This area has been a sportsmans paradise since before Hudson was founded. There are three(3) ways to reach this cache, all of them require a watercraft of some kind. While the lake level is studiously maintained, the volume & speed of the Willow river running into it changes dramatically with the season. Come prepared for a wilderness outing regardless of the route you take.
I. Lake Tour
Difficulty:
Launch here: N44° 59.279 W92° 45.417
Distance to Cache(Approx.): 1.3mi
Exit here: N44° 59.279 W92° 45.417
An easy paddle, row or motor. Headwaters of the lake are shallow, so prepare accordingly. Plan on getting your feet wet. Boat launch parking available.
II. Willow Run
Difficulty:
Launch here: N45° 00.249 W92° 43.289
Distance to Cache(Approx.): 1.3mi
Exit here: N44° 59.279 W92° 45.417
Start here for a shorter downriver run or if you'd rather stay out of the State Park. Not for the novice paddler, but not whitewater either. Plenty of rocks, logs & debris to keep things interesting. Park near the Trout Brook Rd bridge & leave another vehicle at the exit point...unless you enjoy upriver paddling.
This section could also be used as a test run for Section III. If you can make it from here to the cache, you can make it from the the State Park start to here.
III. Dam Race
Difficulty:
Launch here: N45° 00.912 W92° 42.384
Distance to Cache(Approx.): 2.8mi
Exit here: N44° 59.279 W92° 45.417
This is a tour of an unspoiled, seldom traveled Western Wisconsin waterway. Deer, waterfowl & winged/furry creatures abound. Alternating sections of easy floatin' eddys & rock-strewn fastwater keep the scenery cruising by. Not for the novice paddler, but 2 fat guys in an Alumacraft have done it several times now.
Park here N45° 00.917 W92° 42.302 inside Willow River State Park & launch as far below the dam as you feel comfortable. The coords above are a nice, slow spot. Be sure and leave another vehicle at the boat launch parking area at the exit coords.
Two points to be aware of:
- The river divides around this point N45° 00.638 W92° 43.095 with the Race river on the left & the Willow a hard right. You'll see street signs on the embankment to let you know for sure. If you're not paying attention you'll float onto the Race...not a big deal, the two join back up not far downstream, but there are several more obstacles in the Race branch that must be portaged. Its just a time saver to stick with the Willow branch.
- N45° 00.344 W92° 43.016 is the only portage on the Willow branch. It's one HUGE tree laying directly across the entire river. Just be ready is all.
Cache container is a tricolor camo'd ammo box with logbook, writing utensils & goodies to trade. Don't worry, the hide is not intended to fool anyone. This one is all about the journey.