Wolf River
(W5) Markton to Big Smokey Falls, Wisconsin Trail Guide
Trail Facts
| Distance: | 12.7 miles |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
| Whitewater: | Class IV |
| Approx. Paddle Time: | 5+ hours |
| Elevation Drop: | 179 feet |
| Average Gradient: | 14.1 fpm |
Synopsis
Trail Review
This is the one of the premier, advanced whitewater runs in Wisconsin next to 'Roaring Rapids' on the Peshtigo, and 'Pier's Gorge' on the Menominee River. There are five class III to class IV rapids in the final four miles including several falls with drops over 5 feet. Two are especially noteworthy: the Lower Dells Rapids (class III-IV) at the begininng of the Dalles Gorge; and Big Smokey Falls (class IV), an exciting high-speed slide that ends in a thrilling drop. Only experienced whitewater enthusiasts should attempt this stretch.
This is a popular rafting trip with several excellent outfitters providing guided rafting trips and shuttle services. This stretch is often split into various full-day and half-day trips. Popular full-day trips include County M to Big Smoky Falls, and Highway 64 to Shotgun Eddy. Half-day trips include County M to Shotgun Eddy, and Otter Slide to Big Smokey Falls. The trips are often booked according to your skill level and experience.
If you are kayaking or canoeing this segment and are not using one of the local rafting/shuttle services, you will need to obtain a permit from the Menominee Indian Reservation to paddle the river through tribal lands. Contact Big Smoky Falls Rafting at 715.799.3359 or Shotgun Eddy Raft Rental at 715.882.3782 for more information.
DO NOT paddle the Wolf River inside tribal lands without a permit! The penalties for not obtaining a pass can result in your boats, gear and vehicles being impounded. Follow the rules, be respectful, and the result will be a fun trip with great memories.
Locals commonly refer to the stretch between Markton and Big Smokey Falls as "Section 4".
Whitewater Paddler's Tip
The lower half of this segment offers the most challenging whitewater of the entire Wolf River. Put in at Otter Slide Landing and takeout below Big Smokey Falls (Permit required!). This is a highly recommended trip that features: five class III and one class IV rapids, avoids lengthy stretches of flatwater, and is less than six miles long.
Season
The Wolf is fed by a large number of springs and small tributaries which help maintain a consistently navigable flow throughout spring, summer and fall. Occasionally, the river may be too low for an enjoyable paddle during dry spells in summer and fall. However, when a sustained rainfall occurs river levels will rise rapidly and drop slowly - and paddling conditions will be good-to-excellent for an extended period of time.
River Level Information
The river gauge referenced below is located 9.5 miles upstream from this segment and should provide an accurate indication of current conditions in this reach. At higher levels, strainers and deadfall become more of a hazard when present.
River Gauge Location: USGS Gauge at Highway 64 Bridge near Langlade, northeast bank.
Suggested Minimum Level: 250 cfs
USGS Gauge Station: 04074950
Suggested River Levels:
| Below 250 cfs |
Paddling not recommended. |
| 250 cfs to 400 cfs |
Low runnable flow for an enjoyable run. Nothing ‘epic’ but still worth the price of admission! Class III run. Big Smokey Falls (class IV) are a slide and boofing drop. Shotgun Eddy Rapids and Pismire Falls will be bony in this range. |
| 400 cfs to 700 cfs |
Very good range to paddle this segment. Upper range for intermediates. Shotgun Eddy may still be bony at low end of this range. |
| 700 cfs to 1000 cfs |
A fun, challenging and scenic run for advanced-level paddlers. Pushy waves and sticky holes developing at high end of this range. Several rapids and falls that normally rate class III are approaching class IV. |
| 1000 cfs to 1500 cfs |
High runnable flow. Unusually high flows. Previous ‘big-water’ experience is recommended for this range. Water is ‘heavy’ and pushy with powerful hydraulics in the falls and rapids which can be scary and overpowering. A class IV run. |
| Above 1500 cfs |
Rare, unusually high flows. A class IV+ powerhouse run for those sponsored by Red Bull. |
