Rock,

Worm Lake outlet to Sturgeon River (9.1 miles)

Gauge Information

River Description

This river is far more continuous rapids than is typical of the Midwest! Do not take lightly the II-III rating! Paddlers should be strong, confident, intermediate paddlers, with an experienced group, before attempting this run at moderate to high levels. At such levels, most paddlers will be left with the impression of this river being essentially one long rapid, quite different from the usual pool/drop runs of the Midwest!

From the recommended put-in, a brief flatwater paddle brings you to some light rapids. Shortly you'll encounter a very low footbridge which will be a limbo at low-to-moderate levels, and will require portage at moderate-to-high levels. Soon thereafter the river assumes the character it will hold for much of it's length: essentially one, non-stop rapid. Trees in the current are not uncommon though usually can be paddled around. Be alert! As of April 2001 there was one beaver dam that could be 'snuck' by a paddle through the trees on the left.

While the 2.3 mile section above Hwy.28/141 generally does not exceed class II, it is recommended for it's warm-up value. If you are not completely comfortable with the style of boating you encounter on the upper reach, it may be advisable to abbreviate your trip at the Hwy.28/141 bridge. The pace decidedly picks up a notch downstream.

The river slows down a bit either side of the Hwy.28/141 bridge but soon resumes it's downhill race through the forest. The river is still generally class II, but you start encountering borderline III water the further downstream you proceed. As of April 2001 there was one large tree completely blocking the river. There is a brief respite in a swampy stretch that will warn you that you are soon approaching the most challenging section of the run. The river makes a turn to the left, tripping through waves and holes before turning sharply to the right at a rocky bend, where the action accelerates. This right-hand-bend often holds wood, though we've always been able to remove it to run the drop cleanly.

This drop signals the beginning of the steepest mile of the river. There is a wonderful rollercoaster ride of waves with a few lurking holes. Be on your toes and stay in your boat, as a swim here could take on epic proportions. This is a mile long class III rapid at medium to high flows. When the pace slackens off and the forest opens up, you will come to another low footbridge that signals the confluence with the Sturgeon.

There is a 3.4 mile flatwater egress paddle from here to the Plains Rd bridge on the Sturgeon. (This has been reflected in the length stated on the run name, but is not included in the "Length" or gradient figures in the description.)

Given the continuity of the whitewater and the ever-present danger of strainers on this small stream, the subjective difficulty is somewhat higher than the objective. Please exercise caution and discretion when paddling this reach, especially at higher flows.

Boaters looking for an additional challenge may consider finishing this trip by continuing downstream of the listed take-out to run Tibbets Falls on the Sturgeon (assuming the 'short take-out' is accessible.

AW members may click here for Part 1 of an article from the AW Journal, way back in 1981!
AW members may click here for Part 2 of the article.

The article describes the following:
Michigan's
Upper Presque Isle,
Lower Presque Isle,
Lower Black, Upper Silver,
Lower Silver,
Falls, and
Rock, (this reach)
and Wisconsin's
Lower Brunsweiler,
Montreal, W.Fk., and
Montreal Canyon.