Montreal
A) Hwy. 2 at WI/MI state line to Nylund Road (3.6 miles)
| Difficulty | II-IV(V) |
| Length | 3.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 73 fpm |
| Gauge | Black at Ramsay Approximation |
| Flow Rate as of 19 minutes | 42 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 8, 2023 |
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
Our preferred put-in is at the Wisconsin Welcome Center, just upstream (South) of Hwy 2. (It's great to have heated changing rooms!)
On river, after about a mile of flatwater access, you'll find two significant falls. Peterson Falls (IV) is a rocky slide. Interstate Falls (V) (25') is runnable, but usually portaged. Between them is fairly continuous with few eddies. It is easy to pass the 'point of no return' above Interstate Falls, which has a tricky approach and (across much of its width) lands on shallow or exposed rock. Downstream of the falls, after a brief pause, you'll find nearly continuous rapids (possibly with many strainers) nearly all the way to the take-out.
Take-out is Nylund Road (A.K.A. Town Road 0028). (This was formerly labeled as Erickson Road, but I find no online indications of that name at present.)
River Features
Put In
Peterson Falls
After nearly a mile of flatwater, you begin to encounter mild rocky rips. This is a sign that Peterson Falls lies just downstream.
Interstate Falls
At 1.4 miles, an island is encountered. Immediately at the end of this island lies the run-up to Interstate Falls. There is a house river-right at the falls -- please respect private property.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportRan on 4/11/20 @ 425 cfs (off Black at Ramsey Aprox). We put in at WI welcome center as suggested by AW. Note that Northwoods Whitewater Book suggests the MI welcome center (either would work but MI has slightly less flatwater). The entire upstream section was so clogged with wood we couldn't run any sets until downstream of Interstate. Peterson seemed a bit boney at this level but a line could be run RR of the island. The sets above Interstate seemed good and there were eddies to catch RL downstream of the last ledge. You know you're at Interstate when you see the A-Frame blue house RR. Interstate was definitely runnable center right with what looked like a great auto boof. Would be a IV+/V- at this level. We Portaged RL following hikers trail and put in at wooden viewing post at river level. Downstream of Interstate was clear of wood and fun boogie water all the way to Nylund Rd.
Trip on the East Branch Montreal with the Hoofers including a run of Interstate Falls.
The Montreal River features continuous class III water with a 20 foot waterfall for your paddling pleasure.