South Branch Pike River Upper Falls

South Branch Pike River Upper Falls - Front view from downstream

Keeping with the South Branch Pike River I took a long drive through the Marinette County Forest in search of some hard to reach falls. I parked at the far north terminus of FR218 and parked in the pullout. The road forked from here but was too narrow for my liking to take the truck … Read more

South Branch Pike River Lower Falls

Pike Wild River - View of falls/rapids from downstream

One great thing about Marinette County is there are no shortages of outdoors adventures you can have, and it seems like there are more rivers winding through the forests than you could explore in a lifetime. Case in point: I’m jumping away from the Peshtigo River and driving up the road a ways to the … Read more

Farm Dam Landing Rapids

Farm Dam Landing Rapids - View standing at rapids looking downstream

The morning has already been productive and the perfect weather is putting wind in my sails. Next stop is just upstream still on the Peshtigo River to check out a location referenced as Governor Peshtigo Falls on my friend Bob’s excellent waterfall website. It’s not a very large falls but I was “in the neighborhood” … Read more

Peshtigo River Rapids

Peshtigo River - Aerial view

Third day of the trip and it’s a beautiful morning. My face swelling from the yellowjacket sting is nearly gone now and I finally feel that sense of excitement that I’m free again to do whatever lies ahead. Took a look at the map and decided to try my luck visiting Wildman Adventure Resort in … Read more

Three Foot Falls Rd 517: Success?

Three Foot Falls Rd 517 - Small rapids along North Branch Pike River

Camped last night at Twelve Foot Falls park and the neighbor’s bonfire nearly smoked me out. Needless to say I was up early and ready to head out. First stop today is at the end of County Forest Road 517 to hopefully settle the score and finally locate the elusive (or completely non-existent) Three Foot … Read more

Bagley Rapids Falls

Bagley Rapids - View above falls looking downstream

Final stop today was at Bagley Rapids Recreation Area in Mountain, Wisconsin. I’ve been here in the past but wanted to explore a bit further downstream as there might be other rapids in the area. Rather than starting in the campground I tried a different route from the south off an unnamed forest service road … Read more

Slippery Rock Falls / Chute Pond County Park

Chute Pond County Park – View of Slippery Rock Falls from the bottom

While in Mountain I stopped for a quick lunch and sized up my route. Weather is still great and it’s only just past mid-day. Next stop is at Chute Pond County Park for…you guessed it…another waterfall. This one is super easy to reach via the park’s flat walking trail. Start off at the dam and … Read more

Baldwin Creek Falls

Baldwin Creek Falls - View of the falls from below

I left Crivitz and drove a little ways westward to Mountain, Wisconsin in search of new falls I have not yet visited. I’m also itching to get some hiking miles under foot as I’ve been sitting and driving for far too long. Up next is the Baldwin Creek Trail to see Baldwin Creek Falls. There … Read more

Thunder River Fish Hatchery Falls

Thunder River Fish Hatchery - View of waterfall

Continuing along in Marinette county, my next stop was a waterfall that is clearly visible online but I had never heard of before. I started by driving to the Thunder River Fish Hatchery which is a DNR property that originally reared brown trout for Lake Michigan. It was closed in 2016 due to a change … Read more

Lac Lawrann Conservancy

Lac Lawrann Conservancy - Sandhill cranes hiking with me along the Railroad Spur Trail

Last stop of the day was at the Lac Lawrann Conservancy, a 145-acre nature preserve in West Bend, Wisconsin. I had no idea what to expect but came to find this is quite a hidden gem for a county park. According to the signs it was purchased by Lawrence and Ann Maurin in 1955 as … Read more