Rat
Partridge Lane to Harper Rd (3.3 miles) *Access Issues*
| Difficulty | II-III(IV) |
| Length | 3.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 29 fpm |
| Gauge | Rat Approximation |
| Flow Rate as of 57 minutes | 46 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | September 7, 2020 |
This Peshtigo tributary is very near to the usual put-in for the popular 'Roaring Rapids' section, so could make a good 'creeky' companion piece for that run.
The listed put-in, Partridge Lane, has reverted to a private road at the request of local property owners. All property near this point on both sides of the river is privately held so please DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ACCESS THE RIVER HERE WITHOUT ASKING AND OBTAINING PERMISSION! (In my experience, many property owners here and elsewhere are friendly if you humbly respect their property ownership. Introduce yourself, and what you would like to do, and politely ask permission to park and access the river. While Wisconsin affirms your right to be on the water, you have no right to trespass to get to the river! And, technically, without prior permission, you most likely have no right to set foot on privately owned dry land to scout or portage!) As of this time, the closest known public access is seven miles upstream at the Valley Lake Rd bridge. This distance is reportedly a pretty paddle but is quietwater.
There are three sections of gradient featuring continuous whitewater through several definable drops each.
The first area of gradient rates class III at moderate flows (and could push into IV range when cranked). The river drops 51' in 1/3 mile here starting with a fast technical maze through some big boulders, then feeding into a fast flume around an island. At the present there are several trees blocking all or part of the river and a pair of low footbridges at the island so caution is advised. As mentioned in a comment below, ' the island is deeded land and there are burial sites on it, so stay off the island to respect those sites. We were told some previous kayakers had heeded natures call at one of the burial sites'. (Added editorial comment: Think, people! How woul
...
Please respect the property owner's rights and wishes. Stay off this island!!! There are grave sites which should not be violated here! Do your absolute best to practice 'Leave no trace' ethics. All it takes is one or two 'bad apples' to spoil it for all subsequent paddlers!
It is likely that the start of this second shot of gradient may be a log jam / beaver dam. This is a long, low-grade boulder-garden rapids.
Not an area of significant gradient, but a significant boulder garden (at least at lower flows).
Again, this appears likely to be headed by a logjam/beaverdam. Partway down this stretch is the 'Wake up' ledge. At some flows, this may prove a bit sticky if you do not 'punch' or 'boof' and paddle away from the landing!
