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Wisconsin | Southeast Wisconsin

Ashippun RiverDruid Lake Boat Ramp to Highway O

Short Druid Lake-to-Ashippun marsh route using the public Druid Lake landing, a Highway O bridge take-out, and a route-specific Bark River proxy ladder from Wisconsin River Trips.

Route location

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DistanceAbout 3.3 mi
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeAbout 2 hr to 3 hr
ShuttleCar or bike
The Ashippun River flows through southeastern Wisconsin.
River contextAshippun River river-level photo — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Awkwafaba
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Route overview

Trip details

Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.

Permits, camping and season
PermitsNone notedNo route-specific paddling permit is known. Druid Lake may have local landing rules or fees; check posted boating ordinances at the public landing and follow Wisconsin boating/PFD rules.
CampingOptions nearbyTreat this as a short day route. No on-route public campsite is documented, and private lake/river banks should not be used for routine stops.
SeasonApr-NovBest treated as a spring or fall small-stream window. Low water can expose shallow outlet riffles, while storm highs can back water into banks and make bridge/logjam portages riskier.

Access and shuttle

Launch from the DNR-supported Druid Lake public landing, cross the north end of the lake, then follow the Ashippun outlet to the Highway O bridge. This short route is mostly protected once off the lake, but wood and low bridges make portage readiness mandatory.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Druid Lake Boat Ramp / Clearwater Beach Road
DirectionsOpen map

Druid Lake is the only confirmed developed/public launch for the selected route; use posted public landing areas rather than private lake lots.

Finish

Take-out

Highway O bridge access
DirectionsOpen map

Highway O is a bridge/shoulder take-out, not a developed ramp. Keep vehicles clear of traffic and do not block driveways or farm access.

Road shuttle

Stage Highway O first, confirming shoulder parking and bank footing from land, then return to the Druid Lake public boat landing on Clearwater Beach Road. The WRT bike-shuttle coordinate pair anchors both endpoints.

Driving shuttle routeShuttle in Apple MapsOpenStreetMap
Additional access notes
  • The Bark River at Delafield gauge is only a WRT-selected proxy, so a same-day visual check at the outlet and take-out is required.
More route and safety guidance
  • The route starts with an open Druid Lake crossing where wind and motorboat traffic can matter before the narrow Ashippun channel begins.
  • Highway O is a bridge/shoulder take-out rather than a developed landing. Confirm parking, traffic, footing, and no-posting from land before launching.
Terms and safety
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Sources and methodology

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NotesPublished evidence and verification notes

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Route and mileageDruid Lake Boat Ramp to Highway O, about 3.3 mi

    Wisconsin River Trips documents this exact Ashippun route and shuttle from Highway O to the Druid Lake landing.

    Source

  • Public put-in contextDruid Lake public boat landing

    Wisconsin DNR lists Druid Lake as having one public boat landing.

    Source

  • Threshold ladder31-55 cfs target; 15 cfs low; 101+ cfs high caution

    WRT ties the route to the Bark River at Delafield proxy and publishes route-specific cfs bands for low, target, and high-water decisions.

    Source

  • Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-23USGS 05426067 20.1 cfs / 12.46 ft at 2026-07-23 15:00 CDT

    This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.

    Source

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Other routes nearby

Nearby routes within 75 miles

Bark RiverHighway 164 to Merton Millpond · about 10 straight-line mi awayModerate · 4 mi

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