2016 Travels, Kayaking the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, WI

Kayaking the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Wisconsin. This large body of water on the map got our attention so as we traveled into northern Wisconsin. We decided to camp there and spend a few days kayaking. The flowage is extensive with many islands and slow-moving waterways. There are numerous primitive campsites on the islands that offer many days of wilderness kayak or canoeing trips. Lodges, cabins and cafes can be found along a few shorelines were there are roads.

Our campsite at the Falls Lake County Park.

We selected the Falls Lake County Park at the northern end of the Flowage near Mercer, WI. The park offered electric sites for $27 per night and had flush toilets and dump and water. We took a site in the tent loop with no hookups and vault toilets for $17 per night. Our site was on the Turtle River, had a beautiful view, sun for our solar, and a path down to the water were we could launch our kayak.

A view of the Turtle River from our site.

We were here in mid-September after the busy season and had the campground all to ourselves.

The Turtle River Flambeau Flowage from our kayak launch.

We launched our kayak and paddled down the Turtle River about a mile on a broad calm channel.

Paddling down the Turtle River

We see Bald Eagles along the river.

Bird-life is abundant and we saw Bald Eagles, Loons and Great Blue Herons.

Calm paddling on trough the channels and around the islands of the Turtle River Flambeau Flowage.

When the Turtle River enters the Flowage it joins with the Little Turtle and Flambeau Rivers to create large bodies of water, channels and islands. The area is so extensive it requires multi-day trips to explore it. Much of the area can only be accessed by boat.

Retuning to camp.

After a day of paddling we return to camp. Mid-September was a great time to be here. There were only a few power boats on the water and no bugs. We imagine that the main channels are very busy during the summer.

Join us next time as we travel to Sparta, Wisconsin to ride the Elroy to Sparta State Trail, the first Rails to Trails bike path.

Jackie