Wolf, Wisconsin, US |
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Usual Difficulty | II-III(IV) (varies with level) |
---|---|
Length | 5.96 Miles |
Avg. Gradient | 16 fpm |
Max Gradient | 37 fpm |
Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
WOLF RIVER AT LANGLADE, WI | ||||
usgs-04074950 | 150 - 1000 cfs | III-IV | 00h29m | 615 cfs (running) |
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This is the most challenging segment on the Wolf River. The character of the river changes
from (generally) longer boulder-garden style rapids (upstream of the reservation and the
upper/prior stretch in the reservation) to shorter but steeper drops in this section. In all
cases, fairly long flatwater pools separate the main rapids.
Access is controlled by the Menominee Indian Tribe, and
permits are required. (As of 2014) You'll pay $35 up front, and get $5 back
when you return your wristband at the end of the run. This fee includes a shuttle to the put-in.
Permits may be purchased from Big Smoky Falls Rafting (715-799-3359) located at
the take-out, and are generally available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Trips perhaps a
month before or a couple months after this time frame can usually can be arranged by calling the
outfitter in advance. (Outfitters are generally NOT on-site outside the summer season
unless they have confirmed bookings, so always call ahead for non-summer
permits.) Permits are also sometimes available at Shotgun Eddy Campground
and Rafting (715-882-4461), but this lacks the convenience of leaving your car at the
take-out. Also note (by local ordinance), all cars must now remain in the upper parking
area, to leave lower lot clear. You may drive down to park only briefly, to load boats,
if you don't want to carry up to upper parking lot upon arrival at the end of your run.
Most trips start at the Otter Slide access, on Highway 55 south of County
Highway B (though you may be able to request other options when you arrange your shuttle,
particularly in non-summer or slack days). The first rapid is Sullivan Falls, a
7-foot tall, river-wide falls. You can scout on river left. In years past, a concession stand
operator at this location was often confrontational with private boaters, making it unwise to
dally here in or out of the river (I.E., scouting or playing the hole at the bottom of the rapid)
when the concession owner was present. A new operator is now in charge and is reportedly much
more boater-friendly. Still, it wouldn't hurt to carry some cash to buy a snack here (when
the concession stand is in operation), or at least be VERY courteous and express thanks for being
able to enjoy this spot.
An alternate Class II channel containin a drop called Evergreen Rapids
(branching off to the right, just upstream of Sullivan Falls) provides an option to avoid the
main falls entirely, or provides an option after running Sullivan a time or two, should anyone
elect to do so.
Shortly downstream you'll arrive at Duck's Nest, a solid Class III drop.
The rapid is divided into two sections (Upper Duck's Nest and Lower
Duck's Nest), with a short pause between. At the exit of the lower part of the drop
lies Dave's Wave, a very playable surfing wave. Better have a solid roll here, as the outflow
fans out across a shallow boulder field which will be brutal to any who are slow to roll or are
out of their boat. Also be aware that at high water levels, the rock wall on river left (before
the final pitch into Dave's Wave) can become a dangerous undercut.
About 3/4 mile downstream is Lunch Rock, large, gently sloping shore rocks that
make a perfect lunch stop and sunning spot on warm summer days. A narrowing of the river forms a
tongue and wave (at higher flows) followed by a couple crease wave/holes. Those not beaching and
eating may entertain themselves playing these features.
One mile further the river twists to the right and enters another Class III rapid called
Tea Kettle or the Upper Dells which contains a very dynamic
ledge/hole which can provide some interesting play. The exit of this stretch spills across a
shallow spline of rock (river left) and into what can be a somewhat aggressive (or interesting)
hole and rock (river-right). At moderate to high flows (~500+cfs), a few very agressive holes and
wrapping waves form through here. A short bit of flatwater downstream brings you to the
Lower Dells, one of the most challenging rapids on the stretch. It is
recommended to scout the Dells on the left, as the entrance can be choked with strainers (or
rafts!). This is one of the most impressive areas of the river, as near-vertical rock walls rise
20-30' from the river (for those with presence of mind to notice, while busy negotiating the
water!), and the river trips through some complex waves and holes.
Very nearly two miles of flatwater ensue before the culmination of the trip at Big Smokey
Falls. As you approach you'll see an island and a sign indicating
"Footbridge" to the left, and "Falls" to the right. (To the left of the
island, the river stays high, then tumbles down a nasty boulder sieve that has claimed at least
one life. All traffic to this side must take out at an easy landing above the footbridge to the
island.) For those running the drop, you may scout the rapid from the river right bank. Big
Smokey Falls (right side of island) is a fairly long Class II-III slide leading into a a
ledge-drop kicker into the final pool. A flip or swim early in this sequence can be nasty, so
make sure you're capable of arriving at the ledge upright before you commit to this drop.
