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Chequamegon
| Established: |
1933 |
| Location: |
Northcentral Wisconsin |
| Acres: |
861,150 |
Located thirty minutes from the coast of Lake Superior are the
gently rolling forests of Chequamegon. Wisconsin's largest National Forest renowned
for its 400 lakes (over 10 acres in size) and 450 miles of trout
streams. Lakes formed during
the last Ice Age as glaciers carved up the land and the ice
slowly melted to fill these excavations.
Fishing in Chequamegon's lakes is excellent. Muskie, northern
pike, walleye, crappie, and bass are caught regularly. Rainbow
and brook trout populate the streams. Surrounding these lakes and
streams are dense forests of black spruce. And at higher
elevations are white pine and sugar maples. At the highest
elevations are quaking aspen. Wildlife includes white-tailed
deer, rabbits, ruffled grouse, and squirrels. Predators such as
black bear, coyote, fox, and bobcat are not far from these
animals. The Great Divide Scenic Byway that stretches 30 miles
along Hwy 77 is an excellent choice for touring the NFs most
scenic areas and wildlife.
WI, Chequamegon National Forest.
Chequamegon National Forest has 25 campgrounds with over 600
sites which are open from May 1 through Oct 25. Most are
located on lakes and have boat ramps. Three of the most scenic
campgrounds are Namekagon (34 sites, 10 mi E of Cable), Two Lakes
(94 sites, 6 mi SE of Drummond), and Birch Grove Campgrounds (16
sites, 8 mi W of Washburn). The Chippewa Campground (78 sites, 10
mi NE of Gilman) is the only campground with hot showers. All
four of these campgrounds have boat ramps and are on lakes.
WI, Chequamegon National Forest, tents up, firewood stacked, and the steak is on the grill.
The Chequamegon lives up to its name which is Chippewa for
"place of shallow water". It is a favorite site for
canoeists to begin adventures on the Namekagon, Chippewa,
Flambeau, and Wolf Rivers. The Namekagon River is a tributary of
the St. Croix that flows into the Mississippi. Namekagon is
one of the premier canoe waterways in the nation. Over 100
miles of gently flowing Class I water that is a favorite among
families. Namekagon is one of the original 8 National Wild and
Scenic Rivers which began the National Wild and Scenic River
Program. Today there are over 150 rivers in this program spread
across the U.S.
The Chippewa River is another relatively mild running river
that flows into the Mississippi. An excellent choice for spring
and summer canoeing. The last in this group of scenic rivers are
the Flambeau and Wolf Rivers. Riding these rivers
should be attempted only by experienced white-water canoeists.
The Flambeau and Wolf have numerous rapids and waterfalls and are
rated Class II and III rivers. Chequamegon National Forest, 1170
Fourth Avenue South, Park Falls, WI 54552 (715) 762-2461. www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf
All text and photos copyright ©1994-2006 Charles A. Read and ScenicUS.
Comments or Suggestions, Contact the Author Charles A. Read.
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