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Wisconsin whitewater - Peshtigo River, Marinette County
Marinette
county,
Otter Creek section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
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CLASS II-III+ 5.1 miles
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Just a note on a weekend of W/W rafting my family has recently experienced in the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods. We spent three days and two nights camping and rafting with Thornton's Rafting Resort and Campground near Silver Cliff which is located a little over an hour north of Titletown . We had made reservations in advance with Kathy the owner and manager of the resort. She directed us to a beautiful campsite tucked in amongst the hardwoods. We asked in advance about having a campfire during our stay. She mentioned |
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that each site had a large firepit and that firewood was available to purchase upon request. When we arrived early Friday afternoon we were plesantly surprised to find our own personal supply of firewood already delivered to our site. All we needed was to find the matches and the
| children were busy readying a fire for brats and smores. While the kids prepared the meal the wife and I washed away the miles and stress of the city left behind by enjoying a soaking hot shower in the resorts large shower facility.
The next morning we all enjoyed a stroll around the campgrounds before heading up to the Rafting Facility for our scheduled noon departure for the Peshtigo River. I had rafted before, the wife and children aged 14 and 16 had not. I had experienced a trip previously in a guided 8 person raft in the Smokey Mountain area | |
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of Tennessee so I didn't expect to much excitement from a little ole river n Northern Wisconsin. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Not only is the Peshtigo touted as the longest most continuous stretch of W/W in the Midwest with rapids rating into the class III/IV range depending
on water levels, but today because the river was running at a moderate level we all had the option of paddling our own personal Funyaks. Funyaks are actually one man inflatable kayaks, also known in the rafting industry as IK's. We decided to go for it and run the Funyaks. Kathy
and her knowledgeable guide staff assisted us in selecting our P. F. D. 's and helmets. Personal hands on attention was demonstrated by their guides, aiding our group as well as others in the proper fitting and adjusting of our gear. After a short bus ride we arrived at the river
where we were all given a safety and oreintation talk regarding what to expect on the river, how to paddle our crafts and what to expect and how to safely react if we should find ourselfs out of our kayaks. These guides have done this before. They are very attentive to their guests
needs and apprehension. Emily, our 14 year old was quite nervous. Her apprehension was eased greatly when one of the guides gave her some personal attention during the warm-up rapids demonstrating the proper ways to paddle her boat and offering tips on how to get it off rocks she
may become stuck on.
Let me say this... Thornton's guides actually do GUIDE you down the river. They appeared to set up elaborate systems and positions, stationed strategically above and below the many larger rapids ready to assist their guests at the drop of a hat, or should
I say paddle, or a flip, what have you! Fortunatly only one of our party decided to ''count fish'' today as their lead guide so humorously refered to the capsize. Unfortunatly the one was me! Believe me, the rest of the family brought that instance up more than once around that
evening's campfire. After another hot shower, a meal and campfire beneath the stars, the wife and I slipped off for a couple cocktails at the bar located within the resorts campus. Much to our surprise we saw ourselfs running First drop upon the bar television. Seems that one of the larger groups who were along on our noon trip had requested a video of their exploits be filmed. Now the whole world had proof of my paddling prowess. The next morning we packed our tent in the rain in preperation of driving
home. As we checked out to leave the resort we discovered a bus load of patrons heading for the Menominee River. Thornton's also service this Big Water gem which flows out of Niagara Wi. And on down through the class IV water of the fabled Pier's Gorge. Suddenly we all wished we
had more time. Oh well maybe next trip......
For anyone who is interested in rafting the Peshtigo or Menominee Rivers, I highly recommend the skilled and personal service offered by Thornton's staff. As one of the guides stated as we carried for the river, ''Skoboatin''!!!!
For info on the Resort you may contact www. Thorntonsresort.com or phone 715 757 3311.
Says Forest Vandelay
The sections for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in Wisconsin are often more forgiving than in other states, so keep in mind that many of the sections here
are safe for beginners. This stretch of Peshtigo River is 5.1 miles long and is a class II-III+ section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. The beautiful scenery of Wisconsin and the cool fresh water are reasons enough to come here and paddle. This is not the only
paddling stretch in this river system, there are others too. And of course, there are campgrounds nearby. The put-in location is a short drive from Iron Mountain, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. Great exercise and a chance to spend
some time outdoors will make you glad you came. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either
way around here you'll find a large number of good spots.
