Wisconsin River

The river wanders past a scenic, wonderfully varied landscape of forests, high bluffs, rolling hills and occasional sandy barrens. Islands seem to be more numerous, and larger, sharing the river with dozens sandbars (in normal flows).

For most of this segment, dense mesic forest covers the riverbanks. Sugar Maples are common, along with: ash, beech, hickory and basswood. Steep hills and tall bluffs overlook the river in the middle and latter stages where oak, cherry, maple, red cedar and occasional stands of tall white pines cover the slopes.

There are several areas of moist bottomland forests where tall grasses and sedges provide a rich understory beneath a canopy of river birch, black willow and various swamp hardwoods.

The riverbanks tend to be less sandy, except for one stretch near the Buena Vista Landing at Gotham, where you'll find high sandy banks and thickets along the shoreline, mostly on the north bank - open savannah extends inland from the river along the opposite, south bank.

Birdlife continues to be very abundant along with other wildlife including white-tailed deer, and the occasional turtle.

River Camping

Sandbars continue to be common during low to moderate flows providing numerous, providing fun opportunities for camping.

Camping in a State Park

From Peck's Landing at Spring Green, Devil's Lake State Park is about 33 miles driving distance to the northeast. The second most visited State Park in Wisconsin, Devil's Lake features a 360-acre lake surrounded by 500-foot bluffs. Recreational opportunities abound, including: miles of scenic hiking trails and overlooks (including a segment of the Ice Trail); rock climbing; sailing, canoeing and kayaking with boat rentals available; several huge shaded picnic areas; a nature center and two historic concession buildings. There are 3 family campgrounds with a total of 423 sites, and 9 group campsite that accommodate a total of 240 people. 364 sites are reservable.

Devil's Lake State Park is about 16 miles driving distance north of the Sauk Canoe Landing, and is the second most visited State Park in Wisconsin, Devil's Lake features a 360-acre lake surrounded by 500-foot bluffs. Recreational opportunities include miles of scenic hiking trails and overlooks (including a segment of the Ice Trail), rock climbing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking with boat rentals available, huge shady picnic areas, a nature center, and two historic concession buildings. There are 3 family campgrounds with a total of 423 sites and 9 group sites. 364 sites are reservable.

Tower Hill State Park sits next to the Wisconsin River near the beginning of this segment and offers a small family campground with easy river access for canoe camping. Although this park doesn't exude the same “fun energy level” as Devil's Lake or Governor Dodge, it does offer scenic bluff trails, eleven shady campsites, a picnic area, restrooms, water, and a very unique historical site that is well worth a visit.

The beautiful Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area is just a few miles west of Governor Dodge State Park. The park features a beautiful lake surrounded by rolling hills. Activities and amenities include camping, hiking, boating, and fishing. This is an excellent campground for RV camping. There are also plenty of shaded sites for tent camping, and several lakeside cabins. There are a total of 150 campsites.

Season

The river is usually navigable throughout spring, summer, and fall. It can be scrappy in places during periods of little rainfall in summer and fall. Paddlers should avoid the river in early spring, or whenever water levels are especially high.

River Level Information

Always check the local weather forecast before paddling on the LWSR. Also, even if the local forecast calls for sunny conditions, talk to a local outfitter about possible river surges before embarking on an overnight trip! Although it may be sunny in the LWSR, any kind of heavy rainfall upriver can result in an unexpected rise in river levels. Although this set of conditions only happens occasionally, it is something to be aware of.

River Gauge Location: State Hwy 80 Bridge at Muscoda
USGS Website: Gauge data @ 05407000
Phone: Contact local shuttle service / livery (Local Area Guide).

River Hazards

The Wisconsin River is in a constant state of transition. Consider the evolution of a sandbar of which there are hundreds at any given time. First a sandbar is created, then reshaped, then shifted, then swept away, while another mysteriously appears nearby and undergoes the same metamorphosis. The same can be said for the river channel, which often shifts, splits and then rejoins itself again and again. And, to make it even more interesting, the river does not move at a constant speed at all! In fact, it often fluctuates as it runs its' course, from less than 1 mph to more than 5 mph.

Shifting sandbars, a moving river channel, and dynamic rate of speed are a few of the contributing factors to a couple of hazards paddlers need to be aware of. First are sudden dropoffs, where the river can go from a few inches deep - to several feet deep in one step. Second are 'layered' currents, where the current can appear to be slow on the surface but will be fast and powerful enough to sweep your feet from under you just a few inches below. Both hazards are especially common in the lee of sandbars and islands, places where you should never wade! When you do wade into the river - say off a sandbar - make sure you do it near the 'head' or 'up-river' side, and try to have your feet and knees pointing up-river. Remember to always wear a pfd! (personal flotation device)