Wolf, Wisconsin, US |
|
| Usual Difficulty | II-III(IV) (varies with level) |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.96 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 16 fpm |
| Max Gradient | 37 fpm |
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOLF RIVER AT LANGLADE, WI | ||||
| usgs-04074950 | 150 - 1000 cfs | II-III(IV) | 68d00h19m | 400 cfs (rc= 0.5 ) |
~6-12"; medium runnable flow. |
||||
This is the most challenging segment on the Wolf River. The character of the river changes
from (generally) longer boulder-garden style rapids upstream to shorter but steeper drops in this
section. In both cases fairly long pools separate the main rapids.
Access is controlled by the Menominee Indian Tribe, and
permits are required. The $25 fee (price as of 2000, anyway) includes a shuttle
to the put-in. You will receive an identification bracelet, which you need to wear in a visible
place. Permits may be purchased from Big Smoky Falls Rafting (715-799-3359)
located at the take-out. They are generally available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but
trips perhaps a month before or a couple months after this time frame can usually can be arranged
by calling the outfitter in advance. (Outfitters are generally NOT on-site outside the summer
season unless they have confirmed bookings, so always call ahead for non-summer permits.) Permits
are also sometimes available at Shotgun Eddy Campground and Rafting
(715-882-4461), but this lacks the convenience of getting your 'pass' and leaving your car at the
take-out.
Most trips start at the Otter Slide access, on Highway 55 south of County
Highway B (though you can request other options when you arrange your shuttle). The first rapid
is Sullivan Falls, a 7-foot river-wide falls. You can scout on river left. In
years past, a concession stand operator at this location was often confrontational with private
boaters, making it unwise to dally here in or out of the river (I.E., scouting or playing the
hole at the bottom of the rapid) when the concession owner was present. A new operator is now in
charge and is reportedly much more boater-friendly. Still, it wouldn't hurt to carry some cash to
buy a snack here (when the concession stand is in operation), or at least be VERY courteous and
express thanks for being able to enjoy this spot.
An alternate Class II channel called Evergreen Rapids (branching off to the
right just upstream of Sullivan Falls) provides an option to avoid the main falls entirely,
should anyone choose that option.
Shortly downstream you'll arrive at Duck's Nest, a fun Class III drop. The rapid
is divided into two sections (Upper Duck's Nest and Lower Duck's
Nest), with a short pause between. At the base of the lower part of the drop lies Dave's
Wave, a very playable surfing wave. Better have a solid roll here, as the outflow fans out across
a shallow boulder field which will be brutal to any who are still upside-down or out of their
boat. Also be aware that at high water levels, the rock wall on river left can become a dangerous
undercut.
About 3/4 mile downstream is Lunch Rock, large shore rocks that make a perfect lunch stop and
sunning spot on warm summer days.
One mile further is another Class III rapid, called Tea Kettle or the
Upper Dells. Midway down this dells lies a very dynamic ledge/hole which can
provide some interesting play. A short bit of flatwater downstream brings you to the
Lower Dells, one of the most challenging rapids on the stretch. You can scout
the Dells on the left, which is recommended as the entrance can be choked with strainers (or
rafts!).
Two miles of flatwater ensue, culminating at Big Smoky Falls. You'll see an
island as you approach it, and a sign directing all traffic to the right. Follow to the right,
and scout the rapid on the river right bank. (To the left of the island the river stays high,
then tumbles down a nasty boulder sieve that has claimed at least one life. Avoid it!) Big Smoky
Falls (right side of island) is a fairly long Class II-III slide leading into a a 7-foot ledge
drop kicker into the final pool. A swim early up in this sequence can be nasty, so make sure
you're capable of arriving at the ledge upright before you commit to this drop. Paddle across to
the left shore below this drop to be at the take-out.
Recommended reading: Paddling Northern Wisconsin, by Mike Svob. Wisconsin Trails Press, Madison,
WI.
MnktoDave has put together a great (open)Boater's-Eye video of all the drops on this run:
The river is very 'pool/drop', and can be paddled to quite low levels (almost any summer flow). The pools (flat stretches between rapids) generally retain plenty of depth, and most of the drops 'channel up' (constrict the flow) such that they are still runnable at low levels.
The 'recommended maximum' is set only as an indicator of 'high water', and represents a level at which the whole river takes a decided step up in difficulty (no longer class II-III, but now class III-IV or just solid IV). Upper Ducknest, the Dells, and Big Smoky will all get your attention at these levels.
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOLF RIVER AT LANGLADE, WI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| usgs-04074950 | 150 - 1000 cfs | II-III(IV) | 68d00h19m | 400 cfs (rc= 0.5 ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
~6-12"; medium runnable flow. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No Comments
Users can submit comments.| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | Otter Slide | N/A |  |
| 1.2 | Trip Rapids | II |  |
| 1.6 | Sullivan Falls | III+ |  |
| 1.7 | Evergreen Rapids | II+ | |
| 2.0 | Upper Ducknest | III | |
| 2.1 | Lower Ducknest | III | |
| 2.6 | Lunch Rock | III | |
| 3.6 | Upper Dells | III+ | |
| 3.9 | Ledge | II | |
| 4.0 | Lower Dells | III+ | |
| 5.8 | Big Smoky | IV | |
This is the usual put-in for a run on 'Section 4' of the Wolf. In spite of the name sounding very much like it should be a rapids, there is none here. The put-in lies in the middle of a long stretch of flat water, so any 'otter slide' is just from the shore of the river into the water.
Topo maps show a 'Trip Rapids' at this point in the river. Most boaters barely take note of it, as it is very short (single ledge/wave) and lies so close to Sullivan Falls.
MOST boaters will stay in the main channel (left of an island) to head to Sullivan Falls.
This is a alternative route, down the right channel at the island, avoiding Sullivan Falls. Proceed with caution, as this drop often holds wood.
Dave's Wave lies at the end of this gradient. Beware the shallow rocks which the whole flow spreads out across below this wave.
An island splits the flow. Head right, and enjoy a fine little ledge and surf spot. (The left of the island drops the same gradient, but manages to have almost no play.)
Head to the right at this island (unless you plan to not run the grand finale, Big Smoky Falls, in which case you can take the left channel, and take out BEFORE passing under the footbridge). A wonderful sliding drop, through a series of waves and holes (a few are playable if you have the 'stones' to do so with what lies downstream), a couple of fine diagonal waves (especially at high water), and a final 'whoopie' off a ledge/drop (with a nice rooster-tail) into the BIG pool below. Your take-out lies out the the left of this pool.
Letter of transmittal dated 10/3/1969 from the Department of Interior to Congress for the documents classifying the Wolf River under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
reach
state
reachlink
F) Section 4: Otter Slide to Big Smokey Falls (5.96 miles) ** Access Fee **, Wolf Wisconsin, US (mobile)
