trip description
This trip was designed with you in mind with every little detail taken care of for you, so all you need to do is focus on having the time of your life!
Our journey begins at True North Outpost where you will check in, gear up and meet your guide. This is a private trip so it will be just you and your group out on the river in your own boat. We will shuttle you to the put-in in Niagara, WI, where the river flows next to granite bluff walls of 100 or more feet. On the trip, we’ll guide you past these rugged rock bluffs and through breathtaking scenery, where it is not uncommon to see native wildlife such as deer, fish and native birds like the Bald Eagle, as we are floating right through their nesting habitat.
Once we are on the river, we’ll go through an initial safety discussion, learn to paddle, and play some games to get started. Again, since this is a private trip there are a lot more options open to you, such as, swimming, exploring dead man island, walking the gorge trail, etc. After about 45 minutes of team building and drifting we enter a stretch of class I – II+ rapids that travel through a dense northern forest.
Before entering the class IV + rapids, we arrive at the ancient Piers Gorge Portage Trail. Anyone who does not meet our minimum requirements or who does not want to ride through the class IV+ rapids will remain at the portage trail overlook to watch from shore. Those who are willing and able to ride through the Gorge will climb back into the raft and get ready for the adventure ahead.
After traveling through this whitewater section of river, we walk back up to the overlook to rally with our onlookers, we can then switch supervising adults, before we go through the Gorge a second time. We then collect our onlookers, depart from the lower beach, and travel down a little further to our last rapid, ‘Terminal Surfer’. At "surf hole" (conditions dependent) we will surf any who are willing.
When we are done with the am raft trip, it's less than 5 minute ride back to True North Outpost where we will have lunch ready for your group. Lunch is provided by the True North Outpost staff (Grilled Hamburgers and fixings - Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free & dairy free meal options are available). After Lunch when your group is ready, we will load up in the shuttle and head to Saler’s Boat launch to start the afternoon flatwater float down to the island campground. This part of the trip features beautiful forest views, an abandoned trapper’s cabin, and Quiver falls - a fun class 2 section right at the island.
When you have finished your afternoon trip on the river you will arrive at the island camping area in the late afternoon. The island guide will already have camp set up and a hand made camp dinner cooking when you arrive. Snacks and drinks will be provided while dinner is cooking. After dinner, you will be free to relax around the fire where you can take in the beautiful and serene northern night air while laughing and sharing stories.
In the morning when your group rises, a hot breakfast will be prepared for you to get you ready and on your way to your next awaiting adventure. Swimming and tubing may be available for those who crave more. After that the group has a short paddle over to the take-out and 20 minute shuttle ride back to the outpost.
ADD ON OPTION
If you are looking for just a little more adventure on your second day. After you have breakfast you can get back in your duckies and paddle with your guide down the next stretch of untamed north woods beauty. This lower section of the Menominee River known as the Pemene Falls Unity is a wide, winding river path through lush forests and tranquil scenery. It is a perfect way to spend the morning.
At the end of your 6 mile paddle, you will get the chance to look at Pemene falls. There you will see the beautiful waterfall running through the remnants of an old concrete dam. During the spring flow, the water thunders through a granite constriction in the river corridor. Trust us, it is well worth the trip. There you will be picked up by our shuttle and taken back to the outpost and on to your next adventure!
Due to this river’s unique operating platform we are able to accommodate children and persons with certain impairments on a class IV river trip. Persons who require supervision must be accompanied by a competent individual from their group on the portage trail. The supervising adult will have the opportunity to switch out with another supervising adult for the second run, ensuring everyone gets a ride through the Gorge.
At approximately a half mile in length, the Class IV section of Piers Gorge whitewater rafting is short in duration in comparison to other rivers, but it is not to be minimized. The rapids are large, immensely powerful, technically challenging, demanding, and FUN!
