Montreal
C) below Saxon Falls to Hwy. 122 (3.1 miles)(Montreal Canyon)
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 3.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 54 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 26, 2025 |
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
The scenic Canyon of the Montreal River is one of the best intermediate whitewater runs in the state. The season for this run starts in early spring but usually continues running for about a month or longer. It is high in early spring but eases down to water fun for intermediates towards the end of spring.
Ledges along nearly the entire length of this run create beautiful glassy waves for hours of playboating pleasure. Aside from a few troublesome holes that can form at higher flows, this run is rather constant in terms of difficulty. One important safety concern to be aware of is that once you are in the canyon and committed to the run it is impossible to get back out. Sheer rock cliffs of conglomerate and sandstone rise up to 200' on either side. This also makes it extremely difficult to mount a rescue in several spots. Although there are some gravel bars in the canyon, they start to disappear at higher water. At most flows, however, they provide a place for you to scout the river and pull swimmers to shore.
Entering the canyon requires descending a long stairway that takes you to the bottom of the canyon at the put-in. Use caution and be sure you have a firm grasp on your boat and wait for others to clear out of the way below you. An alternative method is to take about 250' of rope with you and belay your boat to the river off of a big tree at the top of the canyon. This method might be necessary if you have a particularly heavy boat or if you don't like climbing down stairs with a boat in your hand.
You can look up at Saxon Falls just upstream of the put-in. If you see three fingers of water coming over the drop the river will be pumping and rather pushy, but at a great level for play boating.
There aren't many drops on this run, just a bunch of continuous class III rapids, most of which mellow out to class II at lower flow. A sheer wall on river left where the river makes a hard turn to the right is the Cathedral. A hole forms here th
...River Features
Saxon Falls
This is upstream of the listed put-in. Once you descend the long steep staircase to the river, you can look upstream to see this awesome falls. However, you will not be seeing it from this perspective (photo is from a high angle on the opposite shore). The first known descent of Saxon Falls took place on April 23rd, 2007 by Tao Berman, Josh Bechtel, and Eric Boomer.
Saxon Falls Powerhouse Put In
USGS site
USGS station at Saxon Falls (04029990) lists a site with drainage area 262 square miles. The staff gage can be read at the powerhouse. The gage station was in service 1986 to 2017 reporting average daily flows. American Whitewater advocates for resestablishment of this gage as a real-time gage reporting flows.
Hwy 122 Take Out
The historic take-out was along the causeway across the reservoir. The utility intends to provide a more formal take-out on river right closer to the dam.
Superior Falls
This lies downstream of the listed take-out (after Hwy. 122). There is a dam and a stretch of rapids and falls leading down to the final plunge, which is dewatered much of the year by the hydro facility at this site. After taking out at Hwy. 122, boaters may find it interesting to look at the rapids and falls downstream, including the final plunge, Superior Falls. Tao Berman made the first known descent of this falls (aptly for an episode of 'Stunt Junkies'), dropping into the river above the falls out of a helicopter 'to prove it could be done' (and because Tao and his crew can).
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportHere is a photo from a pit stop during the flow study.
Been paddling the Montreal Canyon for quite a few years now, I guess it would be considered my home run. It is a great whitewater resource for just about everyone and offers challenging yet manageable rapids. The scenery alone would make the trip worth it. Access is currently via a steep set of metal stairs behind what usually appears to be a locked gate. Many if not just about everyone who has ever paddled here is hoping for slightly more friendly access in the future. A barrier to more frequent use is the lack of dependable summer rain events to bring flows into boatable levels. Often the river won't see many days in the green between Memorial and Labor Day. I'm hoping that the relicensing of the dams immediately above and below this stretch of river can include recreational releases in summer. The current takeout at highway 122 is well-marked via a large sign on river left. Parking is pretty much pulling off the highway and can fit a few vehicles. There is an ideal grassy landing style takeout just downstream of the bridge on the right side of the river and it can accomodate many more vehicles. It is typically behind a locked gate, however the gate could move just a bit and it could stay locked while still providing improved takeout access. This is another aspect of access that I and others are hoping can be included in the reliscening and improved upon.
Paddled this river May 4, 2019 at 720 cfs per the recorded phone line, three fingers of Saxon Falls visible. Awesome run. Lots of great surf. Maybe a little boney in the ledgy section near the end. Very scenic. Highly recommended if in the Upper Peninsula. River is medium width, all boat scout able at this level. If you need a play fix, this is the run. Easy shuttle. Most of the harder rapids are wherever you see the tall cliff walls. Fun fact: Wisconsin is on river left, Michigan is on river right.
Reading was 868.5 on the visual gauge on the side of the power house.
Doug Mork in the Canyon @ 240 CFS
I ran this river twice with only one finger of the falls above the put in(around 200cfs). Very boney for someone who is 200lbs and above. My son at a soaking wet 145lbs had no problems.I have been told ideal is around 400cfs. Absolutly one of the best runs. Bring your camera. You will not believe you are on the Wisconsin-Michigan border. 200ft plus cliffs and Bald eagles. The put-in is very unique. 138 metal steps to the river around the chain link fence.
Members of the Hoofers Outing Club on a spring trip to the Montreal Canyon at 8.68' as read at the put-in and reported as 1100 cfs by USGS.