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Access Site WI

Melrose

Black River

Source: wisconsin_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Melrose, WI
County: Jackson County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.10863794, -90.99645709
4253+FC Melrose, WI, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Black River Ds ST Highway 54 at Black River Falls, WI Same River 14.8 mi away
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Black River near Galesville, WI Same River 14.8 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Black River
6 runs (5 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I-II Upstream from here (22.6 mi from take-out) F) Hatfield Hydro to Hall's Creek Landing (3.9 miles)
4.2 mi 10 ft/mi
II-III(IV) Upstream from here (25.3 mi from take-out) E) Hatfield Dam to Power Plant (3.2 miles)
3.1 mi 20 ft/mi
I-III Upstream from here (32.5 mi from take-out) D) Neillsville to Lake Arbutus (12.5 miles)
12.2 mi 8 ft/mi
I-II Upstream from here (42.1 mi from take-out) C) CTH.H to Neillsville (7.6 miles)
7.6 mi 8 ft/mi
I-II Upstream from here (45.5 mi from take-out) B) Greenwood Park to CTH. H (10.5 miles)
10.7 mi 6 ft/mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
II-III(V+) 184 mi away Little Manitou Falls to RR bridge off Station Rd (4.6 miles)
4.4 mi 55 ft/mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Melrose public boat ramp provides access to the Black River, a major river system spanning 288 miles with significant flow and drainage. Located southwest of Highway 108 near Melrose in Jackson County, this access point serves as a hub for paddlers and boaters exploring this substantial waterway. The site includes a boat launch ramp and large parking area, though parking may fill quickly during popular weekends.

**Practical Information:** The Black River is a major waterway with an average flow of over 10,500 cubic feet per second and a moderate gradient of about 1.5 feet per mile, making it suitable for experienced paddlers and motorized vessels. Amenities at the ramp are basic—vault toilets and additional facilities may be limited, so plan accordingly. This is a well-established access point with direct connections to local outfitters and liveries, making it a popular starting point for multi-day trips and day paddles. Check current conditions and facility status before visiting, as infrastructure improvements have been ongoing.