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River Log

Details for many rivers in
northwestern lower Michigan

Last Update: 5-16-2013

Jim Stamm • 231-882-5673

Send Email • Beulah, MI, 49617

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This "river log" details most sections of many rivers in northwestern Lower Michigan.

Please let me know if you have anything to add, change, or suggest to the information below.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this Web page!



RIVERS COVERED

Recommendations For Your Paddle Trip

Notes:

  • Lengths are estimates.
  • Times are one-way, unless otherwise stated, do not include any stops, are only a rough estimate, and can change due to water depth/speed, how much you paddle vs. float, etc.
  • Maps are satellite photos on which road maps can be overlaid
  • Michigan is blessed with more than 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, we are luck to have so many of these in NW lower Michigan!

Benzie County Anglers and Paddlers:

For all those interested in paddling or fishing by boat Benzie County's many rivers, inland lakes, and creeks, please check out this book: A Guide to Benzie County Michigan Rivers, Lakes, and Creeks.

BEAR CREEK

Bear Creek starts at near Copemish where First Creek meets Second Creek. It flows west and south picking up many creeks along the way, inlcuing Little Bear Creek out of Bear Lake. Just west of Brethren it crosses under Coates Highway and flows through the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club property. From there it heads south a little more and then west to the Manistee River. Many other creeks and streams join it along the way. Although quite large for a creek, it's not traveled very much. If it was kept clear it probably would be a nice canoe / kayak waterway.

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Coates Hwy to Manistee River 7.7 miles on Bear Creek. 0.5 miles upriver on the Manistee River. Unknown Map
of this section		 This trip has not been done and needs to be check out.

It's unknown if this creek is do-able from Coates Highway to Manistee River, so this needs to be checked out! The creek is as wide as the Platte or Betsie River, and plenty deep enough. It's unknown how clear it is of any hazards or tree fall.

Access at Coates Highway is at the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club (which is open to public) on the south side of Coates Highway. Park at the first parking lot (see green arrow) – it's just before you get to the clubhouse. 200 feet to the east you can put in just below a very small dam/falls. (By the way, if you want explore more of that area go here: Spirit of the Woods area.)

From the Spirit of the Woods access to the Manistee River is 7.7 miles on Bear Creek. It appears the only bridge on the trip is River Road, which is 0.4 miles before you get to the Manistee River. Once at the river you'll need to come upriver 0.5 miles to get the "Bear Creek Manistee River" access site (see green arrow). This is a U.S. Fee area).

The hazards on this creek are unknown. The creek also splits in channels a few times along this trip – which way is best is also unknown.

This creek needs to explored expecting there could be several hazards or trees to climb over along the way.

And how easy is it to paddle upriver on the Manistee for 0.5 miles? Another uncertainty.

Bear Creek should be called "Rootbeer River" as its color looks like rootbeer due to all the tannins in it from nearby vegetation.

(If anyone reading this has any more information, please contact me – contact info is at the top of the page.)

BEAR RIVER

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River yet to be investigated! The following is information gathered from information from the Web...

Near Petoskey, the Bear is a small, clear-water river, twelve miles in length through pristine wilderness. Apparently much of the river is slow-moving with a leisurely current and gentle turns ideal for peaceful canoeing or kayaking.

However, the city of Petoskey had removed three of their dams, thus creating a 1.5 mile stretch of class 2.5 to 4 whitewater. It's the Bear River Valley Whitewater Park and part of the Bear River Valley Recreation Area (see site #1 and site #2). The river drops 80' during the whitewater run. A number of features have been added to the river including large boulders, roll overs, ledges, logs, and tight squeezes. The rapids begin near the Sheridan Street bridge and drops three miles through the spectacular park and ends at the mouth of the Bear River on the Little Traverse Bay. There are numerous put in locations along the river.

For more information, contact:
• Northern Michigan Paddling Club, 866-457-2582
• Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, 231-347-4150
• Bear River Canoe Livery, 2517 McDougall Road, Petoskey, 231-347-9038. They offer 2 and 4 hours trips.

Section Length Time Map Comments
Walloon Lake to Lake Michigan 12 miles Map of area Bear River Valley Recreation Area Whitewater Park Map
— map of the whole river and roads with access locations.

