About
Marquette and Jolliet, 1673 — First European Exploration of the Wisconsin. From Wisconsin's north woods to the Mississippi confluence at Prairie du Chien, the Wisconsin River runs 430 miles through Marathon and Portage counties with an average flow of 8,500 CFS. The famous Wisconsin Dells section cuts five miles through sandstone canyon walls with Class I-II water that commercial outfitters like Wisconsin River Outings run year-round. Downstream, the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway protects long stretches of undeveloped shoreline, particularly the 30-mile float from Sauk City to Spring Green where sandbars provide camping and the current stays manageable. The Spring Green to Muscoda section widens further with island camping opportunities, while the final 32 miles from Muscoda to Prairie du Chien slow as the river approaches its confluence with the Mississippi. Optimal flows run between 2,000 and 15,000 CFS on gauge 05400800, with the wide range accommodating everything from low-water island-hopping to spring flood paddling when the river spreads into its floodplain.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.