See all 6 routes on Mecan River
Wisconsin | Central Wisconsin
Mecan RiverMecan Springs Boat Ramp to 9th Avenue
Headwaters Mecan trip from the DNR-owned Mecan Springs natural area through the first clear spring-creek miles to 9th Avenue, using WRT route guidance and the Chaffee Creek proxy 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 Mecan Springs Boat Ramp, explore the spring-fed headwater lake if conditions are calm, then continue past Highway GG to the 9th Avenue bridge access. The app uses Chaffee Creek as a rough proxy and keeps the route conservative because the river is shallow and woody.
Access map
Put-in
Mecan Springs Boat RampMecan Springs is a DNR-owned State Natural Area with limited facilities and specific public-use rules; camping and campfires are prohibited.
Take-out
9th Avenue bridge accessWRT notes the 9th Avenue take-out is usable but small, with tight parking and No Trespassing signs on adjacent properties. Keep the exit within the right-of-way/access area.
Road shuttle
Stage 9th Avenue first, staying tight to the bridge/right-of-way area, then drive back to the Mecan Springs boat ramp. Inspect 9th Avenue before launching because parking is tight and adjacent land is posted private.
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Access planner
Choose your launch and take-out
This changes launch and take-out logistics, not today's river score.
Mecan Springs Boat Ramp to 9th Avenue bridge access is about 3.9 mi. Use the planner to compare shorter access pairs.
Additional access notes
- The Chaffee Creek gauge is a tributary proxy, not a direct Mecan gauge. Same-day visual checks at Mecan Springs, Highway GG, and 9th Avenue override the score.
More route and safety guidance
- WRT reports no mandatory tree portages on its trip but notes downed-tree ducking, hopping, and zig-zagging; recent wood can change the route quickly.
- Use the DNR/SNA boat-ramp area and the 9th Avenue bridge access only. Do not wander outside the right-of-way at 9th Avenue because WRT notes adjacent No Trespassing signs.
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.
Times use the selected time zone. Check it against the river’s location before saving or sharing.
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Download GPX Route geometry only; no schedule required.
Conditions
Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.
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Gauge source
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Weather
Hourly forecast
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Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
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Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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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
Chaffee Creek at I-39 near Coloma, WI. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
Look for recent access, obstruction and hazard observations. Context photos may show a different part of the river.
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.
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 reportMecan Springs to 9th Avenue, 3.9 miles including spring-bay exploration
WRT documents the put-in, take-out, distance, light riffles, logjam/culvert notes, quicksand caution, and Chaffee Creek flow estimates.
- Public-land supportDNR-owned Mecan Springs State Natural Area
Wisconsin DNR says Mecan Springs protects the headwaters of the Mecan River, is DNR-owned, has public-use rules, and prohibits camping and campfires.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-2211.6 cfs / 3.62 ft at 2026-07-22 22:00 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.
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 Mecan River
All 6Nearby routes within 75 miles
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