs at desirable levels.

A good on-site, visual way to determine the height of the river is to look at the base of the Weed Dam Powerhouse wall where it meets the water, a large gap means low water levels, while no gap means the river is high and the rapids downstream will be fast and challenging. A horn will sound just before a release.

If you decide to paddle during low water, pay attention to the river level as it can change in a hurry after a dam release. When water levels are low, the river is still navigable but the rapids are far less challenging and can be scrappy in several places. When water levels are high, the rapids provide fun class II to IV, small-river wave action.

River Level Information

The USGS Gage on the Red River is located approximately 6 miles upstream from Upper Dam and approximately 8 miles above Weed Dam (put-in). So while readings from this gage will usually do a good job of indicating streamflow for the segment R1, waterflows in R1 may be lower than indicated during dry periods when releases are somewhat limited to keep the lakes/reservoirs at desirable levels.

River Gauge Location: USGS Gauge at Morgan Rd near Morgan, WI
Suggested Minimum Level: 100 cfs
Suggested Maximum Level: 900 cfs
USGS Website: 04077630