Kickapoo River Day Trip Report

Description:

Kickapoo River Day Trip - 2 people

Date: September 8, 2010
Put-in: Ontario, WI
Take-out: Bridge 7
Time: 4-5 hours

Water Level: Above average.  The water tables showed 90 percentile.  This part of the state has had quite a bit of rain this summer, so the usual lower water level was not present.  There were a few gravel bars that could hang you up if you hit them wrong, but we never had to hop out and drag the kayaks.  No strainers that presented any problems.  A few ripples were encountered and only 1 possible class one rapid that offered a chance to play in.  Other than that, it was a nice lazy drift down the river.  Our shuttle driver told us that he rarely uses a paddle to bridge 4; he just drifts and lets the river steer him. Any ripples or rapids were encountered before Wildcat Mountains, as the river turns into a meandering flow after that.

Outfitter: We used Drifty's in Ontario.  Had a quasi-reservation from Mr. Ducks, but no one was home and the cell service was nonexistent.  There are 3 outfitters within walking distance from each other: Drifty's, Mr. Ducks, and Titanic.  All three have their own launches on the river. The shuttle service cost $20, and there is a  $4 parking fee at the Kickapoo Reserve (past bridge 5).  Being a weekday and towards the end of the season, there was little river traffic, but the outfitter tells me that the river can see up to 300 people on the weekend.  I asked when they close for the season and was told sometime in November; but, from late September to then, no one mans the stand, but they do show up for reservations.

Journal: We had a late start and didn't get on the river until noon-ish.  After a few strokes, we were out of town and letting the scenery of the limestone bluffs and solitude melt any stress away.

The temperature was in the upper 60's , lower 70's and the sun was shining on a dry day. I had on shorts and short-sleeve, Nancy wore long-sleves with wind breakers.  Just out of Ontario, we hit some ripples that were fun and tame.  The river offered many wide turns.   We continued on our way until we found one small rapid to play in (I'm still learning) and they saw our first other canoe.  Over all we encountered 2 canoes and 4-5 kayaks on the entire river. Before Wildcat Mountain State Park's canoe landing, we pulled over to one of the numerous sand beaches and had a little lunch.

Once we hit the park, it was time for a rest stop and a little walk to stretch the legs. Their facilities are good.
It was only a hour later till we reached our take-out down-river right at bridge 7.
All the bridges are marked that have take-outs.

Additional Info and Thoughts: For a short day trip, this was excellent.  We could have done bridge 10 easily if we didn't enjoy our Bed and Breakfast at the Westby Inn so much.  From Westby to Ontario is about 30 minutes through Amish country. By the way, be prepared to wave a lot -- everyone waves a greeting in this area and has since I first visited there in the late 60's.

Nearby at Norwalk or Kendal is the Elroy - Sparta bike trail: a crushed gravel path that takes you through 3 tunnels cut into the hills.  You will need a coat and flashlight for these.

A short video of this river trip can be seen on You Tube.