See all 6 routes on Pine River
Wisconsin | North Central Wisconsin
Pine RiverPine River Park / Center Road to County Road W
Short Lincoln County Pine River whitewater gorge from Pine River Park / Center Road to County W, with Class I-II ledges, two Class III spots, steep banks, and Prairie River proxy gauge support.
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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
Run the Pine Dells gorge from Pine River Park / Center Road to County W. The mileage is short, but ledges, two Class III features, steep banks, few eddies, and imperfect proxy gauge support make it an advanced whitewater outing.
Access map
Put-in
Pine River Park / Center Road accessCounty W is a mandatory practical exit for this card. Inspect the steep bank and hidden path before launching so the group recognizes the take-out from the water.
Take-out
County Road W Pine River take-outThe Prairie River gauge is only a proxy; WRT warns the Pine can drop quickly after rain. Same-day visual inspection at Center Road controls.
Road shuttle
Scout the County W take-out first because the path is steep and easy to miss, then stage at Pine River Park / Center Road. Keep the group compact through the gorge.
Additional access notes
- Do not treat this as a beginner scenic paddle. Rescue access is limited by steep walls and few eddies in the gorge.
More route and safety guidance
- The County W take-out is steep with a hidden path. Inspect it before launch so the group does not miss the exit.
- The Prairie River gauge is only a proxy. Same-day visual inspection at Center Road and a conservative weather/rain plan are required.
Plan this paddle
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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
Prairie River near Merrill, 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.
NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Exact route reportPine River Park / Center Road to County W, about 2.5 miles
WRT documents the route endpoints, access notes, rapid names, Class III scout/portage warnings, and no-dam/no-logjam reference conditions.
- Endpoint coordinates and level45.15733, -89.59732 to 45.13513, -89.62277; 150 cfs / 2.4 ft recommended
Miles Paddled publishes the Center Road and County W GPS coordinates and ties a recommended level to the Prairie River near Merrill gauge.
- Proxy gauge caveatUSGS 05394500 Prairie River near Merrill
WRT says nearby Prairie/Big Eau Pleine/Spirit gauges can help but are imperfect because the Pine drains quickly and has no direct live gauge.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-16119 cfs and 2.08 ft at 2026-07-16 18:00 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 Pine River
All 6Nearby routes within 75 miles
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