See all 4 routes on Chippewa River
Wisconsin | Northwest Wisconsin
Chippewa RiverCounty D Bridge to Imalone / County A Bridge
Upper-Chippewa whitewater-lite day with steady current, dozens of riffles, and a cleaner public access pair than many Northwoods river trips, all tied to the direct Bruce gauge.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch at the County D bridge landing and finish at Imalone / County A. Expect a lively upper-Chippewa run with repeated riffles, several named rapids, wooded islands, and a direct Bruce gauge floor that matters.
Access map
Put-in
County D Bridge landingRusk County publishes the County D Bridge and Imalone Boat Access coordinates for this exact route.
Take-out
Imalone / County A Bridge accessWisconsin Trail Guide describes the County D launch as a rutted dirt-track trailer ramp off the east end of the bridge and the County A finish as a hand-carry access just upstream of the bridge.
Road shuttle
Use a rural car shuttle between the County D bridge east of Exeland and the Imalone / County A access. The route is long enough and remote enough that a bike shuttle is usually more hassle than it is worth.
Additional access notes
- Confirm local landing condition, shoulder space, and any recent storm debris before committing to the shuttle.
More route and safety guidance
- The many island channels are fun at medium water but create more strainer risk from overhanging trees and deadfall.
- Arpin Dam releases and heavy rain can quickly change current speed and wave size on this upper-Chippewa segment.
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
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Weather
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Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Chippewa River Near Bruce, WI. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
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Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Chippewa River Near Bruce, WI |
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| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 400 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Wisconsin Trail Guide Chippewa River C2 minimum flow |
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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 guide10.7 miles; Class I
Wisconsin Trail Guide documents Chippewa River C2 from County D Bridge to County A Bridge as a 10.7-mile easy run with about four hours of paddle time and repeated class-I rapids.
- Minimum flow400 cfs / 1.5 ft
The Wisconsin Trail Guide C2 guide ties this route to the Bruce gauge and lists 400 cfs / 1.5 feet as the minimum suggested flow.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 05356500
USGS identifies site 05356500 as Chippewa River Near Bruce, WI, the same route gauge used by Wisconsin Trail Guide for the upper-Chippewa segments.
- Public access coordinates45.671121, -91.181080 to 45.552358, -91.228388
Rusk County publishes GPS coordinates for the Highway D Bridge put-in and Imalone Boat Access take-out.
- Named hazardsRock Ledge; Otter Slide; Soo Line
Rusk County flags Rock Ledge, Otter Slide Rapids, Soo Line Rapids, rocks, sudden rapids, and hidden boulders on this exact segment.
- Access detailsTrailer put-in; hand-carry take-out
Wisconsin Trail Guide describes the County D bridge landing as a dirt-track trailer ramp and the County A / Imalone end as a hand-carry roadside access.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
More on Chippewa River
All 4Nearby routes within 75 miles
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