Wolf,

D) Section 3: Langlade (Hwy 64) to Gilmore's Mistake (Wild Wolf Inn) (3.9 or 10.3 miles)

Surfing @ Hansen's

Surfing @ Hansen's
Photo of Helge Klockow by Mark Mastalski taken 06/15/02

Gauge Information

River Description

Commonly referred to as Section III of the Wolf, this 10.3 mile stretch includes several Class II+ (III) rapids and some long flatwater stretches. With most of the river bank under state ownership, you get the feeling of paddling in a wilderness setting.

Paddlers often run an abbreviated section (called "Short III") by putting in at the DNR landing off of County Highway M. This put-in is below Twenty-Day Rapid and above Boy Scout, making for a 3.9 mile trip catching the three main drops.

The full run begins at Langlade. You'll paddle about four miles through stretches of flatwater with a few Class I and II rapids before reaching an obvious horizon line as the river narrows. Twenty-Day Rapid (Class II+) is short but has a steep pitch. It is followed by three miles of flatwater before you reach Boy Scout Rapid. Midway through this flatwater you will come across the landing which is the put-in for "Short III".

A footbridge signals Boy Scout Rapid (named for the Scout camp on river left). Class II rapids lead to a second footbridge, which is the heart of this half-mile rapid. In high water, Boy Scout rapid becomes pushy. Deaths have occurred there, and the rocks under the second footbridge are known to have caused foot-pins.

A mile further downstream you'll find Hansen's Rapid. You can scout the rapid from a large eddy on river right, just below the entrance. Just across from this eddy is a very consistent side-surfing wave often filled with kayaks.

Another 1.5 miles downstream is the last pitch, Gilmore's Mistake, which can be scouted on the left. A large shelf of rocks (and its accessibility) makes this rapid the perfect place for spectators and park-and-play kayakers.

The rapid itself is a constriction with good surfing and playboating possibilities, followed by a shelf drop. Below the drop is a hole frequented by rodeo boaters. Be warned that the hole is boney at low levels. Face plants here usually mean some bruises or blood, or both.

A short bit of boulder-garden rapids and one final ledge/drop lead to the take out immediately around this left-hand-bend on river left.

Please note: this access point is privately owned by Buettner's Wild Wolf Inn. Don't drive your car down to the take-out point. Carry your boat to the boater's parking lot. Don't let your dog run around unleashed. Spend a few dollars at the bar and restaurant to thank the owners for access. Also be aware that immediately downstream of this take-out lies the county line. Proceeding downstream is trespassing within the Menomonee Nation, and can be done only after paying a 'trespass fee' and getting a wrist-band to boat this next stretch of the river.