Eau Claire River Daytripper - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

The best things in life are free and this little trip is one of them. Mild enough for the first timer but there are a few quick spots to keep the more experienced paddler interested. Put in below the dam at Mooney Dam Park and enjoy the river for up to 12 miles before you have to go ashore to portage the hydroelectric dam in Gordon. The dam and surrounding area are private property but portagers are accepted as long as they are respectful. There are several bridges along this stretch to shorten the trip but why would you? The only bridge you cannot stop at is the last one, as it is on the property of the Gordon State Prison Camp. This is a minimum security facility and you can rest assured you will be no less safe here than you were when passing local cabins and homes along the river. Once below the dam you can continue another 2 miles to a small sandy landing just downstream from the Gordon Ranger Station or cut the trip a little shorter by pulling out just before the bridge at Gate Road. If you started early enough in the day and the wind is right, you can continue down the Gordon Flowage for another 7 miles and pull out at Gordon Dam Park, which marks the beginning of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Camping is allowed at both Mooney Dam and Gordon Dam parks. Information is available at "http://www.douglascountywi.org/countydepartments/forestry/Forest%201/camping.htm".

Parking/put-in/launching information: Parking is available at Mooney Dam Park, on the shoulder of Gate Road in Gordon, The Gordon Ranger Station and Gordon Dam Park. Paddling conditions to be expected: The first 11 miles are a mix of flatwater and gentle rapids. The last 1/2 mile before the hydroelectric dam will require paddling. More of before below the dam down to the Ranger Station then all paddling if you choose to continue to Gordon Dam Park. Difficulty of the trip: So simple a child can do it. The few small rapids are easily managed even by first-timers. This is a great teaching trip for the young ones. Length of trip: Up to 21 miles and it can be done in a day if the wind is right. Portages: Only 1 portage, about a tenth of a mile, to get around the hydroelectric dam in Gordon. Permits required: Camping - Mooney; $8.00 a night, Gordon Dam; $12.00 a night or $13.00 for electric sites. First come first served. Fishing requires license, of course. Type of trip: You will need to do the shuffle. Take-out Coordinates: N 46° 14.746 W 091° 48.377 Other information: The take out shown is for the sandy landing downstream from the Ranger Station in Gordon. Most upstream bridges are adequate take out or put in points if you want a shorter trip. If you choose to continue down the flowage to the Gordon Dam, be prepared to paddle all the way for the next 7 miles.

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