Half Moon Lake's Braun’s Bay

FLAT WATER

(Spring/Early Summer)

Half Moon Lake Braun’s Bay Pavilion in Carson Park Eau Claire • Put your vessel in at Braun’s Bay’s easy and accessible landing. Paddle past the Carson Park cliffs (very scenic) and then under the Lake Street Bridge into the bay. Watch for weeds to pop up in late summer, but return in late fall when they recede. The western arm features towering cliffs, rocks, ledges, overhangs, and shallows of reeds and cattails. There are few indications of city scenes or sounds. Be on the lookout for turtles, herons, and flowering aquatic plants.

Glen Loch Lake Irvine Park, Chippewa Falls • A must-paddle in the spring. Put in right above the dam off Highway 124. The real deal with this paddle is to cross the lake and paddle “up the creek.” See how far up you can get and enjoy the quick float back.

Paint Creek 5464 197th St., Chippewa Falls • A small river that feeds Little Lake Wissota. Put in on 197th Street near Wissota Marina. Paddle under the bridge and up the creek and you will find some nice rock formations and opportunities to find lots of wildlife.

FLAT WATER PADDLING

(All Season)

Dells Pond Addison St., Eau Claire • A man-made lake created by a paper mill dam, and a hidden gem of paddling. Launch from Mt. Simon Park and paddle upstream into the islands. The water level in the islands will keep powerboats in the river channel, so more room for you to canoe or kayak in the backwaters. This centrally located body of water has lots of nature-watching opportunities.

Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area 13394 Cty. Hwy. M, New Auburn • Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the recreation area offers unspoiled beauty with 17 stunning kettle lakes and many glacial features.

MOVING WATER PADDLES

(All Season)
*Use caution when assessing water levels*

Eau Claire River A nice river to paddle anywhere between Harstad Park near Augusta and above Big Falls near Fall Creek. It’s a pretty slow flowing ride with lots of turns and sidebars. The location is home to a pair of bald eagles and lots of other wildlife. Make sure you get out at the County K bridge if you don’t want to attempt a run down Big Falls.

Little Falls to Big Falls Ready to hit the whitewater? The bold and brave kayak this challenging 1.4-mile stretch on the Eau Claire River. It goes quickly, but what adrenaline rush doesn’t feel that way? This is a run intended for experienced kayakers, so be safe.