Paddling the North Fork of the Flambeau River
The North Fork of the Flambeau River offers excellent paddling for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. If you need to find an outfitter, please see the outfitter list at paddleflambeau.com (the DNR does not endorse any of these businesses and they did not have to pay to be listed on the paddleflambeau.com website, which is run by Price and Rusk counties).
Landings
Established landings along the North Fork are:
- Nine Mile Creek on State Hwy. 70
- Dix Dox
- Highway W at the bridge crossing at the Flambeau River State Forest Headquarters
- Camp 41 Landing
- Hervas Landing
- Beaver Dam Landing
There is no charge for the use of these landings. You can leave your car overnight if you're camping on the river.
Drinking water is available at all of the above landings except the Beaver Dam Landing. Glass bottles are not allowed within watercraft launched or removed from designated launching sites on the Flambeau River. Be sure to keep empty or unopened beverage containers secure in a larger container.
Camping on the river
Campsites are provided at strategic locations along the route. There are fourteen canoe camp areas on the river that are only available to river travelers. All supplies must be transported by watercraft to the campsites; drive-up camping is not allowed. All sites are marked and easily seen from the river.
Most canoe campsites have been developed to provide room for more than one group. Two to three campsites are at each area, and pit toilets are nearby.
Each campsite has a table and a fire ring, and dead and down wood may be used as firewood. Please don't damage standing trees.
There is no charge for use of these campsites. Please keep the site neat and clean, the way you would like to find it. There are no garbage cans, so please pack out litter.
On heavy use weekends, we suggest that you plan short day-trips on the river and camp at the family campgrounds available at Connors Lake and Lake of the Pines (fees apply).
Please help protect your river! Keep soap usage at least 100 feet from shore, so the ground can filter out impurities.
Planning your trip
Because of the length of the Flambeau River, we advise you to make the trip in sections. Take your time and enjoy the adventure. You'll average three to four miles per hour with steady paddling and some assistance from the current.
- Nine Mile Creek to Highway W
- See paddleflambeau.com to learn more about this section of river.
- Highway W to Hervas Landing
- See paddleflambeau.com to learn more about this section of the river.
- Hervas Landing to Flambeau Lodge
- See paddleflambeau.com to learn more about this section of the river.
Your safety
The safety of forest visitors is a priority. Please be careful at all times and please impress safety precautions on your children.
- Lifesaving devices
- Every canoe must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable lifesaving device for each person aboard. Passengers should wear a life jacket at all times. Do not overload your watercraft.
- Swimming
- Swim safely. Don't swim alone, at night, or in unfamiliar places. Use caution when wading as water depths may change abruptly. Watch small children closely near the water.
- Campfires
- Use caution and confine fires to a fire ring. Put the fire out if wind changes cause concern. Watch children closely near the fire. Once you have put a match to the fire don't use charcoal starter or any other flammable material. Make sure the fire is completely out and the grill or fire ring is cool before you leave the area.
- Drinking Water
- Boil all water, or use approved tablets or filters before drinking.
- Plants
- Never eat berries or plant materials unless you are certain of their identity and safety.
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