Access Site
WI
Wisconsin River Access
Wisconsin River • Baraboo River
Source: wisconsin_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago
City: Portage, WI
County: Columbia County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 43.47848710, -89.44619802
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Wisconsin River
7 runs (2 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
Downstream from here Upstream from here
II
Downstream from here (22.7 mi to put-in)
G) Prairie du Sac (PnP)
0.3 mi
I(III)
Upstream from here (25.2 mi from take-out)
F) Wisconsin Dells - Narrows (Blackhawk Island) (PnP)
6.2 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
I-II
70 mi away
E) Stevens Point: Whiting Dam, Al Tech County Park (PnP, 0.6mi.)
5.4 mi
II-III
103 mi away
D) Wausau Slalom Course (0.35 mile modified natural channel)
0.3 mi
125 ft/mi
II-III+(IV)
128 mi away
C) Grandfather Falls (1 mile)
0.9 mi
60 ft/mi
I-II(III)
142 mi away
B) Camp 10 to Menard Isle (4 miles)
4.5 mi
II-III
149 mi away
A) Rhinelander (0.3 mile modified natural channel)
0.3 mi
86 ft/mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:**
Thunderbird Drive provides public boat ramp access to the Wisconsin River in Portage, Columbia County. This is a publicly-owned facility managed through Wisconsin's DNR boat access program, making it a reliable launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboat users.
**What to Expect:**
The Wisconsin River is a substantial waterway offering varied paddling opportunities. From this Portage location, paddlers can explore stretches of the river and access nearby recreation areas, including the scenic Wisconsin River Islands—public lands perfect for island camping and day trips. The proximity to the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge (in nearby Marquette County) also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing in wetland and upland habitats.
**Planning Your Visit:**
Before heading out, check current water conditions and flow rates, as the Wisconsin River's character varies seasonally. Pack a map and be aware of any river navigation markers. This public access point is part of Wisconsin's extensive network of over 3,000 DNR-listed boat landings, so amenities and specific details may vary—contact the Wisconsin DNR directly or visit dnr.wi.gov for current information on facilities, parking, and any applicable fees.
Thunderbird Drive provides public boat ramp access to the Wisconsin River in Portage, Columbia County. This is a publicly-owned facility managed through Wisconsin's DNR boat access program, making it a reliable launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboat users.
**What to Expect:**
The Wisconsin River is a substantial waterway offering varied paddling opportunities. From this Portage location, paddlers can explore stretches of the river and access nearby recreation areas, including the scenic Wisconsin River Islands—public lands perfect for island camping and day trips. The proximity to the Fox River National Wildlife Refuge (in nearby Marquette County) also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing in wetland and upland habitats.
**Planning Your Visit:**
Before heading out, check current water conditions and flow rates, as the Wisconsin River's character varies seasonally. Pack a map and be aware of any river navigation markers. This public access point is part of Wisconsin's extensive network of over 3,000 DNR-listed boat landings, so amenities and specific details may vary—contact the Wisconsin DNR directly or visit dnr.wi.gov for current information on facilities, parking, and any applicable fees.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Wisconsin River Islands
Located within
Fox River National Wildlife Refuge
Located within
Leopold Wetland Management District
Located within