Pike, S.Br., Wisconsin, US

B) Mathias Lake Road to Dave's Falls (4.7 miles) (Big South Falls -or- LSB Pike (Lower South Branch))

Dave's Falls perspective

Dave's Falls perspective
Photo by Mark Mastalski taken 06/30/02

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
Pike (Amberg) N.Br, S.Br.
virtual-10908	200 - 800 cfs	I(III)	01h40m	~ 0 cfs (rc= -1.0 )
	Too Low. Virtual gauge to APPROXIMATE flow in this reach based on half the flow of (main) Pike gauge.

River Description

About 6.5 miles of largely uninteresting water (from a whitewater perspective) intervenes from the recommended take-out for the 'Upper South Branch' run to the put-in for this stretch.

Main attractions are Big South Falls, Surprise Ledge, and (after the confluence with the North Branch) Upper Dave's Falls. At some levels, some boaters may even tackle Dave's Falls (though it has alway looked pretty nasty to me). You may also wish to take a 'side trip' to view a falls on the Little South Branch. (Look for it entering on your right, just downstream of Big South Falls.)

Regarding Dave's Falls, Brock Royer reports (2005-11-17): Mark Hattendorf and I have run this falls multiple times and found that even at higher flows the left line toward the wall at the end is much more benign (flushy) than it looks...even at higher flows. I still however would suggest remaining upright regardless of the line you take b/c there are a few rocks not far below the surface. It is a fun drop and much easier than it looks. Enjoy!
~Peace~
Brock