La Crosse River

We went down this stretch this past weekend. It was a fun run, but no time to put the paddle down and relax. The big thing to be on the look out for rocks just under the surface. Beautiful trip though. We didn't find the sand mine as obtrusive as you. I would like to mention that it might be considered irresponsible to spout off about things that are not true about businesses in the area. I don't want to get into any arguments here, but would like to share that the sand US Silica mines is not only for frac use. More importantly, they do NOT use chemicals to wash sand at this site. It is dredged from what will become a community lake once mining has commenced. They are regulated by the EPA, DNR and MSHA. Keeping dust down is a priority, they even wet the roads they drive machinery over to minimize Silica exposure to workers and surounding community. There are berms all around the grounds to help minimize noise. I know people who work hard there to support their families. They can attest that nightly wildlife is thriving in this area regardless of the "noise." Workers observe Does raising their fawns(at least one set of twins this season), geese making nests and raising their young, Killdeer chattering about pertecting their nests from other wildlife. The company also donates to local cheritable causes and suppports our fire services. They are even willing to let the volunteer fire fighters that are also employees leave work to go on emergent calls. Like I said before, I'm not here to argue, just to ask for more consideration before slandering businesses that provide quality employment opportunities in our community. I am also not affiliated with US Sillica, just a local that didn't appreciate the false information portrayed in this article. Let's be more responsible and respectful in the future. Those opinions are irrelevant to the paddling experience itself.

Hey Aaron, just did the La Crosse river from Evan-Bosshard park to Icarus Rd. What Denny didn't mention from July 3 2023, the DNR acquired the house on Icarus next to the river several years ago and removed it, it's now called Brinkman's Landing. It has a nice large gravel turn around and plenty of parking. Unfortunately the river landing itself is muddy. This gives several options for shorter trips. The Sparta gauge was at 3.91, it took us 3:15 of mostly floating.

I floated the La Crosse river in Sparta, WI yesterday (4-30-24) and thought you might make note on your site that the Perch Lake to Amundsen Park section is plagued with lots of down trees and is not passable in one section without getting out of your boat and climbing over downed tree trunks. Cheers!

This was an amazing trip. Water was clear and moving at a decent flow. How ever the storms took down a lot More trees into the river. Still able to get through them but can get difficult at some points.

Paddlers, if you have the time and inclination, you should definitely travel beyond Hammer Road (the takeout for the above-described trip) and continue on to Icarus Road (a narrow but mowed takeout path) or on to County Road J, near Rockland, which features a well-developed takeout and parking lot for the canoe rental fleets. While there are no fun ledges like in the first segment just beyond Sparta, the appealing river features encountered there pretty much continue: steady current, an occasional but navigable deadfall, sandy bottom. The river slows down and widens out a bit, but is certainly no more difficult. The sand mine was quiet the day I went by. A flotilla of canoe renters were enjoying the river; some were hilariously clueless about steering a canoe (or even holding a paddle). Total paddling time from Sparta to County J was 3 hours (and I paddle fast).

Hi,I work for the Fort McCoy Garrison staff. I was excited to see this, and plan to paddle it. Don't worry about being bothered at the put in. We actively encourage outdoor recreation on base. Just use our website to ensure your recreation doesn't meet up with Soldiers training. https://mccoy.isportsman.net/

WOW!!! Thank you so much for taking the time in documenting this trip. I have lived in LaCrosse for 16 years and I am just now planning a down river trip but I have no idea where all of our drop in sites are. Thank you for having such a detailed trip of what to expect.

Great article. I paddled here 20 yrs ago, the bombs!! . I got to relive it just now reading this. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you.

Aaron, For what it's worth, I paddled the La Crosse River today (11/1/16) from Veterans Park to Riverside Park and there were no fewer than 4 serious obstructions. I cleared out and cleaned up what I could with pruners and a handsaw, but this trip would require a couple portages in high water, and those paddling a canoe would have a hell of a time. Sincerely, Timothy at milespaddled.com