What water level is good for paddling Kickapoo River — Ontario to Rockton?

This section is generally runnable at 60–200 cfs. Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Kickapoo River levels?

We read USGS gauge 05408000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Kickapoo River — Ontario to Rockton good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Kickapoo River here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Kickapoo River — Ontario to Rockton?

This reach is about 12.5 miles, roughly 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Kickapoo River — Ontario to Rockton: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I12.5 mi · ~5 hrKickapoo RiverWisconsin

Verdict · updated Aug 26, 7:00 AM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

186 cfs

3.1 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 05408000

Runnable 60 – 200 cfs

060200230

What this means today

At 186 cfs the Kickapoo River is still inside the runnable range but within 14 cfs of the 200 cfs ceiling for this reach. Water this near the top runs faster and pushier than the same reach mid-range.

Over the last 24 hours it has barely moved, 180 cfs to 186 cfs. Daily means over the past 6 days have run between 182 cfs and 288 cfs, 30% lower at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Ontario to Rockton

Kickapoo River at Ontario to Rockton is a 12.5-mile Class I run in Wisconsin — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Landing 1, Ontario and take out at Landing 12, Rockton, a trip that runs about 5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 60–200 cfs. Much below that and the Kickapoo River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 05408000 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 12.5 mi
Float time: ~5 hr
Best months: April–October
Put-in: Landing 1, Ontario ↗
Take-out: Landing 12, Rockton ↗

Reading USGS gauge 05408000 — KICKAPOO RIVER AT LA FARGE, WI ↗

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Kickapoo River — Ontario to Rockton?: This section is generally runnable at 60–200 cfs. Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Kickapoo River levels?: We read USGS gauge 05408000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Kickapoo River — Ontario to Rockton good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Kickapoo River here?: Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Kickapoo River — Ontario to Rockton?: This reach is about 12.5 miles, roughly 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 186 cfs