Some more about the river...

Helmet cam video of kayaking whitewater of the Bear River, Petoskey

American Whitewater - Petoskey: Sheridan Street to Lake (1.15 mile), Bear Michigan, US

BETSIE RIVER

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NOTES:

  • Avoid the lower sections (Homestead Dam on down) during the thick of Salmon season (most of September) to avoid conflicts and hook hazards with anglers.
  • Near the end of summer, be mindful of the river height. If there's not been much rain, you could be doing the "knuckle walk" a lot.
  • Map of Betsie River and details from the DNR
Section Length Time Map Comments
Green Lake to the
Grass Lake Dam		 4 miles? About
2 hours		 Map Start at the public launch on Green Lake (which is 1/2 mile north of the Betsie River Bridge on Betsie River Road (west side of Green Lake)), then you paddle south about 1/2 mile along the west shore the lake, enter the river, go under the bridge, and on down to the dam. Grass Lake Dam is in the Grass Lake campground off of Reynolds Road

During lower water, you can easily paddle upstream from the Grass Lake Dam to "somewhere near" Green Lake. (We've not done this all the way, yet.)
Grass Lake Dam: paddle upstream on Pickerel Creek to Twin Lakes   Round trip: 3.5 hours Map Pickerel Creek is slow enough it's easy to paddle upstream. Expect at least one beaver dam to go over or around. No development, nice and wild.
Grass Lake Dam to points down river...     Map
Grass Lake Dam to Wallin Road. 1.5-2 hours Map You'll pass under the Reynolds Road bridge, through an old railroad bridge, then under the Notswick and Wallin Road bridges before the pull-out point 2 minutes past Wallin Road bridge.

The first 2/3 of the trip (to the Reynolds Road bridge) is wider and slower. The last 1/3 is a bit narrower and faster.
Wallin Road to Carmean Road   1.9 hours    
Wallin Road to King Road   3 hours Map Like many sections of the upper Betsie, early in the season this section is fine. Late in the season this section can be trouble if the river is shallow -- the river is much slower and you can run aground often.
Carmean Road to King Road 1.1 hours Map Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Carmean. Easy entry/exit at on east side of King.
Carmean Road to Haze Road 2.2 hours Map The Little Betsie River joins with the Betsie River between King and Wolf Road. There are very few houses. Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Carmean. Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Haze.

Note: Haze Road bridge is currently closed to cars.
King Road to Wolf Road   0.6 hours Map The Little Betsie River joins with the Betsie River between King and Wolf Road. Pit toilet available at Wolf Road. Experiment for the best place to take out -- several potential locations. Looks like downstream of bridge on north and south sides of the river should work.
King Road to Haze Road 1.1 hours Map The Little Betsie River joins with the Betsie River between King and Wolf Road.

Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Haze.

Note: Haze Road bridge is currently closed to cars.
Wolf Road to Haze Road   0.5 hours Map A beautiful stretch, wild, no development along the way, and runs a little deeper than above. Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Haze.

Note: Haze Road bridge is currently closed to cars.
Haze Road bridge to Kurick   2.25 hours Map Note: Haze Road bridge is currently closed to cars.

There is no easy entry/exit at Lindy or at M-115.

At Kurick Road there are four large culverts. All were passable August 2008, In the past, some would get rubble at the end, like the two on the right. The far left one is biggest and seems to have the fastest moving water.

At Kurick Road, the best exit / entry is on the southwest (just past the culverts on the immediate left). From the road there's a sandy path down a mild slope, and a nice sandy/shallow spot to put your boat while you enter/exit. See a close-up view here. (Note, while it is possible to exit / enter on the northwest, but the bank is high and the water deep, so it's not recommended.)

Parking -- you can park south of the guardrail on the west side of the Kurick Road. But better yet, park in the grassy area on the northwest corner. This is DNR land! To get there, on the north side of the river and west side of Kurick Road at Dzuibanek Road, go west just 30' and see a two-track on the south side of the road. Pull in there and park. You can launch from here, but as mentioned, the bank is high and the water deep, so it's not recommended. (To get back to the nice launch spot, take the "goat paths" or walk back the very short ways on the roads.) The DNR is looking into putting a river access site here.
Haze Road bridge to Psutka.   3.75 hours Map Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Haze. Easy entry/exit at SE corner at Psutka.

