Our group of ten(?) just used Oxbo Resort as a put-in for a 2.5 day trip on the "North Fork" of the Flambeau river. Most of us had our own boats, but we rented two canoes/paddles/PFDs from Oxbo. We also used Oxbo Resort for our shuttle service.
I heard no complaints on the equipment rental. Staff acknowledged that the gear can get banged up living its life on a whitewater river, but was serviceable. One different outfitter in the area has a reputation for being overly picky if his boats come back with normal scratches and wear/tear.
Shuttle service was GREAT, they were already waiting for us when we arrived (also early) at out take-out location, below Beaver Dam rapids.
Both shuttle drivers (one might even be owner/manager at Oxbo?) IMMEDIATELY picked up canoes, and started hauling our crap up the rather steep hill. Our group was half teenagers and half middle-aged adults. The old timers very much appreciated the lift with our gear!
Canoes/kayaks were quickly and carefully loaded on trailers. Equal/appropriate care was given to all the boats, personal or rental.
Shuttle van was clean, and not stinky. Quite a feat, when it's primary use is shuttling around wet "river rats" and their gear.
Our shuttle driver (again, owner/manager type- sorry I didn't get his name) was great, joking around and giving us a miniature local history/naturalist tour on our shuttle. I think our shuttle was about 45 minutes, so it was great to have a good time even though the "best" part of the trip was behind.
If the shuttle driver(s) carry your gear for you, DON'T FORGET TO TIP!
Side note: my first time on the Flambeau. Absolutely beautiful! We were on the river Mon-Weds, and there verealmost no other river users- WAY less crowded than BWCA, plus no permits/reservations needed! Reminder to check the rules for length of stay at campsites. We had one group try to monopolize the (beautiful) site at Cedar Rapids, and stay an extra day. Our ladies reminded that group that the rules apply to everyone...
River was at 7.5-8.5 feet on the USGS gauge near Bruce, WI. Several of the seasoned Flambeau adventurers said that we made "record time." My ONLY regret it that the river was fast enough that it was difficult to fish, while floating. You had to pick, "fish or float." I fished several spots, but was always getting separated from the group.
WONDERFUL trip, made possible in part by great service from Oxbo Resort! read more