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

Regner Park Rapids [Fail?]

Regner Park in West Bend, Wisconsin - Low water means rapids are gone

Quick stop on my way home from “up north” at Regner Park in West Bend, Wisconsin to see if I can find some small rapids. I parked on Silverbrook Drive and walking just past the baseball diamonds it’s not difficult to find. Sadly though the rapids are all but gone due to low water levels … Read more

Cedar Falls (2021)

Cedar Falls - Aerial view from drone

Late July of ’21 my cousin got married near Wausau and it was the perfect opportunity for a short weekend camping trip. Weather was surprisingly mild for this time of year and temps were only in the high 70’s / low 80’s making it very pleasant. It didn’t take long before deciding that I would … Read more

Little Niagara Falls

Little Niagara Falls - Main falls view

Beginning the end of this weekend’s journey starting with Little Niagara Falls. Access is quite easy – park somewhere near Putnam Hall on the UW Eau Claire campus (or walk the path along the river) and walk a short distance through Putnam Park. Today the weather was hot and thankfully in summer parking is plentiful … Read more