Note: Haze Road bridge is currently closed to cars.
Haze Road bridge to County Line 4.5 hours Map This is with no stops, of course.

Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Haze.

Note: Haze Road bridge is currently closed to cars.
Kurick to Psutka Road bridge 1.5 hours Map At Psutka, there's easy entry/exit at the SE corner (upstream-left).
Kurick to County Line 2.25 hours Map Easy entry/exit at SE corner at County Line.
Psutka to County Line   45 minutes Map At Psutka, there's easy entry/exit at the SE corner (upstream-left).

At County Line, there's easy entry/exit at the NE corner (upstream-right).
County Line to Old King (Off Dair Mill Road)   2 to 2.5 hours Map A little more challenging, as there are some obstacles to go around. Not for beginners.

August 2008 – right now on this section there are three log jams to climb over or portage around.
County Line to Fred's Landing   3.5 hours Map August 2008 – right now between County Line to Old King there are three log jams to climb over or portage around.
Old King to Fred's Landing   1 hour Map  
Old King to Homestead Dam   2 hours Map  
Fred's Landing to Homestead Dam   1 hour    
Homestead Dam to River Road east bridge   2 hours Map  
River Road east (Smith) bridge to River Road west (Lewis) bridge   About 2 hours Map The Crystal Outlet creek joins you from the north on this part.
River Road west (Lewis) bridge to Elberta railroad tracks   2 hours Map The time shown is for floating (not much paddling) and with river high enough to get through at the end (NOT like 2000 and 2001). 2002-2008 was OK in a kayak. Not a good trip on a real windy day because of the open swamp at the end. You have to carry your boats a few hundred feet to your cars along the bike trail.
Go a little further to the Elberta docks. Add 15 minutes Map Go under the railroad bridge at Elberta, then under M-22 car bridge (if the bay is not too high) and paddle over to the Elberta docks (near main intersection in Elberta). You can park your car right by the simple boat launch.
Other Betsie River entry/exit points: Reynolds Road, Long Road,, Boat launch at US-31/M-115 in Benzonia, Grace Road
BOARDMAN RIVER

Map of Boardman River and details from the DNR

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Adventurous trip:

North Branch - Above the Upper Boardman: North Branch Bridge to Forks Campground		 About 2 miles 1:25 hours Map About 15 "climb-over" (or portage) log jams. Not for the faint of heart. Slightly smaller than Upper Boardman, but very wild and scenic.
Main trips:        
Upper: Forks Campground (on Brown Bridge Road just west of Supply Road) to Brown Bridge Dam 7.9 miles 2.3 to 3 hours (depending on height of water and how fast you paddle) Map Like the Upper Platte and Betsie. Then last 1.2 miles is in the Brown Bridge Pond. Very few houses. Use Brown Bridge Road as shuttle road.
Subsection: Forks Campground to Shecks Campground 4.3 miles About 1.4 hours  
Middle: Brown Bridge Dam to Beitner Bridge 11.2 miles 3 to 3.5 hours (depending on how fast you paddle and how fast the water is) Map Easy to medium paddling, much like the lower Betsie. Very little treefall to watch for, but there are a few boulders. Partially wild surroundings, but handfuls of cottages, too.

Note, a little less than half-way from the end (just east of Sleights Rd) is the Shumsky Road access – if you want another exit/entry point. This is 6.8 miles from Brown Bridge and it's 4.4 miles from here to the Beitner Bridge.

Also, about 70% of the way up (east) on River Road, there's a bridge on where the river flows south underneath. You can start here, too, for a shorter trip.
Beitner Bridge to Sabin Dam This section includes the Beitner Rapids (a.k.a. Keystone Rapids), the only set of recognized rapids in the Lower Peninsula. These are just below Beitner Bridge, feature standing waves, bushel-sized boulders, rock gardens, and plenty of fast water..They approach a Class II rapids. Thanks to Mike Terrell's article, we learn the half-mile stretch of whitewater is fairly straightforward and are interspersed with periods of calmer water so you can line up the next set of rapids as you proceed through the stretch.

