Wisconsin | Central Wisconsin
West Branch White RiverCottonville Avenue to South White River Road
Spring-fed Waushara County clearwater trip from the Cottonville Avenue DNR lot through the West Branch and lower main White River to the South White River Road DNR pull-off.
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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 from the Cottonville Avenue DNR lot and take out at the South White River Road DNR pull-off for the cleaner West Branch White River option. Use the Chaffee Creek proxy cautiously and be ready for small-stream wood and low-bridge portages.
Access map
Put-in
Cottonville Avenue DNR parking lotCottonville Avenue is a small DNR parking lot and hand-carry launch, not a developed boat ramp.
Take-out
South White River Road DNR pull-offSouth White River Road has a DNR pull-off and roughly 150-foot trail to the water; the shoreline can be deep enough for a dock-style dismount.
Road shuttle
Stage the take-out at the South White River Road DNR pull-off, then drive or bike back to Cottonville Avenue. The source reports a short 2.4-mile bike shuttle with little ascent.
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Access planner
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Cottonville Avenue DNR parking lot to South White River Road DNR pull-off is about 4.8 mi. Use the planner to compare shorter access pairs.
Additional access notes
- Cottonville Lane bridge is an alternate take-out just upstream, but WRT recommends the South White River Road fishing access for better parking.
More route and safety guidance
- The low trail bridge must be portaged and the Hwy 22 riffles are the one Class I+ moving-water feature.
- Use the South White River Road DNR pull-off or Cottonville Lane bridge area; do not drift into the less interesting impoundment reach without a separate plan.
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
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Gauge source
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Weather
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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
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 guide4.8 miles; 2-3 hr
Wisconsin River Trips documents Cottonville Avenue to Cottonville Lane / South White River Road as a 4.8-mile West Branch White River route.
- Public accessDNR lot to DNR pull-off
The route source describes a small DNR parking lot at Cottonville Avenue and a South White River Road DNR pull-off with a 150-foot trail to the water.
- Proxy gauge ladder12.5-13.5 cfs target; 15+ high
Wisconsin River Trips uses Chaffee Creek at I-39 as the most approximate gauge and publishes a specific West Branch depth ladder with an explicit proxy caveat.
- HazardsClass I+ riffle; wood; low bridge
The route report lists light riffles near Hwy 22, Class I+ rapids under Hwy 22, three downed trees requiring ducking or portage, and one low trail bridge portage.
- DNR corridor contextWhite River Fishery Area canoeing
Wisconsin DNR identifies the White River system as a fishery area and includes canoeing among recreational opportunities.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-1711.9 cfs / 3.63 ft on 2026-07-17 00:00 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.
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Other routes nearby
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