Two-Day Brule River Paddle: Hwy 2 to Hwy 13 Canoe & Kayak Shuttle

The Brule River run from Highway 2 to Highway 13 is a compact, two-day paddling classic that threads through the pine-and-birch corridor north of Brule, Wisconsin. Launched from the Brule River Office, this shuttle-supported stretch serves paddlers seeking a weekend with variety: tight bends, playful riffles, occasional Class II whitewater, and long mirror-flat pools for evening reflection. The Hwy 2 to Hwy 13 passage breaks the river into approachable segments, with sandbars and granite shelves that offer easy landings for lunches, scouting, and lightweight camping. Rental options include 2–3 person canoes, S-M through XXL kayaks, and whitewater singles; shuttle service is included with most rentals, and discounted shuttle passes are available for paddlers who bring their own boats. Prices vary by craft and day, typically ranging from about $36 to $126. Navigation here rewards basic river-reading and self-rescue familiarity; riffles funnel into narrow stretches where edging and bracing matter. Campsites are primitive on sandbars or forested clearings, so bring a compact shelter, stove, and dry bags for clothing and electronics. Check-in and shuttle pickup happen at the Brule River Office, which fields local condition updates and gear adjustments. Birdlife and mammals animate the corridor: osprey hunt the current, bald eagles patrol high perches, beaver lodges mark side channels, and river otters frequent pools. The exposed bedrock and sandy bars reflect glacial shaping, and late summer berry patches reward attentive foragers. Why choose this trip? It packs mixed paddling challenge and backcountry calm into a single weekend, with shuttle logistics handled by staff who know seasonal flows. The route is well-suited to groups that want incremental difficulty — from easy floats into technical moves — without committing to extended wilderness. Practical tips: time your launch outside peak insect periods, layer clothing for sudden weather shifts, and bring a map or GPS because cell service is limited. Respect campsites, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Summer weekends fill quickly, so reserve early with the Brule River Office and check current river conditions before departure. This two-day highway-to-highway paddle hands you northern Wisconsin’s river contrasts: quick water, quiet pools, shoreline forests, and a working shuttle that turns logistics into part of the adventure. Bring prudence, good gear, and a curiosity, and the Brule River stretch from Hwy 2 to Hwy 13 becomes a memorable short expedition you can return to again. For bookings, pricing, and shuttle options, head to the Brule River Office; they fit craft, outline trip windows, and advise on flows. Whether you paddle a tandem canoe or a whitewater kayak, this corridor is a concise, accessible way to experience Wisconsin’s moving water. Pack light, leave no trace, and enjoy the run. Sunrise and evening light bring drama, so plan a stop.