4Four rivers - Jump. Chippewa. Flambeau. Thornapple.ruskcountywi.com
WATERWAYSRusk County is home to four of the finest waterways in the Northwoods—the Jump, Chippewa, Flambeau and Thornapple Rivers.They all have unique and distinct characteristics and played an important role in the exploration and development of theregion. Today, each river provides rich paddling opportunities, including long, undeveloped stretches that give a glimpse backin time. Here’s an overview of each of these special rivers.JUMPRiverCHIPPEWARiverFLAMBEAURiverTHORNAPPLERiverThe Jump is Wisconsin’sbest example of a trulypristine Northwoods riverecosystem. It’s free-flowingfrom its source to theChippewa River. The riverhas some fast, challengingpaddling but also passesthrough the gentle watersof the Holcombe Flowage.In all, paddlers will find 39miles of beautiful paddlingin the county’s southeastcorner. The most popularstretch for paddling is a10-mile run from the Townof Jump River to Sheldon.Camping is available.A true working river, theChippewa has sustainedthe area for generations.In earlier days, it was animportant river during the1880s logging boom. Todaythe Chippewa River boastsa fantastic fishery and isan important source ofelectricity for the region.The river provides nearly40 miles of paddling in RuskCounty. North of Bruce,paddlers will find dozens ofchallenging rapids. South ofBruce, the paddling is quieterand perfect for beginnersand families.This iconic river is theoriginal Northwoodshighway, serving NativeAmericans, French furtraders, early settlers andloggers. As legend goes, itwas named the Flambeauby early French explorerswho saw the Chippewafishing at night with torches,or “flambeau.” Later, theriver helped transportlogs from large loggingoperations. The sceneryremains virtually unchanged,and explorers will find 41miles of paddling throughthe heart of Rusk County.The Thornapple River isthe best-kept paddlingsecret in the Midwest. Thelittle-known river is nearlyundeveloped, offeringpaddlers a beautifully wildexperience, complete withsome small rapids. Whilethe river’s levels fluctuate, itis easily accessible, and atcertain times of the year itoffers as much as 38 milesof outstanding paddling,including stretchesappropriate for beginningpaddlers. The river alsooffers some excellentwalleye fishing.Launch your adventureFOR THE RIVER PADDLERCanoers and kayakers will find some of the best paddling in the state on Rusk County’s four wild rivers. Finding informationto plan a river trip used to be a challenge, but thankfully, the days of long searches for a launch site are over. On our website,we’ve detailed river trips for paddlers of all abilities. We also mapped the locations of public launch sites and take-outspots. These maps will help you find stretches for thrill seekers, like the rolling waters of Cedar Rapids up in the wild andbeautiful Flambeau River State Forest. Or maybe you’re looking for some tranquil paddling—consider launching in Bruce fora relaxing trip down the Chippewa to where it meets the Flambeau. For more ideas and GPS maps of boat launch sites, visitRuskCountyWI.com/recreation/canoeing-kayaking. Just click on a river and scroll to see trip options.800-535-RUSK Four rivers - Jump. Chippewa. Flambeau. Thornapple. 5
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