Week 3- Wolf River

I have always found peace in being near water. There is something that calms me about being around lakes, oceans, and rivers. Growing up in Wisconsin I have had unlimited opportunities to spend time near water. As a child, my parents took us to numerous lakes to swim, picnic, and just have fun. It wasn't until I was in college that I started to be more adventurous when it came to water activities. My friends and I recently decided to visit the Wolf River in Wisconsin for a short weekend getaway and we had a wonderful time being surrounded by its beauty.

Granite Cliffs along the Wolf River in Menominee County, WI

The Wolf River is a 225 mile long tributary of the Fox River in Wisconsin. Along with the St. Croix River, the Wolf River is one of two rivers in Wisconsin that are National Scenic Rivers. The beauty of the Wolf River is undeniable. Tributaries of the river include Wildcat Creek and Pine Creek, Pine River, Rat River, Little Wolf River, Embarrass River, Shioc River, and the Red River.

Wolf River

The river has a consistent flow, stunning boulder gardens, rapids, and very limited development. The combination of these things makes for a perfect location to enjoy recreational water activities like kayaking. I had never kayaked so I felt a bit nervous. Our tour guide was kind and knowledgeable, so to say I was apprehensive when he talked about the necessity of keeping our life jackets on and stressed that people have drowned (most of which were not wearing their jackets) I was more than a bit nervous :). 

After beginning our trip I realized I didn't need to be nervous. The flow was strong but not overpowering. The landscape of the river was varied. There were times where there were dense thickets and grassy lowlands when the river was slow. and beautiful pine forest and rocky shorelines when the whitewater runs. During our adventure we saw maple, beech, and aspen hardwoods and well as spruce, balsam fir, and many, many pines. We saw eagles, herons, ducks, and raccoons. Our guide even told us we may see black bear and wolf (we did not). 

Gorgeous Wolf River in Menominee County, WI

Being in the presence of such lovely, but strong nature is one of the reasons I love living in Wisconsin. I am so grateful to have lakes like the Wolf River in my backyard. This little weekend trip was one for the record books-I tried something new, had an adventure, saw beautiful igneous rocks and animals galore! If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend traveling to Wisconsin to spend some time on the Wolf River.