Once in the pool below, paddle to the left shore to the take-out.
Recommended reading: Paddling Northern Wisconsin, by Mike Svob. Wisconsin Trails Press, Madison,
WI.
MnktoDave has put together a great (open)Boater's-Eye video of all the drops on this run:
Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
---|---|---|---|
0.0 | Otter Slide (Drainage ~501 sq.mi.) | N/A | ![]() |
1.2 | Trip Rapids | II | ![]() |
1.6 | Sullivan Falls | III+ | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
1.7 | Evergreen Rapids | II+ | |
2.0 | Upper Ducknest | III | ![]() ![]() |
2.1 | Lower Ducknest | III | ![]() ![]() |
2.6 | Lunch Rock | III | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
3.6 | Upper Dells | III+ | ![]() ![]() |
3.9 | Ledge | II | ![]() |
4.0 | Lower Dells | III+ | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
5.8 | Big Smokey Falls | IV | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
This is the usual put-in for a run on 'Section 4' of the Wolf. While the name sounds like it should be a rapids, there is none here. The put-in lies in the middle of a long stretch of flat water, so any 'otter slide' is merely from the shore of the river into the water.
Drainage area at our listed put-in is approximately 501 sq.mi. (as calculated via USGS StreamStats Beta software).
Topo maps show a 'Trip Rapids' at this point in the river. Most boaters will barely notice it, as it is very short (a single simple ledge/wave) and lies so close to Sullivan Falls.
MOST boaters will stay in the main channel (to the left of an island) to head to Sullivan Falls. Usual preferred route is just left of center, to hit a 'flake' on the lip of the (~3-4-5') falls for an 'auto-boof'. Current mostly sheets off to the right (toward a wall of rock) and wraps back to the left. A crease/wave in the pool below allows fine surfs and spins at most flows.
An alternative route down the right channel at the island avoids Sullivan Falls. Proceed with caution, as this drop often holds wood. Again, most boaters will want to do the left channel (Sullivan Falls), but may wish to carry up (after their runs and playing there) to check out the right channel. Generally it is doubtful too many boaters will bother doing this more than once, just to say they've seen/done it.
At healthy flows, a couple of large rocks create substantial pourover/holes toward river-right midway down this drop. If in doubt, sneak by staying center-to-left. There is a final wave/hole (before the pool at the base of the rapids) which can be played. A brief pool precedes the next rapids, but at high flows, Upper and Lower tend to merge into one long rapids.
A significant rock outcropping river-left, as the flow trips though numerous waves, diagonals, and holes, finishing up with "Dave's Wave". Below this wave the flow spreads out across a massive field of shallow rocks which will be brutal on anyone who flips and misses their first roll attempt or who is out of their boat. (Best line of egress is usually to stay far right.)
A handy spot to get out, stretch your legs, catch some rays, have a snack, ..., and watch boaters challenge the sucking/whirlpool/crease of a hole which exists here.
I believe some people call this Teakettle, while others call it Upper Dells. A couple early smooth waves lead to a ledge/hole within the dells. (This can be sticky at some flows, but is often played. At good flows it has strong eddies drawing you back upstream river-left.) Coming out of this dells, river-left spills across a spline of rock mostly parallel to the flow, while the main (center/right) current slides off into a large rock forming a wave/hole to river-right.
An island splits the flow. Head right, and enjoy a fine little ledge and surf spot. (The left of the island drops the same gradient, but manages to have almost no play.)
Most boaters will take out (river-left) above this area to scout. A somewhat complex entrance leads into the dells. The crux move comes early. A hump of rock center-river with (usually) a somewhat aggressive hole to the left, and rather grungy alternative to river-right. Almost immediately downstream, as the canyon walls rise overhead, advanced boaters may try to catch a near river-wide wave/hole which allows some play. The heart of the dells is little more than splishy-splash, but you will trip across one final short ledge before you exit the dells into a wide pool below.
After nearly two miles of dead-flat water (the longest stretch of the run) you encounter an island. A very few people may plan to not run the grand finale, Big Smokey Falls, in which case you can take the left channel, and take out BEFORE passing under the footbridge.
The usual route is to head to the right at this island to a wonderful long sliding drop, through a series of waves and holes (a few are playable if you have the 'stones' to do so with what lies downstream), a couple of fine diagonal waves (especially at high water), and a final 'whoopie' off a ledge/drop (with a nice rooster-tail) into the BIG pool below.
Your take-out is at the left of this pool, where your vehicle awaits you (since your trespass fee includes a shuttle to the put-in).
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In 2018 we celebrate this Wild and Scenic River and work to protect more rivers as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Wild and Scenic Rivers. Learn More.
Letter of transmittal dated 10/3/1969 from the Department of Interior to Congress for the documents classifying the Wolf River under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
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