I’m heading to northern WI in a few weeks to hike a little on the Ice Age Trail and meet a friend in Sylvania for a few days and maybe take the bike to hit some of the Heart of the Vilas Trail. I’ve had thoughts of paddling on the St Croix or Namegagon for years but I’m wondering if there might be other rivers I could solo (class 1-2- I like to carry my binoculars, stop often to explore, etc) with shuttle services.
You might check with Hawks Nest Silent Sports Outfitters in Eagle River. They’re on the Wisconsin River and may have a list of shuttle services in the region.
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If you’re going to be in Sylvania, you’re not far from the headwaters of the Wisconsin River, the nearest town being Conover WI. From the headwaters at Lac Vieux Desert to the first dam at Eagle River is a nice paddle - twenty some miles if memory serves. The first dozen or so miles can involve dragging and pushing through tag alders. If you want to avoid that there’s a campground run by Jeff Rohr and his wife Marcie that is on the river at mile twelve. Its marked (or has been for many years) on the highway with RWT signs - Rohr’s Wilderness Travel. If you need shuttle, they can do it. I wouldn’t say anything there was even worthy of a class I rating, though it is quite twisty.
And you can’t go wrong with the Namekagon from Hayward to the St. Croix. Its a bit of a drive from Sylvania, though. There’s a free municipal campground in the town of Earl (near Trego). There are a few “sporty” spots on the Namekagon, but nothing to worry about = low class !! at worst.
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And if you’re up near Lac Vieux Desert/Watersmeet, Sylvania Lakes is in the neighborhood.
But yea, the Namegagon is cool. River trips for the win.