SOUTH FORK

This is the most exciting run on the Jump River. In the 19-mile stretch, the river drops nearly 200 feet. Most of the drop is in the form of rips and small rapids too numerous to map or rate. During medium high water levels, they make for delightful canoeing and constant excitement. During low water, they become shallow, rocky, and difficult to negotiate. If in doubt about water levels, find out from local people how the river is for canoeing. The two big drops, little Falls and Big Falls are essentially unnavigable, so plan on some portaging. The trip from County Hwy. M to the Forks takes about 7 hours. Plan on more time if you wish to linger at the falls. A shorter trip taking in most of the fast water would begin at the Oxbow and last about 4V2 hours.

leaving the landing at County Hwy. M, the river has a medium-fast current and the usual riffles. From here to the Oxbow, the river is well known for its musky fishing.

After about 2V2 miles, the river enters a great loop- ing maze of bottomland meanders. Silver Creek and the Mondeaux River join the South Fork. Fishing is excellent in the deeper water and slower current. Tall maples and elm almost close over the stream. It is very pretty and peaceful.

At the Oxbow, the river emerges from its peaceful meanderings and begins a transition to faster water and more exciting rapids. In places further downstream it might fairly be described as a boulder strewn millrace, especially when water levels are medium-high or better.

The old driving dam was the site of a high wooden dam used by loggers to get a head of water to "flush" logs down the river. The original dam had three gates. A hundred men would stand on a leverage device to open the gates. logs decked 16 high were released into the surging water. Imagine the excitement of the big drives. Now all that remains of the dam is some old timber bases with a little shot of fast water over them. Just downstream there is a good rapids around an island with a drop of about 6 feet in 200 yards.

Yellow Banks is four miles further down the river. The banks along the right give the place its name which goes back to the Indian era. This is a good spot to look for interesting rocks while taking a breather. Below here, the river has some of its best rapids.

Little Falls drops about 10 or 12 feet in 200 yards. The drop is in three stages with some boulders and grade for several hundred feet beyond the main part. Although rated unnavigable, it can be run during high water by the expert canoeist. Its a real "barn burner" and, for most of us, discretion will probably win out over valor. At low or medium water levels, it is definitely not navigable.

Best portage is down the town road that parallels the river on the right bank.

Here is as good a place as any to ponder about the skill and endurance of the very early settlers who brought all of their supplies upstream by bateaux from Chippewa Falls.

Big Falls is about a mile and a half downstream. Even the otters portage this one so get ready to ship your duffle. Best portage is along the right shore and down the road. If yours is a trip on this stretch only, it is best to take-out at Big Falls. The land along the river at Big Falls is a Price County Park. There are several spots to camp. The falis has many interesting rock formations and exposed bedrock. There are trails, scenic views, and lots of spruce and pine woodland.

NORTH FORK

In this section, the river runs through farming coun- try and under several road bridges. Nevertheless, the river proper is quite scenic and primitive. Although there are no rated rapids, there are the usual riffles and rocky shallows. Water levels should definitely be medium- high or better for this trip. Average travel time from ~ County Hwy. I to the Forks is about 3V2 hours.

Put-in is at the County Hwy. I bridge southeast of Kennan. (This location and the next two place descriptions are mapped on sheet J-5.)

Johnsons Hole about 3/4 mile below the starting point, is a scenic rocky area locally known as a fishing and swimming hole. It was named after the first homesteader in the area.

Colpak's Hole is 1/2-mile downstream. It can be rec- ognized by a lonesome "slingshot" pine at a widespre.d on the river. The old Colpak homestead was not far away. In low water, the canoe must be dragged over two rocky places here.

The Ford near County Hwy. N about 4 miles below Colpak's Hole is in daily use in the summer, an interesting reminder of a once more common way of crossing rivers.

Throughout this stretch, the river has alternating low riffles and slow pools. None of the rapids are hazardous. All are shallow and difficult in low water .

The usual take-out for this trip is where the town road crosses and parallels the river just above the Forks.

Send email to tourism@co.price.wi.us with any further questions.
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Park Falls Phillips & Prentice
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