I consulted the Travel Wisconsin fall color report for peak leaf season Wisconsin. It appeared fall foliage would be ideal in northern Wisconsin for Flambeau River canoeing during mid October. Other options included the Great River Road or Door County, but I settled on the Wisconsin northwoods. A mid September paddle would definitely be premature for fall foliage.
Flambeau River Canoeing shot at the put in with fall colors behind me during peak leaf season Wisconsin
The road trip commenced Friday night through southern Wisconsin, and I camped in the Chequamegon-National Forest. The national forest campground allowed me to wake up and arrive in the towns of Philips and Lugerville in order to arrive at the outfitter on time.
Arrival in Lugerville, Wisconsin
Dave from Flambeau Sports greeted me at 7:30 a.m. We tied the canoe on top of my car with sponge blocks, and he provided me with a map. The he said “see you tomorrow at 2 p.m.”
Flambeau River canoeing – Flambeau River sports canoe on top of my car at Nine Mile Creek boating access
Right away it was evident that the colors would be outstanding. The fall color map did not fabricate. I gazed across the river and the river bank and I was nearly blinded by the fiery colors. I have heard of snow blind, but is there such a phenomenon as foliage blind?
The downstream vista provided even more scenic beauty. I loaded the canoe and feasted my eyes on the glory of autumn in Wisconsin.
Flambeau River canoeing during peak leaf season Wisconsin
Flambeau River Canoeing during peak leaf season Wisconsin
Viewing fall colors proved so spectacular that I did not even want to continue. I inched downstream at the same rate as the musky fisherman drifting downstream casting their fly rods.
Canoeing Flambeau River with beautiful orange colors galore
The itinerary and objective was Oxbo Campsite. The Flambeau River State Forest description noted it was on the water and scenic. The campsites along the river are free although they limit canoe campers to only one night.
Flambeau River Canoeing – Beautiful fall foliageOxbo consisted of three separate camps. All three were unoccupied. This vacancy came as no surprise as there was a paucity of paddlers on the water.
Dave said he thought all the other canoe rental spots in the area were already closed, and I was the only person renting from him this weekend. It amazes me how people shut down their camping, hiking, and canoeing activities after Labor Day.
Flambeau River canoeing
Camping at Oxbo Camp in the Flambeau River State Forest
I set up camp at the Oxbo Camp and got my firewood ready for the night and then watched a spectacular sunset unfold. The sunset was so incredible that when the sun’s last rays in the west reflected off the clouds in the east, it turned the whole eastern horizon a purplish pink. I have never seen such beauty from a sunset on the opposite horizon.
The pink eastern horizon during an amazing sunset – Flambeau River canoeing
Once the sun set, I enjoyed a campfire and several beers as well as several roasted hot dogs. The weather, even at this time of the night, was perfect. The night before got kind of cold. It was in the upper 30s when I left the National Forest campground.
The Oxbo Camp was as beautiful as advertised – Flambeau River Canoeing
The night I camped was cool, but not freezing nights. Just what one would expect from camping in the fall. I enjoyed warm sunny days while paddling, which is preferable to sunny days and cool.
I woke up the next day and had breakfast and rolled out of the campground. To my horror, it was past 10:30 when I finally got on the water. I had 10 miles to go, and I said I would rendervous with Dave at 2 p.m.
Flambeau River canoeing – Even when the colors were not brilliant, the scenery was still beautiful
Paddling my rear end off
I paddled my rear end off for the next four hours. Although the shoreline was still beautiful, the trees were not as colorful as the beginning. There were a lot of pine and also some trees that were kind of a washed out yellow.
I came to a spot where the river widened and there were a lot of little islands. This looked like a good spot to check out the map. I realized I was less than a half mile from the pick up point, and I had about 20 minutes to spare.
Flambeau River canoeing – The end of the line for me on this trip at Babb’s Island
I emerged around a corner to find Dave waiting for me. I arrived at the take out at 1:58 p.m. He shook his head and said “in 31 years in the business, I think you are the second person who has ever been on time.” I raised my fist in triumph.
Most of the trip was windy, but this stretch was like a mirror
Recommend this stretch especially during peak leaf season Wisconsin
I enjoyed the Nine Mile Creek to Babb’s Island trip with the Oxbo Camp as a perfect midpoint. I also highly recommend working with Flambeau Sports. It was $35.00 a day for the rental and $55.00 for the ride.
The nice thing about renting with Dave is he will let you take his canoes anywhere. There are a lot of great rivers in the area, so his outfit is a great place to explore the Flambeau and beyond. I hope that you will be the third person on time in Dave’s illustrious career.
Adventure on!
The pictures of the fall colors reflecting on the water are great.
Thanks Patty, it was actually a pretty windy weekend, but there were some stretches when the river meandered where you were protected. Despite the wind, it was a beautiful weekend. Thanks so much!
That is one beautiful setting, Ted! Keep canoeing and sharing!
Raul (@ilivetotrave) recently posted..How Does One Pack for A Trek in Nepal?
Thank Raul, you can bet on that I will!
Stunning photography! I love the colors of fall. This year, I only got to enjoy about a week of it, and no time spent outdoors. I will have to make up for that next year. Take me canoeing?
Erin Marie recently posted..Getting Tired of Solo Travel
Wisconsin has some of the best rivers to canoe in the country. Come for a visit in the fall or anytime.
THAT FOLIAGE THO. and that sunset doesnt even look real!
the lazy travelers recently posted..the lazy girls’ guide to the city of london
It was an outstanding weekend to be out on the river. Could not believe I was like the only one.
I have never seen the sky such a pink/purple color as in that sunset photo! It’s so pretty! Good on ya for being the second person in Dave’s career to be on time 🙂
Francesca Mazurkiewicz recently posted..Fly fishing the Holston River with North Fork River Outfitters in Bristol, Tennessee
It was an honor although I had to paddle my rear end off to make it happen.
Those colors would get me in a canoe in a heartbeat. And that sunset…magnificent!
Leah recently posted..Things to know about the French before visiting Paris
Thanks Leah,
Fall is such an awesome time in Wisconsin, but so is winter.
well done, not to strenuous on the paddle either…. i think it was 30seconds into the video before i noticed a paddle stroke… that’s a sweet ride and nice work with the sunset. stay falling for
Flambeau River, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Episode 08: The Sensations of Singapore, a City for the Senses
I did not paddle to hard the first day, but the second day was a different story. I realized I was 10 miles away with three hours to get there, so I paddled my rear end off to make it on time.
Hi Ted,
The Flambeau is truly a gem. What were the dates you paddled last fall?
Hello Chad,
Thanks for the comment. I went the weekend of October 10th last year. If you are trying to time the colors, you might want to think of going up a little earlier this year. I was in the northwoods a week and a half ago and there was already some color change taking place. I think it is going to peak earlier this year based on what I saw last time up. The Travel Wisconsin website has a fall color update on their website. I used that to choose this trip last year.
Thank you Ted I appreciate the information.
Chad recently posted..Ice Age Trail backpacking through the Chequamegon National Forest
Nothing better than fall camping, if you ask me. And a bonus that you got to cruise the water with the beautiful trees turning. My favorite time of year! Thanks for the photos AND especially the vids. Keep ’em coming!
Diver S recently posted..To Paddle or To Pedal? – Native Slayer and Native Slayer Propel
Thanks Diver S,
I think I will be paddling this river again in the summer. It will be a different experience and probably involve some swimming. I prefer the fall too, but swimming is a good perk if going in the summer.
Woah! Such a beautiful serene I really wish I could visit there too! Also awesome camera shots by the way.