Also along this part are: Keystone Pond, the Boardman dam at Cass Road, Sabin Pond, then the Sabin Dam. Most of the trip appears to be in the two ponds. I don't have any other information on this section, as of yet.

Note, it's 8.3 miles from here to the river mouth at Lake Michigan.
Sabin Dam to Boardman Lake Around 4 miles round trip  

Map

You can put in below the dam, but check this out this other option...

Consider putting in at the Logan's Landing area, paddling upstream to Sabin Dam, then float back with the current. This is just over 2 hours round trip if done from the YWCA (see below). Even though you're paddling upstream for the first half of the trip, the river is calm and the current is gentle, so it's easily done. Very nice and woodsy. Lots of cedar trees. Here are two put-in locations and details:

  • Put in at the the park at Logan's Landing on the south end of Boardman Lake and paddle under Airport Road and upstream to the Dam. At Airport Road by Logan's Landing, there are two river channels going under under the road, you can take either way. The east channel has one long tube going under the road, and afterwards has lots of dead stumps to deal with. Easier is the west channel which goes in between the Panda North and Auntie Pasta restaurants, and of those, the left "tube" there is the highest (in fact it's it the highest of tubes going under Airport Road). The tubes here in this west channel are made up of two shorter sections.

  • An easier wasy which avoids the tubes — On the south side of Airport Road at the river is an office complex, and there is a YWCA just south of that. You can launch there, too, behind the tennis courts.
Boardman Lake Area 1.5 miles from north to south end of Lake.   Map If you're looking for a launch place on the east side of Boardman Lake, not too far from the south end, find the the old YMCA building (1100 Woodmere Ave., on the west side of the road). Behind the building there's a little path in the grass leading down a hill to the bike trail. Supposedly one can gain access to the lake there from that trail (?)

You can put in at the park at Logan's Landing on the south end of the Lake.

You can also put in at the boat launch at Hull Park — it's next to the sailing facility at the north end of Boardman Lake (use Hannah Ave that goes behind T. C. Library).

On the south end, explore river going under Airport Road and up to Sabin Dam (see section above).

On the north end of the lake, explore the river going north under a railroad bridge, Eighth Street, and Cass Ave. to the Union Street dam -- looks like about 0.5 miles.
Boardman Lake to Grand Traverse Bay (on Lake Michigan)     Map (Note, I'm told the Boardman River is closed from Sept. 1st to October 31st from the Union Street bridge downstream to the US-31 bridge (just before Lake Michigan). (I assume this is for the salmon run and that the weir is closed.) The river remains open upstream from the Union Street bridge to Sabin Dam all year round. The river upstream from Sabin Dam closes after Sept. 30th and the season up there is the last Saturday in April to September 30th.)

Put in at the boat launch at Hull Park — it's next to the sailing facility at the north end of Boardman Lake (use Hannah Ave that goes behind T. C. Library).

From the Boardman Lake, the river goes north under a foot/bicycle bridge and old railroad trestle and the Eight Street bridge, then opens into a wide expanse that is the backwater from the Union Street dam. After passing under the Cass Street Bridge you come to the Union Street dam.

The portage at the dam not an easy affair. The take-out location at the south side of the dam is not too difficult, but finding an easy place to re-launch is a challenge. The south shore of the river seems the best, as it is the most accessible from the take-out place, although it involves dragging your boat down aand over some boulders, risking scrapes and bumps to both the boat and yourself. The north side has a walkway that is closer to the water, but usually filled with fishermen and is not easy to get to.(We'd love to see the city make a few inexpensive adjustments to make this more canoer/kayaker friendly.)

Downstrem from the dam, you go under the Union Street bridge and there is a nice current that carries the boater through some old neighborhoods. The view to the south includes the impressive former residence of Perry Hannah, the founder of TC (Traverse City). It is now a funeral home. As you approach the Front Street bridge, to the left is a large culvert that is confluence of Kid's Creek (or Asylum Creek) which was the site of the very first mill in TC built by Capt Boardman, the first settler of TC who sold his interest to Hannah, who developed the area.

