C-Forum

I am thinking of taking my family on a trip to the midwest next spring, maybe to Chicago and up through Wisconsin. What are some whitewater day tripping opportunities that might be available in May, or is there a better time to go?

Thanks in advance.

Try touching base with someone at rapid riders.

http://www.rapidsriders.org/rivers.php

Find the Wisconsin Sierra club river touring section website. I don't know the exact address but you'll find it right away with 'wisconsin sierra club RTS'. They have a link to USGS stream gauges, useful in case you want to do some exploring.

The last few years it seems as if you need to hit the Northeastern Wi. W.W rivers around April 7 - 21st if you want to experience the water at it's higher levels. Of course this will involve temps in the forties, maybe low fifties and cold water! Dry suits recommended. You mentioned a family trip so if you do not need the higher water you should be good early May. Usually quite nice here about then. Unfortunately we do not have an Ocoee, Noli, Green Narrows etc. We do have some very nice class II-III water available wrapped in some scenic free-flowing rivers north of Green Bay. About an hour to an hour and a half from G.B. you can access the Wolf (lots of very good open boaters frequent there) section II (class I-II); section III (class II-III) and section IV through the Menominee Indian Reservation contains several pushy drops and mini-canyons containing class III and IV water. The "Roaring Rapids" of the Peshtigo has the longest continous whitewater stretch in the midwest, about three miles in length containing four class II-III drops and a couple III/IV dandys! Kinda reminds me of a cross between the Upper Nanty and the Upper Green without the LONG hike out. Near the border with Wi. and Michigan's U.P., the Pike river flows through scenic canyons as it's class I-II, III waters wind through a designated scenic wilderness area. Forming the border with the U.P. at Niagara Wi., the Menominee river rushes through class III-IV Pier's Gorge, a short intense run that is used commercially by rafting companys and features an entrance waterfall of aprox. 8-12 feet depending on the dam controlled water level. There is many more rivers that should be running April/May that are located in northern Wi. The Montreal, Bois Brule (northwest)...Popple (northeast) and don't forget the whitewater park located at Wausau. Craig Smerda (l'edge designer) could inform you most about the WW park. Other open boaters who padddle these rivers you may know include Dewey Ewert and Roy Crimmons. One of the better guide books you could pick up would be "Paddling Northern Wisconsin" by Mike Svob. I hope this will convince you to come on up and give our waters a try........................Barry.....................