Pilgrim
Elsie Road to Hwy.41 (9.5 miles)
| Difficulty | II-IV |
| Length | 8.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 30 fpm |
| Gauge | Pilgrim River at Paradise Rd Nr Dodgeville, Mi |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 18 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 26, 2024 |
River Description
Stupid boater tricks? Micro creeking? Fantasy boating? Maybe. Likely in the neighborhood of only 5 square miles (+/-) at listed put-in.
But since 2014 USGS has a gauge on this little river! In five of the years from 2014 through 2023, it had a peak flows over 600 cfs, including (in 2023) going to 1,060 cfs!
Likely a few driveway bridges which may not have adequate passage at boatable flows (if such flows are actually sustained long enough to catch this 'river'. Extremely important would be to request permission from a few property owners to have a look at the bridges to check for adequate clearance.
Steepest gradient is in first 1.0-1.5 miles. After that, it's 8miles at 20fpm overall.
Satellite views (even in those lower-gradient 8 miles) seem to show adequate areas of likely whitewater interest. Shorter trips are possible between each of the road crossings.
Listed put-in is actually (apparently) a tributary, though it appears larger than what is marked as the upper portion of the Pilgrim. (That may prove more paddleable due to abscence of bridges, but has much lower gradient and apparently less features.) Extremely likely (being so small) to have issues with deadfall and strainers which will necessitate vigilance and likely portages.
River Features
Put In
Driveway Bridge / drop
Before putting on above, it may be highly important to have a look to check clearance at this bridge, and check the drop immediately below.
Private footbridge
Another private bridge merits concern for clearance at boatable flows.
Superior Street
Alternate in/out. Upstream averages 82fpm, downstream averages 21 fpm.
Drainage area at this point is 13.1 square miles.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI have paddled the Pilgrim. It was at too low a flow for any whitewater, but I did make it down with minimal drags. There is evidence of really high flows from debris deposited way up the banks. I need to paddle it more to get a feel for runnable flows. It is narrow with sections of tag alder strainers, but also sandy banks and rock gardens, and I'm sure there is a lot of wood in the stream when flows are high. I did cut a few trees that spanned the stream. I plan on putting more time on this stream is it is less than 5 minutes from my house.