Gooseberry
Cty 3 to Gooseberry Falls State Park (9 miles)
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 8.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 55 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 30, 2015 |
River Description
This river is mostly known as a tourist attraction for the large falls sequence in the park (just above and below Hwy.61). While it is possible some of those falls may be runnable by some boater(s) at some flow(s), generally they are tall enough and land on shallow bedrock, precluding any likelihood of safe runs at most flows. It is highly advised (for anyone planning to boat the section of river listed here) to first take plenty of time to hike the trails in the state park, to have a good view of all the falls, and a certain plan to recognize and know where you wish to take-out before getting to a falls you don't want to run.
We have no specific information regarding the rapids on the river above the park. Anyone who has boated this reach is encouraged to help out your fellow boaters by providing information via the 'Add a Comment' button, which should appear below for all registered, logged-in users.
River Features
Put In
Steep Eroded Bank
(As a waymarker . . . ) A steep eroded bank on river-left, as the river takes a horse-shoe (U-Turn) to the right.
Rocky Rapids
It appears there may be a significant increase in bedrock and rocks in the steambed starting about this location. (There may be an island to also signal this waypoint.) This is likely to indicate a bit of a step-up in difficulty (or technicality) of rapids encountered in this 1/10th mile or so.
Confluence, Dago Creek
Dago Creek enters from river-left. Not far downstream (after a couple short bends), it appears the river may be split into braided channels around numerous treed islands. Many channels may hold strainers, and even deep piles of deadfall. Proceed with caution.
SHT (Superior Hiking Trail) Bridge
Confluence, Skunk Creek
Skunk Creek enters from river-left.
Fifth Falls
Heading toward another SHT bridge, rocks and gradient are encountered. I believe this is called 'Fifth Falls' on Gooseberry Falls State Park literature (counting the named/numbered falls starting from Lake Superior and heading upstream).
SHT Bridge
Probably a good place to get out and scout the next bit of river (if you have not done so before putting on, which would really be a good plan). Action gets pretty serious down here, and swimming in the wrong spot might get very intense (with likely spectators and all the falls downstream).
Falls
SHT Bridge
Take Out
Powerline Crossing
For anyone who has not opted to take-out sooner, the powerlines overhead should serve to indicate you are nearing the final bit of boatable waters. Again, we would emphasize to be familiar with this entire area (by hiking the Gooseberry Falls State Park trails) before running this section of river.
USGS sampling site
A USGS sampling site at this location lists drainage area of 75 square miles. (Same as the Devil Track!)