Iron

Put-in can be from anywhere in Mattioli Park in Iron River. Perhaps the best parking and the shortest carry may be from W.Jackson Street between 7th & 8th Avenues.

The first riffles and rapids occur within 0.1 mile as the river takes some quick zig-zags. Where Fifth Avenue crosses the river (or used to?) there may be some minor rips and possible playable waves.

Coming out from under the North Fourth Avenue bridge, there may be some playble features, or at least some riffles and rips at the river heads toward Nanaimo Park (river left).

Minor riffles and rips may immediately precede and follow passing under the Hwy.2 bridge.

Just downstream of Genesee Street, some swifts/rips/rapids will be encountered which may continue about a quarter-mile, as you pass along the Klint Safford Memorial RV Park on your right.

A bridge spans the river, and just downstream, it appears there may be some minor rapids or swifts/rips.

USGS lists a sampling site (more-or-less) midway down our listed section, showing drainage at this point as 65 square miles. (This is not presently an active gauge site.)

This is marked on maps both as State Line Trail and Iron County ORV and Snowmobile Trail.

You could take-out here for a very brief section and short shuttle, but more decent action lies ahead.

You'll pass under another bridge for the Iron County ORV Trail, followed very quickly by a street bridge.

Aerial view appears to show a small ledge which could provide some whitewater play.

We are uncertain of the feasibility or convenience of parking for shuttle vehicles in the vicinity of the river along here. This may prove a more convenient spot for those who may be doing their own bike shuttle, while the next listed access point may prove far better for vehicular shuttle (and is thus our listed take-out for shortest recommended section).

Since there is trailhead parking for the Apple Blossom Trail at this location, it makes the best take-out for the 'in town' short-section of this river.

To be more correct, your river trip and shuttle are not just in a single town, but will take you past or through three towns: Iron River, Stambaugh, and Caspian!

Those wishing a longer float may wish to continue downstream, using any number of options for take-out, the last of which would be after the confluence with Brule River.

(Just a mile-marker/waypoint.)

(Just a mile-marker/waypoint.)

As the river nears the Stateline Trail (formerly Chicago and Northwestern Railroad), it begins nearly a mile of slightly increased gradient as it heads to the confluence with the Brule River. To be clear, I would not expect this to be any true rapids, merely swifts, ripples, and rips.

Almost immediately after the confluence, you'll pass under the Nicolet State Trail.

This is the first possible access point beyond the mouth of the Iron River (after the confluence with the Brule).