Pine River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows

River History

The Pine River rises in the marshes and swamps of Forest County, Wisconsin, and was a classic Northwoods logging river — its current ran pine logs downstream to the Menominee in the 1800s, and the river's name comes from the white pine forests that lined its banks. The U.S. Geological Survey's hydrology study of the Pine–Popple basin describes a river that starts nearly flat in its headwater swamps (about 2 feet of drop per mile for its first 19 miles), then steepens to 8 feet per mile and finally 14 feet per mile where it crosses resistant bedrock and end moraine — the geology that creates Bull Falls, LaSalle Falls and the Pine River Rapids. A hydroelectric dam was built just below LaSalle Falls, burying a stretch of challenging whitewater beneath the Pine River flowage; during a rare drawdown, paddlers have run the usually dry riverbed below the dam and described it as an enjoyable expert-level challenge.

The Pine is a Wisconsin river with a Michigan ending: it empties into the Menominee River a few miles northwest of Kingsford, in Dickinson County, Michigan — the Upper Peninsula side of the border. Its lower 10 miles, from the Pine River Dam to the Menominee confluence, are paddled as a remote wilderness trip through country that feels untouched, with landings at the dam and off Ellwood Lake Road. The Pine River is not a designated Natural River or a federal Wild and Scenic River.

Interactive River Map

Tap a pin for details. Pinch or use the + / – buttons to zoom.

• Launch / take-out
• Dam / falls
• USGS gage
• Camping

Pins marked (approx.) are approximate — confirm exact launch spots before a club trip.

River Overview

Headwaters

The Pine River rises in marsh and swamp at the surface-water divide in Forest County, Wisconsin, and flows east about 80 miles to the Menominee River. For its first 19 miles it is nearly flat (about 2 ft/mi), a swampy outwash stream; the gradient then increases to 8 ft/mi for 25 miles and to 14 ft/mi for 22 miles where the river crosses bedrock and end moraine — this is the whitewater heart of the river. For its final 12 miles the gradient drops to about half a foot per mile before the river enters a Menominee River impoundment.

Mouth

The Menominee River, a few miles northwest of Kingsford, Michigan — then on to Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

USGS Flow & Water Conditions

USGS Gage Status

Station

04064000 — Pine River near Florence, WI — DISCONTINUED (daily data 1913–1923 only)

Active alternative

NWS Marquette river forecast point "Pine River at Florence 6S" (flood stage 7 ft, bankfull 6 ft) via forecast.weather.gov

Nearby active gages

Menominee River gages near Kingsford — use the USGS interactive map below

USGS Interactive Map

Explore every USGS stream gage on and near the river. Tap a site for live flow and gage height.

Water-Level Considerations

Typical Water Temperature

Spring (Apr–May)

40s °F — cold snowmelt water; dress for immersion

Summer (Jun–Aug)

60s °F

Fall (Sep–Oct)

50s °F, dropping fast

Paddling Character

Difficulty Scale Used

Rapids are rated on the international Class I–VI whitewater scale: Class I is easy moving water with small waves; Class II has straightforward rapids with clear channels; LaSalle Falls is an expert-only cascade that almost all paddlers portage.

Recommended Boats

• Whitewater kayak (rapids sections)
• Touring kayak (flowage & lower river)
• Canoe (with flotation on rapids)

Best Conditions

Moderate flows after rain for the rapids; calm days for the flowage crossing. The river is notably clean and clear.

Potential Hazards

• LaSalle Falls (20-ft cascade)
• Class II rapids & boulder gardens
• Pine River Dam
• Deadfalls on upper sections
• Remote stretches
• Cold water
• Difficult portage landings at the falls

Michigan Water Trails

Not a designated Michigan water trail. The Pine is a Wisconsin river for nearly its whole length; its mouth reaches the Menominee at the Michigan border near Kingsford. The Menominee River State Recreation Area (Michigan/Wisconsin) protects the river corridor just downstream of the confluence.

Dams & Portages

One hydroelectric dam: the Pine River Dam, just below LaSalle Falls, forming the Pine River flowage. The falls themselves are a mandatory portage for nearly everyone — and the portages are not easy. The river-left portage path ends with a small vertical cliff where boats must be lowered, then a launch into a small, pulsating eddy; the river-right portage ends at an upstream eddy that pulls toward the base of the falls. Expert kayakers have run the 20-foot falls, but that is far beyond club paddling.

Camping

Wildlife & Fishing

• Bald eagles
• Osprey
• Common loons
• White-tailed deer
• Black bears (possible)
• Beavers
• River otters

Notable Scenery

Impressive cliffs in the gorge below LaSalle Falls; the river is noted for clean, clear water and a remote, wild feel

Best Fall Colors

Early to mid-October in the Northwoods

Fishing

• Trout (upper river)
• Smallmouth bass (lower river)

Regulations

Nearly all of this river is in Wisconsin — a Wisconsin fishing license is required, and Wisconsin DNR trout regulations apply. Check the current Wisconsin DNR fishing guide.

