Camping and whitewater in northeast Wisconsin

Sign-up will open on Monday June 20 at 3:00 PM. 

I am seeking drivers for this trip! If you are able to drive, please tell me and I will be able to open more spots! The absolute limit will be 20 people. 

Meeting Times: 

Gear-up Thursday June 23 at 6:00pm, meet in the hallway outside the Hoofer office 

Leaving Friday June 24 evening: Everyone meet at 5:00PM at Memorial Union boathouse / Park Street Circle (north end of Park Street), except the late-leaving car. 

You will be assigned to a car based on what time you are able to leave on Friday. Meet at the north end of Park Street (Park Street Circle), between Memorial Union and HC White- the northwest corner of the terrace-- the road just upstairs from Hoofers. 

Overview: 

What is whitewater paddling all about? This trip intends to show you!

No prior experience necessary. No prerequisites needed. This trip is an "immersive" experience of a whitewater trip in the Outing Club. 

Those who are new to whitewater paddling with Hoofers will be rafting with a commercial rafting business. Participants who have prior experience with Hoofers and have attained the R2 rating may kayak or canoe. 

All camping together! 

Upon signup, please fill out the planning form (you will be directed to it when registering).

Planning Form: https://forms.gle/GKq75QEjr2sjdvww6  

Covid Precautions: 

We are following all precautions that the university requires. If they require masks inside of buildings, then we will require masks inside of cars.  

Otherwise, this trip is generally outside, and we will try to sit outside at the restaurant as well. 

Signups: 

Please sign up on this event. Signups will open at 3:00PM on Monday June 20. 

I am not using a waitlist because the website does not show participants whether they are on a waitlist or not.  

Please contact me if you have questions! cmr.rose@gmail.com 

Itinerary: 

Friday evening: drive to Hooferland (4 hours) 

Saturday morning: breakfast in camp, prepare for the river. 

Saturday noon: rafters meet at Kosir’s, and kayakers put on at Farm Dam Lane. https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2305/main 

Saturday afternoon: rafting or paddling the Peshtigo River, ending at Kosir’s.   

Saturday evening: dinner in camp. 

Sunday morning: breakfast in camp, pack up tents. 

Sunday: drive to the Wolf River near Langlade, WI. Look at the river near Crab & Jacks, paddle at Gilmore’s Mistake, and . 

Sunday lunch: pizzas at Bear Paw Pub

Sunday afternoon-evening: drive back to Madison. 

Plan to return around 9-10pm on Sunday.

Driving Locations: 

Memorial Union 

Hooferland, Silver Cliff, WI (https://goo.gl/maps/htRrdcvCC6N6ya8u8)  

Kosir’s Rapid Rafts 

W14073 County Road C

Silver Cliff, WI 54104

Peshtigo River, starting at Farm Dam Lane and ending at Kosir’s at County Road C  (https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2305/main)  

Wolf River at “Gilmore’s Mistake” at Crab n’Jack’s (formerly Wild Wolf Inn) 

N2580 WI-55, White Lake, WI 54491 

Bear Paw Pub 

N3494 WI-55, White Lake, WI 54491 

Memorial Union 

Cost estimates:

Each rafter will pay about $40 to Kosir’s.  

Gas costs will be split among all participants; estimated $40 per person. 

Group food costs will be split among the group; estimated $30 per person. 

No camping fees. 

Pizza costs will be split among all participants; estimated $10 per person. Anyone can order other items at the Pub on your own. 

Packing List for participants: 

Each person: 

Items with a star can be provided by Hoofers. 

Raincoat 

Tent *

Sleeping pad *

Sleeping Bag * 

Pillow (bring your own or use your clothing) 

Toiletries for overnight (toothbrush, etc.) 

Headlamp or other light 

Personal dishes* (bowl and spoon should work for just about anything; plate, fork, cup optional)

Towel 

Lunch food for Saturday 

Plastic bags for wet clothing 

Glasses strap if applicable 

Water bottle 

Sunscreen 

Change of clothing and shoes for paddling - something that can get wet. Plan on going for a swim; it’s likely to happen! I recommend long sleeves for sun protection. 

Wear footwear that will not fall off in the water!!!! Footwear is required on all trips. Shoes should be fastened securely to the foot and over the heel. No bare feet or loose fitting shoes will be allowed. An old pair of gym shoes is best.

Dry change of clothing (and dry shoes) for after the river.  

I recommend that you bring long pants and closed-toe shoes to wear in camp for protection from mosquitoes. Don’t leave any skin exposed on your feet / ankles, and you will have a much better time! 

Change of clothes for sleeping - bring layers if it’s forecast to be cold.