The Tomahawk is an often overlooked gem a few miles south of Minocqua. This appealing, small-river run features long stretches of flatwater with occasional riffles and one stretch of whitewater named Halfbreed Rapids, a rocky class II. Most of the river is narrow with a current that varies from slow to medium speeds.
The river flows through a varying landscape; from dense forest with occasional high sandy banks, to long stretches of lowland marsh and 'stunted' pine, to open savannah and grassy meadows. Even though large portions of the surrounding land is privately owned, most of the shoreline below Willow Dam is wild and undeveloped. Paddlers will find a quiet and intimate northwoods setting.
A mixed, northern hardwood forest dominates the region. Common hardwoods include: maple, birch, oak, white ash and basswood. Frequent stands of conifers include: hemlock, spruce, tamarack, and red and white pine.
Paddle the river in the early morning or late afternoon hours and you will likely see an abundance of wildlife including numerous species of migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall. During the summer, warblers, chickadees and gray jays are common along with eagle and osprey. White-tailed deer, beaver and otter are often spotted as well.
State Forest Camping
The scenic Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest has several shady, lakeside campgrounds close to the Tomahawk River. Camping opportunities include: rustic hike-in tent sites, tent and camper sites, rv sites with electric, and group sites. The State Forest also features plenty of recreational opportunities, including: hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, swimming in sandy-bottomed lakes, and miles of paved bicycle paths.
Popular Clear Lake Campground sits in a hardwood and pine forest on the west shore of Clear Lake (873 acres). Most of the shoreline is undeveloped forest, and the lake’s sprawling character with numerous islands and bays make it fun to explore by boat, jet-ski, canoe, or kayak. Clear Lake is also a popular fishing destination. The bottom contour features numerous deep drop-offs, holes, and shallow humps. Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Trout, Walleye and Musky are all present.
Indian Mounds Campground is located near the site of four burial mounds left from the Woodland People who inhabited the region long ago. Today, a pine and hardwood forest shade this hilly, scenic campground on the shore of Lake Tomahawk (3,462 acres), part of the Minocqua Chain of Lakes. The lake chain is a magnet for summer vacationers who come to relax and enjoy the beautiful waters and fun atmosphere. Boating, pontoon boating and jet skiing are immensely popular. This is the only campground on the chain, and many bring their watercraft when they camp here. Minocqua is about 7.5 miles away on the water and 6.5 miles away by vehicle.
Carrol Lake, Buffalo Lake, and Cunard Lake are also close by. Many of the sites at Buffalo Lake and Cunard Lake are shady and secluded. Every campsite in the NH-AL State Forest is reservable.
Season
Water levels are dependent upon release from the Willow Reservoir Dam. You may call the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company at 715.848.2976 or the Woodruff DNR office at 715.356.5211 for information. The river levels are categorized as high, medium, or low. Very high levels can sometimes produce dangerous conditions, medium levels are generally ideal, while low conditions can make navigating the rapids difficult.
River Level Information
Phone Contact: Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company: 715.848.2976
Phone Contact: WDNR Woodruff Office: 715.356.5211