Wisconsin whitewater, Peshtigo River Marinette county, Otter Creek section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III+     5.1 miles   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 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 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 Peshtigo River, Otter Creek road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Peshtigo River.   Whitewater Near Peshtigo River: Whitewater Outfitter - Wildman Whitewater Ranch, Marinette County, 1 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Peshtigo River, Marinette County, 2 miles away       Class II-III+ - 5.1 miles long (Otter Creek) Rat River, Marinette County, 5 miles away       Class II-III(IV) - 3.3 miles long (Partridge Lane to Harper Road) Whitewater Outfitter - Thornton's Raft, Marinette County, 6 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Kosir's Rapid Rafts, Marinette County, 6 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Peshtigo River, Marinette County, 6 miles away       Class I-II - 8.9 miles long (Goodman Park to Otter Creek) Peshtigo River, Marinette County, 8 miles away       Class I-II+(IV) - 2.7 miles long (Benson Lake Road to Goodman Park) Thunder River, Marinette County, 10 miles away       Class II-III - 0.5 miles long (Veteran's Park) Pike River - South Branch, Marinette County, 12 miles away       Class II-III - 4.9 miles long (FR510) Oconto River - North Branch, Oconto County, 12 miles away       Class II - 7 miles long (Tar Dam Rd)   Ski Areas Near Peshtigo River: Norway Mountain, Michigan , 37 miles away, 500 foot drop, 6 lifts, 17 runs Ski Brule, Michigan , 40 miles away, 500 foot drop, 11 lifts, 17 runs Hidden Valley, Wisconsin , 67 miles away, 200 foot drop, 3 lifts, 7 runs Marquette, Michigan , 83 miles away, 600 foot drop, 4 lifts, 25 runs Nordic Mountain, Wisconsin , 86 miles away, 265 foot drop, 6 lifts, 14 runs Sunburst, Wisconsin , 93 miles away, 225 foot drop, 9 lifts, 10 runs Gladstone Ski Park, Michigan , 93 miles away, 200 foot drop, 5 lifts, 6 runs Granite Peak, Wisconsin , 96 miles away, 700 foot drop, 8 lifts, 74 runs   Hotels Near Peshtigo River: Country Hearth Inn Iron Mountain, Iron Mountain , 27 miles away Econo Lodge Iron Mountain, Iron Mountain , 28 miles away Holiday Inn Express & Suites IRON MOUNTAIN, Iron Mountain , 28 miles away Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Iron Mountain, MI, Iron Mountain , 28 miles away Comfort Inn Iron Mountain, Iron Mountain , 28 miles away   Campgrounds Near Peshtigo River: Wildman Whitewater Ranch, Athelstane, 1 miles away Kosir's Rapid Rafts, Athelstane, 2 miles away McClintock County Park, Athelstane, 4 miles away   Public Lands Near Peshtigo River: Bewabic State Park, Michigan , 34 miles away Copper Culture State Park, Wisconsin , 39 miles away   Golf Courses Near Peshtigo River: McCauslin Brook Golf & Country Club, Lakewood , 13 miles away Parkway Golf Course, Pound , 19 miles away Desmidt's Golf Course & Country Club, Crivitz , 19 miles away   Lakes Near Peshtigo River Little Bear Lake, Oconto , 14 miles away Chute Pond, Oconto , 15 miles away