Popple Creek Trail-Wilson Flowage and Riley Lake Wildlife Area

Popple Creek Trail leads wildlife watchers along a 266-acre glacial ridge to an expansive vista of Wilson Flowage where waterfowl and wetland wildlife abound. At Riley Lake you can see Sharp-tailed Grouse in courtship displays in early spring. Schedule the use of blinds to observe the birds by contacting the Forest Service.

Directions: These are two sites separated by about three miles; both lie in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest about 12 miles east of Fifield. Popple Creek Trail-Wilson Flowage: From Fifield drive east 12 miles on Hwy. 70, turn south for 6 miles on Riley Lake Road (FR 137), turn west on Gates Lake Road (FR136) for 0.02 mile to the parking lot. Riley Lake Wildlife Area: From Fifield drive east 14.5 miles on Hwy. 70, turn south for 3 miles on Hemlock Road (FR 505), then west on FR 536 for 1.5 miles to the lake. You’ll find gravel parking areas at both locations.

Gazetteer: Page 87, B-7.

Amenities: gravel trails, viewing platform.

Phone: 715/762-2461 (US Forest Service).

Web site: Popple Creek Trail

Signature species: Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Osprey, Tundra Swan, Snow Goose, and the Common Loon.

Rarities: Osprey nest here.

Hours: 24/7.

Nearest food & lodging: Fifield, 16 miles west.