Wolf
B) Hwy 52 (Lily) to Wolf Rd. (3.2 - 6.5 miles )(Upper or Short Section 1)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 3.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 13 fpm |
| Gauge | Wolf River at Langlade, Wi |
| Flow Rate as of 58 minutes | 281 cfsI-IIlow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 11, 2014 |
River Description
The Lily River put-in is no longer used as commonly as the Hwy 52 west put-in, just downstream from the blue suspension bridge. (Lily River enters on the left, just 0.2 mile downstream.)
The character of the Wolf River changes south of Lily. Upstream you'll find a marshy, winding and mostly quietwater river. Downstream, the Wolf become the classic boulder garden river for which it has become known.
There are two Class II rapids and a few Class I riffle rapids in this short, 3.5 mile stretch. At about 2.5 miles you'll reach Big Slough Gundy, a low Class II rapid in a wide stretch of river. Less than a mile later, Little Slough Gundy is a Class II rapid through a beautiful narrow stretch, with a couple of small ledge drops.
The recommended take out is at Wolf Road, just after Little Slough Gundy, on river left.
For those continuing on for the 'full reach', the remainder of the distance to Hollister Road (the normal put-in for the next section) is flatwater and light (class I) rapids.
For those interested in history, logging era timber is commonly seen on this stretch. Those willing to put in the time can find timber company brands burned into the ends of eight-footers that haven't rotted away.
Recommended reading: Paddling Northern Wisconsin, by Mike Svob, Wisconsin Trails Press, Madison, WI.
River Features
Put-in
Drainage: 333 sq.mi.
Drainage area at our listed put-in is approximately 333 sq.mi. (as calculated via USGS StreamStats Beta software).
minor rapids
St. Claire Rapids
Nearly a half-mile of light rapids.
marked 'rapids'
Not long after St. Claire Rapids peter out, another minor rapid is encountered.
Big Slough Gundy Rapids
The river narrows considerably through here, which may create increasing waves and 'push' as flows increase.
Little Slough Gundy Rapids
A relatively brief pool separates the end of Big Slough Gundy from the start of Little Slough Gundy.
Little Sheen Rapids
Take-out
Big Sheen Rapids
Our recommended take-out lies right at the head of this minor (class I) rapids.
minor shoals/rapids
At low/moderate flows, some minor shoals may be encountered around mile 6.25. It is likely at higher flows that these will be well covered and won't create anything meaningful.
Burnt Point Rapids
This is rapids lies at the take-out for 'long section 1', and the put-in for 'section 2'.
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