Where to go canoeing & kayaking in Oneida County
Oneida County is located amid one of the largest concentrations of freshwater lakes on the planet, so it’s no surprise that this corner of Wisconsin’s Northwoods is the perfect place for outdoor adventures on the water, from fishing to boating to paddling. Wondering where to go on your next canoe or kayak trip? Here are eight spots you shouldn’t miss.
Willow Flowage, Hazelhurst
Drive 10 minutes southwest of Hazelhurst in northern Oneida County to find the Willow Flowage, a massive reservoir on the Tomahawk River that’s dotted with islands and a haven for outdoor exploration, including paddling, camping, and fishing. The Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area includes more than 100 islands and nearly 75 miles of shoreline to explore. Access is available at several boat landings, including the Cedar Falls Landing on the northeastern edge of the property.
Rainbow Flowage, Lake Tomahawk
The 3,100-acre Rainbow Flowage sits between the communities of Lake Tomahawk and St. Germain in northern Oneida County and is an impoundment of the Wisconsin River, which gets its start a little farther north at Lac Vieux Desert in Vilas County. Known for its excellent walleye fishing, the flowage is also a good spot for canoeing and kayaking; there are four public boat landings that provide easy access, including three ramps and a carry-in site.
Tomahawk River, Minocqua
The Tomahawk River is the largest tributary of the Wisconsin River and starts in Vilas County, passing through scenic spots like the Willow Flowage and Lake Nokomis before ending in Lake Mohawksin in Tomahawk. From Minocqua, paddlers can enjoy a trip on the calm waters of the river as it winds its way from Kawaguesaga Lake and through the Tomahawk River Pines State Natural Area before reaching the Willow Flowage. Learn more here.
Pelican Lake, Pelican Lake/Schoepke
One of the largest lakes in Oneida County (it covers more than 3,600 acres), Pelican Lake is a great place to go for watersports of all kinds, from fishing to paddling. There are five public boat landings situated around the lake, including boat ramps and a spot for carry-in canoe access in the Town of Schoepke.
Wisconsin River, Rhinelander
The Wisconsin River starts in Vilas County and then travels through Oneida County as it eventually winds its way through the state. Rhinelander in central Wisconsin is a great place to explore this notable waterway, as large lakes like the Rhinelander Flowage and Boom Lake are actually impoundments of the river and offer outstanding paddling opportunities. Learn more about paddling the Wisconsin River here.
Indian Lake, Sugar Camp
This 354-acre lake just east of State Highway 17 in northeastern Oneida County offers a tree-lined escape for canoers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders. (Those interested in casting a line can take advantage of a healthy population of panfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike, as well as smaller populations of musky, walleye, and smallmouth.)
Three Lakes Chain of Lakes
Don’t let the name fool you: there are a lot more than three lakes here. In fact, the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes connects with the Eagle River Chain in Vilas County to the north to form the largest chain of freshwater lakes in the world, making it a great place for paddling. Several lakes on the Three Lakes Chain offer easy access to canoers and kayakers via parks or boat launches, including Big Lake, Big Stone Lake, and Medicine Lake. Learn more about Oneida County’s lake chains here.
Madeline Lake, Woodruff
Located just east of Woodruff, this 172-acre lake is a good spot to go for a longer paddling adventure in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Put in your canoe or kayak off Madeline Lake Road north of Townline Road on the west side of the lake and paddle along the shore to find a channel that connects to Carrol Lake.
