East Twin River in Wisconsin

Trip Overview

We are three women in a kayak and a canoe: two retirees and one younger adult. We expected some low water but hoped the recent heavy rains would cause less walking through shallows, and perhaps they did. Still, within the first .8 mile or so we had to exit our craft and wade at least four times if not more. The bottom was firm and rocky/sandy, no muck, luckily. Unfortunately, at about .8 mile, we hit a deadfall that prevented further progress on the river. The accumulated debris and large limbs prevented us from going over or under, and there was a high bank to our left. On the right it looked like we might be able to bushwhack through the tall vegetation, but we didn't have long sleeves or pants and were instantly assaulted by some type of itchy, stinging plants. The portage would have required crossing over a couple of logs as well. Doable, yes, but not for us. We turned around and went home. Maybe some paddlers with chainsaws can cut a path once the river freezes in winter and make this a more user-friendly paddle, as it is a small, clear river and would make a great day trip.

Accommodations:

There is a park across the highway but the bathrooms were closed. There are a couple of coffee shops just a couple of blocks to the north on Hwy 147.

Fees:

None

Directions:

The put-in is off Hwy 147 on the southeast corner of the bridge in Mishicot. There is a large municipal building and parking lot there. Paddlers park just past the paved lot.

Resources:

This website and the DNR has a map which shows "access" to the rivers. I question whether they are all practical, as we went over the Hillcrest bridge and didn't see any place to park.