As you pass under the Front Street bridge you will catch a nice little current that carries you to the fish weir, which should be approached with caution as there is a good current and the weir offers numerous narrow "slots" which you will want to line up carefully as your paddle must be pulled inboard to fit through.

Next a "concrete canyon" wall appears on the right and a river walk on the left as you pass through downtown TC. There are several road and foot bridges, and many places you can get out of the boat if you want to enjoy downtown TC. The river flows slowly and gets busier with boats as you approach the outlet into Grand Traverse Bay, but even on the busiest of days it's not been a serious issue.

There is a boat launch on your left just before you pass under the US-31 parkway bridge and enter GT Bay. If you need to spot your vehicle here, it's an easy 4 or 5 block walk or bicycle ride up Franklin Street to the put-in location at the boat launch on Boardman Lake mentioned above.

If the Bay is calm, it's worth going beyond boat launch (on the left before US-31) and floating out and enjoying some paddling on the Bay. The municipal marina, less than half a mile along the beach to the west, has an excellent boat launch to use as a take-out and is also an easy walk through town back to the launch site for the sake of spotting vehicles.

If you want some exercise, you can continue paddling along the shore of the Bay to Greilickville where another excellent boat launch is located. This trip from the mouth of the Boardman along the shoreline of the Bay to the boat launch mentioned is slightly more than 2.5 miles. Apache Trout Grill is situated about half way and has a dock and beach at which a thirsty or hungry paddler can enjoy a sandwich or drink and a great view of the Bay.

(Thanks to Doug S. for much of the text for this section!.)
CEDAR RIVER (aka Victoria Creek)

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Cedar Village Park to South Lake Leelanau and back. 7 miles, round trip 3.5 hours round trip Map In a large curve, the Cedar River heads primarily east, from Cedar, through the Cedar River Preserve / Solon Swamp, on to the southwest corner of South Lake Leelanau. There is almost no current on the river, so it's as easy to paddle upstream as downstream.

The Cedar River Preserve (aka Cedar River Natural Area) is in Solon Swamp, near the southwest corner of South Lake Leelanau, and is part of the Leelanau Conservancy. See their complete preserve map.

Start and park at the Cedar Village Park — on the northeast corner where Kasson Street crosses the river just north of town.

Both banks of the Cedar River, from the village of Cedar all the way down to Lake Leelanau, are owned by either the State or the Conservancy (near the end) and are open to the public to explore and enjoy.

The river banks do not offer any easy way or place to get out of the boat — so plan ahead!

No development, rustic and wild landscape.

Less than a mile before you get to Lake Leelanau, you can take a short side trip using Cedar Run Creek to the south to access an unnamed 1/2 mile long lake which feeds the river. See the map or satellite image for details.

Not tried — It looks like you can paddle 1/2 mile upstream, west of the bridge at Cedar, too.

Upstream north of town, some maps show the Cedar River as Cedar Creek and/or Victoria Creek.
Cedar Village Park to Solon Township Park on South Lake Leelanau 4.5 miles 2.3 hours Map Start at Cedar Village Park (see the "Cedar Village Park to South Lake Leelanau and back" section above) and take the Cedar River to South Lake Leelanau. Once at the lake, head to northeast about 1 mile to the Solon Township Park.

To get to the Solon Township Park from Cedar Village Park, go north on Kasson Street about 0.2 miles to Schomberg Road (CR645). Turn right (east) and go 0.6 miles to S. Lake Shore Drive (CR643). Turn right (east) and go 1.3 miles and on left see sign for the Park and Solon Park Road on the right. Turn right (east) and go 0.2 miles to lake access. Parking is available a few hundred feet before the lake in a grass lot.
Cedar Village Park to Perrin's Landing on South Lake Leelanau 5.5 miles 3 hours Map Start at Cedar Village Park (see the "Cedar Village Park to South Lake Leelanau and back" section above) and take the Cedar River to South Lake Leelanau. Once at the lake, head east-by-southeast about 2 miles to Perrin's Landing in the southeast corner of the lake. Go across the lake, or explore the shore — the first third goes along the Cedar River Natural Area.