Briefly about the general area:
Roaring Rapids is a great local attraction, and Jerry Chute is a picturesque spot to visit while you're at Peshtigo River. An average amount of rain falls at Peshtigo River; the
wettest month of the year is usually September, that's the one that rains the most, and the driest month is February.
Through the months of summer, highs regularly are in the 70's at Peshtigo River with overnight lows in the 50's. For the period of the wintertime this place gets highs in the 20's while the cold winter nights at Peshtigo River are in the-10's.
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Peshtigo River, Otter Creek road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.
QUICK STATS
AW Class:
II-III+
Length:
5.1
miles
Average Gradient: 36 fpm
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Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 45.4134
Longitude: -88.34626
Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 45.38377
Longitude: -88.30532
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Paddler input for Peshtigo River, Wisconsin:
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All Wisconsin Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in Wisconsin.
Books about whitewater paddling on Peshtigo River, Wisconsin
List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Peshtigo River, Wisconsin.
Find a whitewater outfitter in Wisconsin
Whitewater Basics
If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.
Outdoors Recreation Near Iron Mountain, Michigan-Wisconsin
Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Iron Mountain, Michigan-Wisconsin, the metro area neareast to Peshtigo River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
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| These outdoors activities are available near Peshtigo River. |
| | Whitewater Near Peshtigo River:
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Peshtigo River, Marinette
County
, 4 miles away, Class I-II - 8.9 miles long (Goodman Park to Otter Creek) |
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Rat River, Marinette
County
, 4 miles away, Class II-III(IV) - 3.3 miles long (Partridge Lane to Harper Road) |
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Peshtigo River, Marinette
County
, 7 miles away, Class I-II+(IV) - 2.7 miles long (Benson Lake Road to Goodman Park) |
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Thunder River, Marinette
County
, 10 miles away, Class II-III - 0.5 miles long (Veteran's Park) |
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Peshtigo River, Forest/Marinette
County
, 12 miles away, Class I-II+(III) - 6.1 miles long (FS2134 to Goodman Park Rd) |
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Pike River - South Branch, Marinette
County
, 13 miles away, Class II-III - 4.9 miles long (FR510) |
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Oconto River - North Branch, Oconto
County
, 14 miles away, Class II - 7 miles long (Tar Dam Rd) |
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Peshtigo River, Marinette
County
, 15 miles away, Class I-II - 7.8 miles long (Johnson Falls Road to Schaeffer Road) |
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Oconto River - North Branch, Oconto
County
, 15 miles away, Class II-III - 1.1 miles long (Bagley Rapids Campground to Kingston Rd) |
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Pike River - North Branch, Marinette
County
, 17 miles away, Class II-IV - 3.2 miles long (Twin Lake Road to Eight Foot Falls) |
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| | Ski Areas Near Peshtigo River:
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Norway Mountain, Michigan
, 37 miles away, 500 vertical feet |
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Ski Brule, Michigan
, 40 miles away, 500 vertical feet |
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Hidden Valley, Wisconsin
, 76 miles away, 200 vertical feet |
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Marquette, Michigan
, 83 miles away, 600 vertical feet |
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Nordic Mountain, Wisconsin
, 86 miles away, 265 vertical feet |
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Sunburst, Wisconsin
, 93 miles away, 214 vertical feet |
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Gladstone Ski Park, Michigan
, 93 miles away, 200 vertical feet |
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Granite Peak, Wisconsin
, 96 miles away, 700 vertical feet |
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Little Switzerland, Wisconsin
, 100 miles away, 200 vertical feet |
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Highlands of Olympia, Wisconsin
, 113 miles away, 205 vertical feet |
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| | Hotels Near Peshtigo River:
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Best Western Lakewood Lodge, Lakewood
, 14 miles away |
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Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Iron Mountain, MI, Iron Mountain
, 21 miles away |
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Best Western Crivitz Lodge, Crivitz
, 24 miles away |
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Americas Best Inns-Iron Mountain, Iron Mountain
, 28 miles away |
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Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites IRON MOUNTAIN, Iron Mountain
, 28 miles away |
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14 miles away
