Kayaking the Kickapoo River - Bridge 5 - Ontario, WI to Access 12 - Rockton, WI - July 2024

Put-in at Bridge 5 in Ontario, WI (on Hwy 131). Take-out at Access 12 in Rockton, WI (after the Hwy 131 bridge). Both the put-in and take-out have dedicated locations with parking, gravel driveways, and porta potties. Deadfall was not an issue since the river is very well maintained by the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and the local outfitters. The trip was about 7 miles and took us about 3 hours at a very leisurely pace. This trip and the Kickapoo are simply so beautiful that rushing this paddle is simply unnecessary.
Put-in: maps.app.goo.g...
Take-out: maps.app.goo.g...
The water level for this trip was 9.1’’ or 135 CFS at the Ontario gauge in Ontario, WI. This was a very nice water level with no scraping and plenty of water to clear obstructions in the river. There was one down tree between Bridges 6 and 7; however, this was supposed to be cleared out very soon by the Kickapoo Valley Reserve group. Regardless, with the water level that we had, we were able to ram over it without too much issue.
USGA gauge level for the Kickapoo River in Ontario, WI: waterdata.usgs...
We used the Titanic car spotting service for the shuttle from their landing to Bridge 5. For a very reasonable $25, we dropped our gear at Bridge 5, met up with them at Access 12, and got a ride back up to the put-in at Bridge 5. The staff at Titanic were all extremely personable, knowledgeable, and appreciative of our business. Using their car spotting service allowed us to paddle down the river at our leisure since our vehicle awaited us at the take-out. The cost for using the Kickapoo Valley Reserve landings is $5 for the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Parking Permit. The permit must be purchased on-line ahead of time; just print the permit and place it in your window. This is a very easy process and nice to take care of ahead of time. At Bridge 5 and Access 12, there are concrete ramps down to the river, a big parking lot, and a porta potty. Please be sure to take your trash with you since there are no recycling/trash cans at the site. Carry it in; carry it out.

[@phillyjoejones5161]

One of the best scenic rivers in Wisconsin. It has such a vintage look and it sorta tells a story of the Indigenous people.

[@driftlesskayaker]

Absolutely! We are looking forward to paddling the next stretch from Rockton to LaFarge. Hopefully soon! The lack of development along the river is wonderful.

[@phillyjoejones5161]

@@driftlesskayaker I'm very much attracted to the Kickapoo. I'll continue to follow your journey.