kayak-canoe

Flambeau River Paddle Trail

Sawyer/Price/Rusk County, Wisconsin

The Flambeau River is one of the best paddles in northern Wisconsin, passing through Sawyer, Price, and Rusk Counties. The river shows an amazing array of moods — from whitewater to slow gentle curves and pools. There is a stretch for every paddler, young and old, beginner or expert. The North Fork and South Fork offer distinctly different experiences.

Miles

160 mi

Difficulty

Varies

Groomed

Fee

Free

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One of the best multi-day paddle rivers in Wisconsin — the Flambeau offers everything from flatwater family floats to challenging whitewater, all through pristine Northwoods scenery in the Flambeau River State Forest.

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Trail Systems

North Fork Flambeau River

Moderate80 mi

Flows through the Flambeau River State Forest. Relatively wide and curving with deep holes. Great fishing for walleye, musky, smallmouth, northern pike, and panfish. Multiple landings.

Trailheads

📍Multiple along County W and surrounding roads in Sawyer/Price County

📞 Flambeau River State Forest — 715-332-5271 | paddleflambeau.com

South Fork Flambeau River — Fifield to County F

Difficult12 mi

12 miles from Fifield with 3 landings. First half is meandering, second half has challenging whitewater. Best in spring or early summer when water levels are higher.

Trailheads