Thursday, July 23rd, 1:00 pm – 4:30 p.m. Paddle the Wisconsin River, Eagle River, WI. put-in below Otter Rapids Dam
Lets travel a bit north to the Wisconsin River as it leaves the community of Eagle River. Mike Svob, author of Paddling Northern Wisconsin, reminds us, “at one time, the river from Eagle River to Wisconsin Dells roared through a 200- mile succession of awesome rapids, but all have been tamed by dams.” The seven mile stretch, below the Otter Rapids Dam that we will paddle, is compatible for all skill levels. No rapids or waterfalls to worry about. We will notice a few houses at the beginning, but upland woodlands and marsh lowlands will dominate the landscape as we move downstream. There are a few large boulders to navigate around, but with the slower current you won’t have a problem. We will put-in downstream- right from the Otter Rapids Dam, alongside Highway 70, 3.5 miles west of Eagle River. Turn on 5697 Cloverland Dr. off of Hwy 70 and drive to the parking area. There we will unload our boats and gear and prepare for the shuttle to the take-out at the boat landing at the bridge on County O. A wearable pfd is required for all NPT paddle events. What to bring: boat, paddle, water, snacks, pfd, sunscreen, hat, and a big smile. Directions from Rhinelander: (30 min, 20 miles) Take Hwy 17 north to state Hwy 70. Turn left on Hwy 70 (west) for about 3.5 miles and turn left on Cloverland Dr. to the parking area. (Google maps may want to take you on Cloverland Dr. on the south side of the river, don’t do it. Follow the directions written above.)
A donation of $5.00 per event is requested for non-NPT members which can be paid at the event. Membership for NPT is $10.00/year. To become a NPT member go to NorthernPaddleandTrail.org and click on membership. Please RSVP jayjoppa1950@gmail.com or 715-499-1022 or the preferred method go to meetup.com/northern-paddle-trail and click on ATTEND. I hope you can join us for this NPT paddle. – J
Northern Paddle and Trail 