Wolf
F) Sec.4: Otter Slide to Big Smokey Falls (5.96 miles) ** Access Fee **
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportWe ran section IV August 27, 2021. Had a blast. Tried to secure permit by the number listed on this web page, 715-799-3359. This number belongs to the old owner, Ralph I believe. The new owner is Patrick O'Brien and his phone # is 715-799-4644 or text him at 715-851-4230. He was very helpful in getting us on the river. They inflated our shredders at the outpost, Cliff drove us to Sullivan Falls, had the truck and trailer at the takeout to load shedders and take back up hill to our cars. They had food to purchase, changing rooms, pit toilets. the charge is still $35 for the day, so get there early and run it twice. Look for the their sign on the left 10 miles North of Keshena, WI on Highway 55. Turn left on Wolf River Dells Road and follow dirt road to the river and the outpost. If you miss the sign and see the Wolf River on the left, you went about a mile too far up highway 55
Mogul Mike
Three families joined whitewater legend Bob Obst for a trip down the Wolf River.
Chris Keller running the upper section of the lower dells@373cfs
A good shot looking up at Big Smoky Falls at 13inches
Big Smoky Falls
Looking up from the bottom.
A sweet surf spot develops by Lunch Spot. The rock in the background covered by water is where paddlers often do splats.
The Lower Dells is the prettiest stretch on the Wolf and usually offers three lines getting more difficult as you go from river right to river left.
This shows the view after running the initial drop of the Lower Dells. Just after the little gorge many jump from the cliffs into the water on river left.
This hole at the base of Sullivan's is always a good place to practice flat spins.
This is the last drop of the Upper Dells. Half way down on the river left is a classic ender spot. This is also a place where you can pull over in your kayak or raft and buy a beer in case you've already finished all the ones you brought.
A river wide ledge, Sullivan's is generally best run river left of center. The play hole for flat spins is over on right right and can be attained from where the group is sitting.
Darren having Fun!
This is one of my favorite rapids for both running and for watching rafters make the plummet. Big Smokey is a hoot at higher levels, but still gives a thrill at low water. It's also very easy to carry back and run over and over again... regardless of flow, try not to come out of the boat before the ledge... running the slide minus a boat does not tickle.
Arild launches off the rooster tail at the bottom of the Big Smokey drop.
The hole at the base of Sullivan's is a great place to practice flat spins.
Described in early books as 'unrunnable' Sullivan's is the first major drop on section IV.
Lower Dells is a III-IV drop which deserves scouting. At the bottom of the drop the river constricts through a pretty mini-gorge.
High water on the Wolf brings a nice hole at the base of Sullivan's. Boofing would be good here. Ron decides to give us some entertainment.
Laurieann shows how surfing is done after heavy rains bring a great level.
Big Smoky is the last drop on Section IV and offers a great run to finish your day.
Lower Dells offers an exceptional run through a cool little gorge section. In the summer watch the rafters jumping into the river from the river left ledges.
Lower Ducksnest is the site of Dave's Wave, which on this day was more like Dave's Hole.