Find Birch Point on the lake – Perrin's Landing is directly south of that (across the lake) at the end of Perrin's Landing Drive off west Fouch Road. There's a very small point there. (Lakeside Resort and Party Store is right there where the road ends at the lake. Ask them where you can safely park.)
CRYSTAL RIVER

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Fisher Road to "Tubes" at first bridge   1 hour Map Can be busy during weekends of "tourist" season. Tubes are usually possible using the left one if river is not way too high.
Fisher Road to Portage near the end   1.5 hours    
Fisher Road to Shell station on M-22   2.0 hours   Can be quite shallow near the end if river is low.
Shell station on M-22 to Lake Michigan.       I've not done this, but know some that have. You go through the Homestead property and cannot
pick-up there, but must paddle back a little ways to public access on Lake Michigan near Glen Arbor.
GREAT KAYAK CIRCLE ROUTE

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Section Length Time Comments
Loop using Crystal Lake, and Crystal Lake Outlet Stream, Betsie River, Betsie Bay, Frankfort, Michigan, Lake Michigan   8 hours ? Map • Start at the Crystal View Coffee Shop on M-22, North of Frankfort, at the Southwest corner of Crystal Lake.
• Carry boat to Crystal Lake.
• Paddle East to the Crystal Lake Outlet.
• Paddle down Outlet Creek to the Betsie River.
• Paddle down the Betsie River to Betsie Bay.
• Paddle through the Frankfort Harbor past the USCG station to Lake Michigan.
• Paddle North from the Frankfort Lighthouse about 3 miles to the CSA beach.
• Carry boat overland about one mile back to the Crystal View Coffee Shop
• Repeat as needed.
JORDAN RIVER

Map of Jordan River and details from the DNR

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Graves Crossing Road bridge to Rogers Road bridge   2.5 to 3 hours Map

First hour is as fast or faster than the upper Platte, and wild flora the whole way (only 14 houses the whole trip). Rogers Road is just south of East Jordan about 1.5 miles. Graves Crossing Road is about 8.5 miles south of Rogers Road, using M-66 as shuttle road. Intermediate bridges are, going north (downstream): Old State Road and Webster Road, each about an hour apart

Note: If necessary, use one of the local boat liveries to help shuttle car. Two nearby are:

The quickest way there from Traverse City is is to take US-31 north out of the city, then M-72 east to Kalkaska, then M-131/M-66 north through Mancelona. Just outside Mancelona on the north side, M-66 splits off and heads straight north. It's about 7 miles to Pinney Bridge Road or 8.5 to miles Graves Crossing Road. Rogers Road is about 8.5 miles north of Graves Crossing Road.

LITTLE MANISTEE RIVER

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NOTE: Avoid lower section during the thick of Salmon season (most of September) to avoid conflicts and hook hazards with anglers.
Section Length Time Map Comments
Bear Track Campground to Nine Mile Bridge Map Reported to be rather mellow.
Nine Mile Bridge to Six Mile Bridge   2.0 - 2.5 hours Map A most challenging section.... not recommended. This section is known as a "high quality trout fishery" because of all the treefall in the river that helps create habitat for the fish.

The water can be fast, the turns are many and tight, and there can be large piles of uncleared treefall in or across the river just where you do not expect or want it. Expect to have to then paddle upstream just to find a a possible place to portage around the obstructions. For advanced paddlers only and you need to feel comfortable playing in class 2 water, and know how to back ferry and do eddy turns.

Occasionally volunteers may clear this river, and occasionally the water level may be down/slower.

Directions straight to Nine Mile Bridge —coming from the north at intersection of US-31 and M-55, north of Manistee:
• take M-55 east around 9 miles to Skocelas Road.
• south 2.5 miles, then bend to the east and go around 2 miles, then bend to the south and go about 0.8 miles to the river, bridge, access, and parking.
Note: Skocelas Road becomes Campbell Road on the south side of the river.

Directions straight to Six Mile Bridge —coming from the north at intersection of US-31 and M-55, north of Manistee:
• take M-55 east around 9 miles to Skocelas Rd.
• south 2.5 miles to Bridge Rd.
• WSW about 1 miles to Little River Rd
• West less than 0.1 miles to 6 Mile Bridge Rd.
• SSW 0.2 miles to river, bridge, access and parking (NE corner)
Six Mile Bridge to Old Stronach Road   2 hours Map Like the Upper Betsie. First section requires some intermediate level skills. You get to go through, or portage around, the weir.

