Northern Paddle and Trail

Paddle/Explore the Backwaters of Clear Lake, Thursday, May 30th, 1:00-3:00 pm. Let's explore the backwaters of Clear Lake south of Woodruff. We will put in at the DNR boat landing by the campground. Our adventure will include paddling into an area of Clear Lake that is pretty inaccessible to motor boats and jet skis. It's a great place to see various waterfowl, turtles and great blue herons. For those who want a little more paddling, we can explore around the islands and take the very short flat portage (around 50 ft) into Inkpot Lake. Let's meet at the put-in at 1:00 pm. There is no shuttle needed. You will need a DNR state vehicle sticker which can be purchased at the contact station as you come into the campground if you do not already have one. Directions: From Rhinelander (35 minutes) take HWY 47 north towards Woodruff, and turn right on Woodruff Road. About half a mile turn right on Clear Lake Rd which is the entrance to the campground. Drive past the contact station and turn right and follow the road to the boat landing and parking lot. From Woodruff, (10 minutes) take Hwy 47 south to Woodruff RD and turn left and in a half mile turn right into the campground entrance. Remember your PFD, a requirement for all NPT paddles. Hope to see you on this quiet relaxing paddle. - Jay

It's definitely paddle season in Wisconsin, so let's start the NPT summer season on the Pelican River right here in Rhinelander. For those that haven't paddled this stretch of the Pelican before, I think you will find it an enjoyable float.
We will meet at the put-in bridge on River Bend Road and will be taking out at the confluence of the Pelican and Wisconsin rivers on Boyce Drive. Directions: (Rhinelander 5 minutes) From the intersection of Hwy 8 east & G (Golden Harvest) travel south on Hwy G (go past Hanson's Garden Village) and turn left on Germond Rd. and then an immediate right (Pelican Town Shop) on to River Bend Rd. to the bridge. We will put-in on the east side of the bridge. A short vehicle shuttle is needed down to the take out boat landing/parking lot on Boyce Dr.. This stretch is relatively easy with some riffle areas, but mostly flat and peaceful. PFD's are required on all NPT paddles. There may be an opportunity for some more social time at Culvers after the paddle for those interested in that sort of experience. Hope to see you on the water! - Jay

16 miles round trip, mostly flat (one good hill I think). The surface is crushed limestone.
Meet to ride at 128 Sundstein Rd, Eagle River, WI 54521. There is a pit-toilet about ¼ mile up the trail from where we are starting. We will stop there first.
This is a casual ride, not a race. We will have lunch at a restaurant/coffee shop in Three Lakes before riding back to our cars. Those who want extra miles will continue riding to Eagle River where there is tempting ice cream. This will add nine miles and additional 1.5 hrs. round trip for a total of about 25 miles
Beautiful website for this trail system. https://www.3eagletrail.org/

Holmboe Conifer Forest is owned by the Northwoods Land Trust and was designated a State Natural Area (SNA) in 1983.

It is only about a mile hike, but it is quite diverse. We should experience a few hills and a boardwalk and a mushroom or two. If we want to hike more, we can do the loop twice. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Turn in at the Northlife Church at 903 Boyce Dr, Rhinelander, WI 54501 and go behind it to park by the trailhead.
Afterwards, we will have the option to go for coffee in downtown Rhinelander. Allow about an hour for the hike and another hour to meet for coffee.
More info about the Holmboe SNA here.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/statenaturalareas/HolmboeConiferForest
"Holmboe Conifer Forest features a variety of old-growth northern forest types on very steep morainal topography along the south bank of the Pelican River. A hemlock forest occupies the north-facing and lower ridge slopes. The drier sites are wooded with white and red pines, white birch, and a mixture of northern hardwoods."