Montreal
B) Nylund Road to Saxon Falls Dam (17.9 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 16.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 12 fpm |
| Gauge | Black at Ramsay Approximation |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 19 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 10, 2015 |
Projects
The Montreal River forms part of the border between Wisconsin and Michigan and is one of the most celebrated whitewater rivers in the Upper Midwest. Two hydropower facilities, the Superior Falls and Saxon Falls projects, regulate flows on the mainstem of the Montreal river, while the Gile Flowage storage [...]Read More
River Description
A much less paddled section due to the lack of significant rapids and its being a quite long reach. This stretch of river is much less spectacular than the lower 'canyon' section, and contains no large falls like the upper section.
A shorter trip is possible (and advised for low-water runs) using the West Fork take-out on Hwy.2 as the put-in. Our put-in at Nylund Road (A.K.A. Town Road 0028, and formerly labeled here as Erickson Road, though I can find no online reference to anything by that name) is mostly for continuity with the upper section. Virtually throughout this reach, you'll find low-grade, read-and-run rapids, interspersing flat/flowing water.
River Features
Put In
General Comment:
Given that there are no particular rapids which stand out (everything is low-grade, read-and-run), the 'rapids'/features list below is really more just a 'waypoints' list, mostly of the various tributaries, since there is little else to mark your progress downriver.
Confluence, Welch Creek
A fairly decent-sized tributary enters from river-right, and the Montreal takes a bend to the left.
Braided Channel
A series of islands split the river into somewhat braided channels. Do your best to stick with the main flow, but be on the alert for increased chances of deadfall and strainers.
USGS site
USGS lists a site with drainage of 80.6 square miles at this point.
Confluence, Spring Creek
Spring Creek enters from river-right, and again, the Montreal takes a swing to the left
Hwy.2 Alternate Put-in
As mentioned, for a shorter trip, or a low-water trip, it may be advisable to use this as alternate access. You will paddle nearly a mile of the West Fork to the confluence, coming in at mile 4.5 . . . which thus cuts 3.5 miles off the trip total.
Confluence, W.Fk.
At the 'bottom' of a big 'U' turn (South, turning back North), from river-left, the West Fork Montreal enters. (Also virtually at the same location is a minor tributary, Flood Creek.
Possible egress
A single-track (trail) is marked on topo maps, and visible on aerial views, coming very close to the river at this point. If it is not posted against trespass and not gated, it may be possible to cut off the remainder of the run to the dam) which is nearly all low gradient and flatwater. (Highly recommended to walk down to river to mark or be able to identify this location as it won't be obvious from the river.)
Confluence, Boomer Creek
Boomer Creek enters from river-left.
Confluence, Mud Creek
A HUGE island is encountered. Main flow goes to the left, as Mud Creek enters from river-right (amidst a multitude of low islands). Downstream, the gradient is gone, as the river enters a series of broad sweeping meanders.
Take Out
Trip Reports
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Jake Ring
Nov 21, 2020
Kayaked this April 2019. From Nylund Rd you'll encounter some trees spanning the entire river, but all within the first hour/few miles. This section is moderately fast, but pretty flat, nonetheless the river is cruising around blind corners and sometimes you come around a fast corner and there is a strainer, so be on the lookout that first 5ish miles. After the confluence with W.Branch there weren't any further strainers. Scenic wild and not paddled often.