Trappe
97th Street to 73rd Street (2.9 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II(III) |
| Length | 2.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 19 fpm |
| Gauge | Prairie River Near Merrill, Wi |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 2.37 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | September 7, 2020 |
River Description
The most significant rapids is about 200 yards long and features considerably more gradient and difficulty than the rest of the run. A substantial hole midway through, followed by shallow rock (right) and a bend with a large tree/snag (left) made this a portage for most of us at the high water level.
UPDATE October 23, 2005. A group of UW Hoofers ran this stretch at probably the bare minimum (see Put-in picture). There are several minor rapids from each/any of the listed acceess points (put-ins) and the most significant rapids mentioned above. At the minimal level, this significant rapid was a steep boulder garden that resembled a pinball course, emphasis on pin. We were able to make our way through due to the low flows. Intermediate flows may make this drop ugly, if not a mandatory portage.
This run makes a great companion run for the near-by Pine River (Lincoln Co.).
River Features
Hwy.G (Alternate Put-in)
For a slightly longer trip, you could put in at Hwy.G.
This adds mostly just swift-flowing water, with relatively little actual rapids.
Put In: 97th Street
Having listed the above options (with their pros and cons), this is our recommended/standard put-in.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportA paddled at 4.86' on the reference gauge. There is a visual gauge on the north side of the bridge support on J. It read 4.2 ft. The nice grassy put in now has a no trespassing sign, you can also put in on N. 97th st to cut the length of the run more.
The Main section was similar to that described at 5.05' in the other comment. Is best to scout unless you are familiar with the rock and hole locations or are good at read and run. This is a long and tough stretch of class III water, but so much fun.
Went down at 5.05' *; We did this last year at 4.21' and the main rapid was a class II. Now with the extra water the rapid turned into a succession of drops and holes and a definite class III. The main drop is the one pictured in most of the photos as the rock on river right was under water and so is the one just toward the center, which if not hit correctly will send you off course and perhaps into a swim:) I would recommend putting in at CTH J instead of G since there is a nice grassy put in on the upstream river right side and you don't miss anything except some swift current. By the way, I love catching this river. So if you are planning on paddling it let me know.
This gets to be along section as this video only covers the 1st half. One of those wonderful vertical videos, and it got all stretched out, but you get the idea. Reference the visual gauge picture at county J for a better idea of level.
Just did This stretch today with a medium to high water level. Fun Riffles the whole way leading up to the bolder garden that comes up on you fast. Was planning a portage but handled the drops well with short notice. Spray Skirt was worth its weight in gold today! Best Whitewater in this area. Make sure you have enough water.
A good level.
John's line.
Eric's line.
Picture of Carl Zimm standing under the bridge at the Trappe River put-in. We have run this river when the water was at the virtual red line. We consider this red line to be minimal with higher levels preferable.