Canoeing at Peshtigo River

The upper portion flows through beautiful Nicolet National Forest and has some of the most difficult whitewater in the midwest. The river above Caldron Falls Reservoir, (Hwy C), has long and difficult rapids that require a high degree of canoeing skill. Water levels should be medium high or above. Below Crivitz, the river slows and widens in sharp contrast. Reservoirs on the central river provide lake canoeing.

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One of the great paddling rivers of Wisconsin, the Peshtigo River in Marinette County provides enjoyable paddling over most of its length. The best period for running this river is during the high flow of spring run off. During the summer, plan trips to follow extended heavy rains. During normal summer low water periods, paddling becomes difficult and scraping or dragging through rapids is inevitable. There has been minimal development along this forested river route. Kayaking or canoeing in the Peshtigo River Trail on the lower Peshtigo River is a great way to spend a day enjoying nature. Passing hemlock stands, hardwood floodplains and marshes, you have the opportunity to view wildlife and stop at historical points along the way.

The Marinette County Cross-Country Ski Association maintains a trail system west of Crivitz near the Peshtigo River which traverses both Marinette County Forest lands and the Peshtigo River State Forest. A trail system is also maintained by volunteers on the east side of Lake Noquebay along Right-of-Way Road.

The state forest has 10 designated canoe campsites. Three sites are located on the Johnson Falls Flowage and canoeists can launch from boat landing #14. Seven additional sites are located on the Peshtigo River between the Johnson Falls Dam and Spring Rapids. Various launches are available downstream from the dam.

Direction:
Peshtigo River for Canoeing in the City of Marinette - Marinette County (Northeast Wisconsin).

Locations

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