Red Cedar / Chippewa Rivers in Wisconsin

Trip Overview

Red Cedar River to Chippewa River - Menomonie, WI to Wabasha, MN

This was a three day trip that covered about 45 river miles. It started on the Red Cedar river which is not very wide, but very beautiful. The current was steady, but nothing very difficult, except the multitude of strainers.

I camped the first night about 9 miles from put in on a sandy penisula. It was nice, but a little close to Hwy 25. The next day 25 miles were covered by finishing the final 5 miles of the Red Cedar River and continuing on the Chippewa River.

The Chippewa River is much wider. Again the only dangers are the strainers. The water level was low and there were times when the current crossed the river and was difficult to get back into without hitting a sand bar. I camped on a sandy island that was awesome. Caught a couple of bass and some other fish.

The next day I finished the trip by kayaking to Wabasha, MN. The last part of the Chippewa RIver was wonderful, but the Mississippi is not as nice. The boat traffic was steady and the current did not help as much. I took out at the boat landing (river right) that uses the marina entrance.

Along the trip I saw 3-5 bald eagles, 2 owls, many turkey vultures, deer, and many fish. The Chippewa River from Elba to the Hwy 35 bridge was 12 miles of paradise. No power line and no car noise. It was very relaxing.

Accommodations:

At the beginning of the Red Cedar bike trail there are restroom facilities.

Outfitting:

I used an Old Town Canoe Adventure XL 160 kayak.

Fees:

No fees.

Directions:

From the east, take Hwy 29 to I-94 to Menomonie, WI. Put in at the beginning of the Red Cedar bike trail.

Resources:

I used USAphotomaps.com to get satelite images. I also used Microsoft streets and trips to get mileage and directions.