Advisories

Check state fish consumption advisories before eating your catch.

Public Kayak & Canoe Launches

Access points below are described in published paddling accounts; confirm parking, fees and exact locations locally before a trip .

Safety

Required / Recommended Gear

• PFD worn at all times
• Whitewater helmet (rapids sections)
• Paddle + spare
• Whistle
• Bilge pump / sponge
• Dry bag
• First-aid kit
• GPS / navigation
• Emergency communication (satellite device advised)
• Cold-water protection

River-Specific Concerns

LaSalle Falls is the defining hazard: scout it from shore, and portage unless you are a genuinely expert whitewater paddler with a group. Both portage landings are awkward — plan extra time and hands. The Pine River Dam must be given a wide berth upstream. The upper wilderness section has deadfalls that can pin a boat; the river is remote with long gaps between roads. Cell coverage is poor to nonexistent in much of the corridor .

Emergency Info

Nearest Hospital

Dickinson County Hospital in Iron Mountain, MI, or the Florence, WI clinic — confirm before the trip

911 Location Tips

Note the nearest road crossing (Forest Rd 2182, Goodman Grade, Hwy 101, Ellwood Lake Rd) plus GPS coordinates; carry a satellite communicator

Best Time & Access

Spring

Best whitewater flows but very cold water; expert cold-water paddlers only.

Summer

Warm days; rapids may run low in dry spells. Go after rain for the best rapids.

Fall

Quiet river, good color in early October; water cools quickly.

Winter

Experienced, cold-water-equipped paddlers only.

Best Months

May, June, September

Access & Regulations

Wisconsin Waters

Most access is in Wisconsin — Wisconsin state park vehicle stickers or county/forest rules may apply at landings; verify locally

Private Property

Respect private land at bridges and landings; stay on public access points

Hunting

Fall hunting seasons apply on surrounding forest lands; wear blaze orange and check Wisconsin DNR season dates

Shuttle / Livery

No livery known on this river — plan a self-shuttle on forest roads

Trip Planning

Best Day Trip (Intermediate)

Goodman Grade to Hwy 101 (8.8 mi) — Class II Bull Falls and boulder gardens

Best Day Trip (Beginner–Intermediate)

Below Pine River Dam to the Menominee confluence (10 mi) — remote, quiet water

Best Expert Run

Hwy 101 to the flowage, portaging LaSalle Falls — for expert whitewater paddlers only

Overnight Options

Combine the rapids sections with the lower 10 miles for a two-day wilderness trip; camp on National Forest land where legal

What to Pack

Whitewater gear for the rapids sections, portage straps or wheels for the falls carry, satellite communicator, and full repair kit

Leave No Trace & Clean Drain Dry

Pack out everything, camp on durable surfaces, and clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waterways to stop aquatic invasive species — especially important when crossing the Wisconsin–Michigan line.

River Difficulty

American Whitewater: Class I–II

• W. Prairie Rd to S. River Rd — Class I–II
• N. River Rd to Hwy 134 — Class I–II

Ratings rise at high water — check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater

Quick Reference

River

Pine River (Menominee tributary — NOT the LP Pine River)

Length

80.1 mi

Region

Forest & Florence counties, WI; mouth at Dickinson County, MI

Headwaters

Marsh/swamp at the surface-water divide, Forest County, WI

Mouth

Menominee River, a few miles NW of Kingsford, MI

Tributary

Popple River (below Hwy 101)

USGS Gage

04064000 near Florence — DISCONTINUED; use NWS "Pine River at Florence 6S"

Best Season

May–October

Difficulty

American Whitewater: Class I–II

Best Section

Dam to Menominee confluence (club adventure) · Goodman Grade–Hwy 101 (whitewater)

Major Hazards

LaSalle Falls, Class II rapids, Pine River Dam, deadfalls, remoteness

Dams/Portages

1 hydro dam + LaSalle Falls portage (both sides difficult)

Water Trail

No (Wisconsin river)

Sources

• USGS 04064000 — Pine River near Florence, WI (discontinued)
• USGS Interactive Water Data Map
• Pine River (Florence County) — river facts
• Menominee River — confluence and watershed facts
• Kark's Canoeing and Kayaking Guide — Pine River section (paddling beta)
• USGS — Hydrology of the Pine-Popple River Basin, Wisconsin
• Michigan Water Trails

Last updated: October 2026. Water levels, hazards, launches, camping rules and closures change. Verify current NWS river forecasts, weather, river conditions, access and regulations immediately before launching.