Eau Claire (St.Croix trib.)
Johnson Rd. to former dam site (1.75-13.5 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 12.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 6 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 16, 2021 |
River Description
There is a claim that all three Eau Claire Rivers in Wisconsin have at least some area of whitewater interest. This one is a tributary of the St.Croix River.
A run of 13.75 miles at 6 fpm average suggests this is a lot of flatwater (possibly with a few minor rapids thrown in).
As noted in the 'River Features' section below, the (potentially) best true whitewater may be a park-and-play under a bridge to the Gordon Correctional Center.
River Features
Put In
State Camp Bridge (Gordon Correctional Center)
Formerly our listed take-out, now recommended to continue, because of removal of a dam downstream.
It appears there may be a brief rapids right under this bridge. In fact, from aerial/satellite-view evidence, this could be the most significant feature on the entire run! Thus, this may be a park-and-play for folks really wanting the best whitewater in this river, since more recent aerial/satellite views show a revegetating floodplain of the former impoundment downstream, with no real decent rips revealed.
Former Dam Site
Aerial/satellite views from May, 2017 showed machinery on-site (as part of the dam removal process), and there appeared to be a brief bit of ledges and waves. More recent aerial/satellite views (with the dam fully removed) show nothing at this site.
We have no awareness of access here (post-dam-removal). Land may have reverted to private property, which would preclude scouting here unless one got permission. Otherwise it would be necessary to continue about another mile downstream to CTH.Y (if parking and access appear possible at that location).
Has anyone taken a look at this in person? Got pictures? Help your fellow boaters with a comment or report! Is there anything worthwhile here or not?
Alternate take-out
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