Ontonagon, S.Br.
Hwy.28 (in Ewen) to W Br Ontonagon (26.5 miles)
| Difficulty | I-III |
| Length | 26.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 8 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 5, 2015 |
River Description
The first nine miles of this reach appear to be totally flatwater, until Flannigan Rapids is reached. From here down to the confluence with the W Br, there is an average gradient of 15'/mile, creating low grade rapids.
To reach a take-out, one must paddle at least 2.25 miles across a flowage (behind the Victoria Falls dam). This is not reflected in the gradient figures, though it is reflected by the take-out coordinates (for shuttle routing to work correctly).
River Features
Put In
Flannigan Rapids
Flannigan Rapids appears to be a low-grade (class I-II) boulderbed rapids which starts here and runs fairly continuous for nearly two miles. It appears possible one could hike (about 3/4-mile) in to this point off of Burma Road (730). Look for a logging trail (likely gated/impassible) about 2.25 miles South of where it bends to head South, or about 0.6 mile North of N.Cemetery Road. You would have to hike in about 0.4 mile to where the trail is nearest the woods, but where it veers away for a bit. At this point, look for a path of least resistance due West (more-or-less) into the trees. You will hit the river within a quarter-mile, and be pretty much right at the head of the rapids!
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportTrying to tick off each Ontonagon branch since exploring is fun. Did this one 2 summers ago. Flat AF for the first 9 miles, then a few light rapids start. The rapids increase in size and length from there but all were read and run when we went. The last rapid into the reservoir is probably the 'largest' on the run. No bridges, saw no people, no nothing, awesome. Also, Sheryl was on a SUP and did the 28 miles on that, including overnight.