Wabikon and Riley Lakes

Search for aquatic birds and shy forest birds by canoe. A large peninsula on the west shore offers access to a nearly pure stand of old growth hemlock. Aquatic birds include Wood Duck, Black tern, Loon, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron. Birds in the hemlock forest include the Nashville Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet, N. Parula Warbler, Oven Bird, Canada Warbler, Brown Creeper, Myrtle Warbler, and Redbreasted Grosbeak. There is a well-developed emergent aquatic plant community on this shallow lake, largely of wild rice. A stream on the south end leads to Riley Lake, an undeveloped, shallow lake. From there you can paddle the Indian River on the south end upstream to Indian Springs, another marsh community with spring ponds.

Directions: This 1,000-acre site is best accessed by canoe. From Crandon travel east 5.5 miles on Hwy. 8/32, turn south 0.2 mile on Potowatomi Trail to the boat landing on the south side of the road. You’ll find a small, graveled parking area.

Gazetteer: Page 90, D-2.

Notes: Fish for brook trout on the Indian River and in the springs.

Phone: 715/674-4481 (US Forest Service).

Web site: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Signature species: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Osprey.

Rarities: Nashville Warbler.

Hours: 24/7.

Nearest food & lodging: Crandon, 6 miles west.