Root, Wisconsin, US

B) Horlick Dam to Quarry Park (0.2 - 0.6 mile)

Horlick Dam

Horlick Dam
Photo of various boaters by Mike Croak @ 714 cfs

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
ROOT RIVER AT RACINE, WI
usgs-04087240	150 - 1800 cfs	I-II	03h12m	249 cfs (rc= 0.2 )
	Low, but offers reasonable beginner run/play. Gauge (drainage=190 sq.mi.) is at 'upper put-in' for this reach, thus is very accurate at reflecting actual flows.

River Description

Quick Facts:

Location: northwest edge of city of Racine.
Shuttle Length: 0.2-0.6 miles. (See details in "Directions" Tab.)
Character: High (relatively) tree-lined banks provide almost a 'wilderness' feel in a county park, where sloping bedrock creates fine playable features.

Put-in is approximately 620' elevation.
Take-out is approximately 600' elevation.
Thus total elevation change is approximately 20'.

Shallow bedrock ledges in a fairly uniform width, unobstructed channel create a sweet series of green (ok, more like brown) waves for surfs and (at high water) major freestyle action. Many who have done this reach (at levels above 1400-1800 cfs) have proclaimed it contains among of the best play waves in the state! Not bad, considering it's in the southeast corner of the state where one would not expect to find good whitewater!

Access and parking are convenient both at the upper put-in by the Horlick Dam and at the take-out in Quarry Lake Park. (Most boaters just park at the take-out and carry up to their chosen put-in.

In winter or early spring when the water is up, don't let a windy, raw day discourage you from boating this reach. High banks flank the river, sheltering you from almost all wind conditions while on the water. (It will only be a factor as you 'carry up' in the park.) I've boated it with the temperature in the low 30's, and wind-chills of single-digits or teens, and have been fine while on the river. Additionally, the existence of the dam and its millpond (at the head of this reach) holds back ice in winter. The stretch that we boat downstream of the dam will often flush free of ice after a day or two of winter warming, allowing for reasonably safe boating.

Be aware this is a VERY popular fishing stream. During spring (March/April) and fall (October +/- 2weeks) when the Steelhead, Salmon, Trout, etc., are running, be prepared to share the river with scores of anglers. Fortunately water levels most conducive to boating are unfavorable for fishing, so there is seldom a problem. Most fishermen will be found up by the dam (down to the first bend), and down in the pool below the final playspot (and along the golf course river frontage downstream).

(Note: On weekends during summer, when staff is on duty (roughly 8am-6:30pm) a $1 per person park fee may be charged for admittance to Quarry Park.)