Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities. Learn more
Access Site WI

Rainbow Flowage - Dam

Rainbow Flowage • Wisconsin River

Source: wisconsin_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

Sign in to Monitor
City: Lake Tomahawk, WI
County: Oneida County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 45.83412384, -89.54598837
7256 County D, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
Get Directions
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Gilmore Creek at Mouth near Lake Tomahawk, WI 0.2 mi away
View Gauge
Wisconsin River @ Rainbow Lake near Lake Tomahawk,WI 0.2 mi away
View Gauge
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
About This Access Site
Located at the southwest corner of Rainbow Flowage off County Road D in Lake Tomahawk, this boat launch offers a two-lane concrete ramp with dock access and gravel parking—convenient for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. The Rainbow Flowage itself is a substantial 3,153-acre reservoir with a maximum depth of around 25-28 feet, created in the 1950s by damming the Wisconsin River as part of a hydroelectric project.

This access point is particularly useful for paddlers exploring the Wisconsin River system. The dam area features solid current and rock-bottom conditions with minimal meandering, making it a good staging point for river trips. The site attracts boaters for fishing, kayaking, and general recreation, with the calm flowage waters ideal for recreational paddling while the adjacent river section offers more current-based paddling opportunities. Adequate parking and dock facilities make this a reliable launch for day trips on either the flowage or downriver sections.