Wolf,

Oxbow Rapids

Oxbow Rapids
Photo of Oxbow Rapids by John Lee taken 4/27/07 @ 408 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

This 8-mile stretch is commonly know as "Section II" of the Wolf. It is often paddled by beginners, because it offers a variety of Class I and II rapids with good surfing waves and countless eddies.

Put in at Hollister Road, at the top of Burnt Point Rapids. After this Class II rock-garden there is about 2.5 miles of flatwater to reach a succession of three Class II rapids: Oxbow, Cedar and Hemlock. The last one, Hemlock, is the shortest but offers the biggest challenge with its higher gradient.

Another two miles of flatwater follows, which passes "Irrigation Ditch". Boaters commonly run this 3-mile section ("Short II") from the Ditch down to Langlade, as the shuttle is easy and the trip is less than two hours.

Three rapids follow on this section. The second - Sherry Rapid - is by far the most difficult on the entire stretch.

Take out on river right just past the Langlade Bridge. The Wisconsin DNR maintains the public access, complete with outhouses and a large parking area.

Good reference: "Paddling Northern Wisconsin," by Mike Svob. Wisconsin Trails Press.