North Fork, Thornapple Dam to the Chippewa River- 8 1/2 miles, 3 hours

This is a quick and exciting trip for the beginner

This is the final stretch of the Flambeau before it merges with the mighty Chippewa. It is a quick trip from the put-in at the Thornapple Dam down to the take-out at Flaters Resort near the confluence of the 2 rivers. The first 3 1/2 miles of the trip are on fairly calm water with only one small rapids about 1 mile downstream of the put-in. Just upstream of Pine Island, there is a set of rapids. It is best to take the left channel around the island. The next 5 miles of the trip are very enjoyable, with the occasional stretches of low-hazard whitewater. Take out at Flaters Resort just upstream of the forks.

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