WCC Canoeing/Kayaking Traditional Cache
Biotreker & Woody 1: We are closing this down and picking the container up in the spring
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Size: 
(small)
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Welcome to Washburn County, “Northwoods in Every Direction.” Washburn County is the perfect home base to begin and end each day of your get-away adventures in Northern Wisconsin, and enjoy our peaceful setting as your quiet retreat.
Washburn County truly has some of the largest expanses of wild, public lands in Northern Wisconsin. As a result of sparse population and careful, nurturing land management practices, Washburn County’s rivers and lakes have a uniquely untouched character, Slow down and get close to nature. Washburn County has more than just a wealth of outdoor activities and natural beauty. There are sports and recreational activities that interest everyone. This Washburn County Challenge (WCC) series was created to highlight the diversity of pastimes that our beautiful county offers. Have an adventure finding all 18 caches, four of which contain clues to the coordinates for the final, and enjoy one of the highlighted activities along the way! Then join us in August during Minong Summer Days for the WCC Meet and Greet Event. Canoeing/Kayaking Washburn County offers many opportunities for kayakers and canoeists. The Namekagon River is part of the National Scenic Waterway system managed by the National Parks Service. Canoeing and kayaking opportunities also exist on the Yellow and parts of the Totogatic River. Birchwood Canoe trails: Washburn County has two primitive canoe/kayak routes in the Birchwood area, six miles north of Birchwood. Both routes are in a primitive area with little to no development and provide a unique opportunity for a quiet, back country experience. The canoe/kayak route areas lie within heavily forested, rolling topography with a high density of small glacial lakes. These lakes are land locked deep soft water lakes with steep banks and wooded shores. Bass and Panfish are abundant. A canoe portage and trail system has been marked to guide canoeists. Sawmill Lake Primitive Kayak/Canoe Route: This kayak/canoe route begins at the Sawmill Lake campground. The portage trail accesses 9 separate lakes, with most portages less than 100 yards. The lakes along this route are relatively deep, with maximum depths of up to 40 feet. Bass and Panfish are abundant, however many of these lakes are prone to winterkill. Of particular interest is the presence of Green Sunfish. Loyhead Lake Primitive Canoe Route: This canoe/kayak route is located 7 miles north of Birchwood. The route begins at Loyhead Lake at the boat landing on the Birchwood Fire Lane. The portage trail accesses 7 separate lakes with most portages less than 200 yards. Namekagon National Scenic Riverway: Marked canoe/kayak routes lead you along the Yellow River in the southern part of Washburn County and the Totogatic River in the north, as well as the Namekagon National Scenic Riverway. Many campsites are situated along these waterways, which you'll find little changed from the days when fur traders and Native Americans met along their banks. The Namekagon River is the northern tributary of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a federally protected wild and scenic waterway stretching 250 miles through Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Namekagon flows for some 50 miles through Washburn County. The National Park Service maintains primitive campsites accessible by water only. Most of the Namekagon portion of the riverway is entirely undeveloped, offering kayakers/canoeists a genuine wilderness experience. The riverbanks are abundant with deer, muskrat, beaver, turtles and blue herons. Osprey and bald eagles are also seen. The Namekagon River offers everything from rapids for the experienced kayaker/canoeist to wide, quiet flowages below the dams. Trout fishermen can meet their challenge, and anglers will fish to their heart's content. In most places, no development has been allowed within sight of the river, providing miles of unsurpassed beauty for canoeists and hikers. In recent years, tubing has been added to the many popular river activities. Canoe and tube rentals and shuttles are available in Trego. The Namekagon District Visitor Center provides maps, field guides and information about camping and river conditions. Located on Hwy. 63 just north of Trego, the center features exhibits on local history, as well as an aquarium, slide show and children's touch table. Call (715) 635-8346 for hours. Totogatic River: The Totogatic, dedicated in 2009 as a Wild River, is a beautiful, undeveloped river crossing the northern portion of Washburn County. The Totogatic River flows from Bayfield County all the way through Burnett County where it meets up with the Namekagon River, a tributary of the St. Croix River. Most of the river is wild and remote, making this river a beautiful path for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. However, some areas are dangerous and not recommended for paddling and you should check with area experts prior to paddling the river.
Like to cache in northern Wisconsin? We do!
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| This cache placed by a member of U.N.G.A. |
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Unatvat
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