See all 5 routes on Kickapoo River
Wisconsin | Driftless Wisconsin
Kickapoo RiverRockton Landing to La Farge Landing
Second classic upper-Kickapoo day through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve from Landing 12 at Rockton to Landing 20 at La Farge, with sandstone walls, riffles, bridge-number navigation, and a direct La Farge gauge near the take-out.
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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 Landing 12 in Rockton and finish at Landing 20 in La Farge for the second classic upper-Kickapoo day. The route has fewer access points than Ontario-to-Rockton, but it keeps the sandstone scenery, riffles, and bridge-number navigation.
Access map
Put-in
Kickapoo River Landing 12 (Rockton)Landing 12 is a KVR managed carry-in access with permit requirements and limited space, so do not treat it like an unregulated roadside shoulder.
Take-out
Landing 20 / La Farge Canoe LandingLanding 20 can be less obvious from the road than from the river; MilesPaddled describes it as tucked back through a field approach near Bridge 20.
Road shuttle
Use a two-car shuttle from Landing 12 near Rockton to Landing 20 in La Farge. Outfitters commonly serve the Ontario-to-La Farge corridor, but confirm pickup rules if you are not using your own vehicle shuttle.
Additional access notes
- The route has one practical intermediate public landing at Landing 14 / County Highway P, so plan the shuttle and bailout options before launching.
More route and safety guidance
- KVR warns that the Kickapoo can rise quickly, and the route evidence identifies strainers, snags, riffles, cold water, and a tree hazard below Bridge 19. Scout bridge-number landmarks and give fresh wood room; the narrow valley leaves less forgiving choices when current increases.
- Launch only from the managed Landing 12 access and confirm the KVR permit/parking requirement before leaving a vehicle. Landing 20 can be less obvious from the road, so verify the take-out and any posted access rules before launch; do not substitute private banks or informal pull-offs.
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Conditions
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Gauge source
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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
Kickapoo River at La Farge, 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 | Kickapoo River at La Farge, WI |
| Discharge | Checking |
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| 24h trend | Checking |
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| Rain last 24h | Checking |
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| Preferred range | 60 cfs to 120 cfs |
| Low threshold | 42 cfs |
| High threshold | 200 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | MilesPaddled Kickapoo River II and Wisconsin River Trips Rockton-to-La Farge level notes |
| Gauge source | Checking |
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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-specific level guidance60-100 cfs scrape-free; 116 cfs fine
MilesPaddled recorded 116 cfs at the La Farge gauge for this exact route, said it was below ideal but fine, recommends 60-100 cfs for a scrape-free journey, and notes Rockton-to-La Farge is more forgiving than the steeper Ontario-to-Rockton segment.
- Corroborating trip level112 cfs good depth
Wisconsin River Trips documents the exact Rockton Landing to La Farge Landing route at 112 cfs on the La Farge gauge and describes that as good depth.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 05408000 at La Farge
USGS places the Kickapoo River at La Farge gauge on the left bank just upstream from the State Highway 82 bridge in La Farge, immediately downstream of the route corridor.
- Official access corridorLanding 12 to Landing 20
Kickapoo Valley Reserve publishes the Ontario-to-La Farge upper-river guide, identifies access points from Landing 1 through Landing 20, and requires a KVR permit at Landing 12.
- Endpoint coordinates43.6371, -90.60292 to 43.57481, -90.6437
MilesPaddled links GPS points for Landing 12 at Rockton and Landing 20 at La Farge; Mapcarta/OpenStreetMap independently resolves Canoe Landing 20 at La Farge at essentially the same coordinate.
- HazardsFlash flooding, snags, riffles, cold water
The KVR guide warns the Kickapoo is susceptible to flash flooding and calls out current, snags, and cold water; MilesPaddled also reports riffles and a tree hazard after Bridge 19.
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
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