The North Fork of the Flambeau River, within the boundaries of the Flambeau River State Forest, offers excellent canoeing for both the beginner and the expert canoeist. Be safe - wear a life preserver.

Established landing for starting and take-out points are: Nine Mile Creek on State Highway 70, Dix Dox, the bridge crossing on County Trunk "W" at the Flambeau River State Forest Headquarters, Camp 41 Landing, Beaver Dam Landing, and Hervas Landing. Drinking water is available at all of the above landings except Beaver Dam.

Because of the length of the Flambeau River, it is advisable to make the trip in sections. Take your time; enjoy the adventure. You will average 3 to 4 miles per hour with steady paddling and an assist from the current. There are also 14 canoe camp areas on the river which are available to river travelers only. There are 2 to 3 campsites at each area. Each campsite has a table and fire ring. Toilets are nearby.

The run between Nine Mile Creek and Oxbo Landing is 12 miles. Only one rapids large enough to deserve mention (Barnaby Rapids) will be encountered. This is an ideal trip for novices; however, accomplished canoeists may also enjoy it.

After leaving Oxbo Landing, the current is swift for a short distance. In the next half mile there are several cabins, and then you will pass a strip ofheavy timber. The river wanders for several miles through wild country before arriving at Babb's Island. Just below Babb's Island you will approach the bridge on County Trunk "W" between Winter and Phillips. The Flambeau River State Forest Headquarters is located on the north bank of the river just below the bridge. There are no public telephones past this point.

Within the next several miles, you will see the damage caused by the devasting windstorms of July 4, 1977. Wind gusts exceeding 150 miles per hour and lasting for 15-20 minutes, coupled with extremely heavy rainfall, caused severe damage to a 10-mile swath through the forest. Hardest hit were the old growth areas ofbig timber. Meteorologists call this type of storm a downburst.

About a mile below Camp 41 Landing, there will be a small rapids as the river gently turns to the left. From here you should be able to hear the roar of the mid and lower Wannigan Rapids. At this point, the river widens and forms a back water which looks like a small lake.

It is here where excitement of the trip really begins. Before starting, check to see that equipment is well tied to the canoe as you are about to encounter a series of swift rapids. The Flambeau Falls, the first ofa series, is only a short distance downstream and will be recognized by Dode's Island between the pitches. A half mile down river from Dode's Island is the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River. The South Fork enters this junction from the south and joins with the North Fork to form the Flambeau River Proper.

Continuing about three miles down river, you are greeted by the roar of the tumbling water announcing the first pitch of Cedar Rapids. The river is wide and deep at this point. It might even be called a small flowage. It is backed up by a shelf of rocks which extends across the river at the first falls. If you are uncertain about your ability to run the rapids, it is best to portage this area. There are four pitches to Cedar Rapids in about 3 miles of water.

The final important rapids is "Beaver Dam" named for its resemblance to the dams constructed by beaver. The dam extends across the river in a nearly straight line. The falls are abrupt with an approximate 4-foot drop.

If you shoot the rapids, keep the canoe headed at right angles to the bank and in a straight line with the current. "Side-slipping means tipping." Once Beaver Dam is cleared, the main excitement of the trip is over. Continue on for another half mile and you will come to the Beaver Dam Landing where you will find a takeout on the right side of the river. Or, if you prefer, you can continue on for another 3 miles to Big Falls Flowage where there is a takeout facility on the west bank of the river at an area resort (Flambeau Lodge).

Approximate Times Between Landings

• Nine Mile to Oxbo 3 Hours
• Oxbo to Highway "W" 4-5 Hours
• Highway "W" to Camp 41 3 Hours
• Camp 41 to Beaver Dam 4-5 Hours
• Beaver Dam to Flambeau Lodge 2-3 Hours

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