Directions to Old Stronach Road —coming from the north at intersection of US-31 and M-55, north of Manistee:
• take M-55 SE to Franklin Rd.,
• south on that to Steinberg Rd,
• east on that to Helen Rd,
• south on that to Stronach Rd,
• SW on that to Old Stronach Rd,
• east and south on that to bridge over the river and drop off shuttle car.

Shuttle roads — See map. Take either Old Stronach Rd (on the south side of the river and has access to the weir), or Little River River Rd (on the north side of the river and has a great viewing spot along the way), to 6 Mile Bridge Road.

See section above for directions straight to Six Mile Bridge.
MANISTEE RIVER

Map of Upper Manistee River and details from the DNR

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Adventurous trip:
C-38 (Mancelona Road) east of Mancelona to Cameron Bridge Road		 5 hours Map This is the earliest part of the Manistee one can do. It's possible, but with lots of portages. Be prepared to portage around long jams. Be prepared for knee-deep muck. Most folks will not want to do this.

Go about 11 miles east of Mancelona on C-38 (Mancelona Road), down a large hill, and look for a small, shallow, unnamed stream that runs under the road through a culvert. Its less than a foot deep and about 12' wide.

As you work your way downstream, the river become a little wider and the log jams fewer. Expect some beaver dams that span the entire stream. (If you paddle really hard an hit each dam in just the right spot, you can slide up and over like a river otter on a snow bank.)

About an hour upstream of the take-out point at Cameron Bridge, the obstacles end and the paddling becomes considerably easier. At that point the river is still crystal clear with a sand bottom.

Take-out: NW corner of the bridge on Cameron Bridge Road. Limited parking along the road.

Shuttle road: Road between put-in and take-out: Deward Road on the west side of the river (or Manistee Road on the east side of the River).

(Thanks to John Heiam and Lois Goldstein for most of this information!)
Somewhat adventurous trip:
Deward (wildlife viewing area) to Cameron Bridge Road		 2 road miles 2 hours ? Map On the east side of the river, take Manistee River Road about 2.6 miles north of Cameron Bridge Road (and just south of the ghost town of Deward at Post Road) and look for the "binoculars" sign at a two-track on the west side of the road. That goes down to a very small parking lot. There's a trail to a wildlife viewing area, and it's a1/4 mile carry of boats to the river.

This is about the last two hours of the trip above, the river is just barely large enough for canoeing, says the Canoeing Michigan Rivers book. The book says from here to M-72 is 14.5 miles and 5.5 to 8 hours. Depth: 1 - 4 feet.

Sounds like one should expect possibility of sunken logs, stumps, treefall, etc.

Web page about Deward area. (Note, their instructions have a mistake -- you turn LEFT (West) off Manistee Road at the two-track with the "binoculars" sign.)
Main trips:
Cameron Bridge Road to County Road 612 (Red Bridge) 2 road miles Less than 2 hours ? Map The river from here to Route 72 is "small, meandering, clear, and beautiful," says the Canoeing Michigan Rivers book. But expect possibility of some sunken logs, stumps, treefall, etc. The river is slow moving.

The bridge at Cameron Bridge Road appears to be the best starting point for this river. There's easy access on the NW corner. Limited parking along the road.

The river's fairly straight for this short stretch. Use this section to extend your Red Bridge to Route 72 trip by a few miles.

County Road 612 (Red Bridge) has good access on the SE corner and decent along side but off the road parking.

Shuttle: use Manistee Road on the east side of the River.

Note: The more adventurous paddles may want to extend their trip a few hours at the beginning by starting at the Deward (wildlife viewing area) — see section just above.
County Road 612 (Red Bridge #1) to M-72 9 miles 3 hours ? Map The river from here to Route 72 is "small, meandering, clear, and beautiful," says the Canoeing Michigan Rivers book. But expect some sunken logs, stumps, treefall to go around, etc. Even here the river is still slow moving.

County Road 612 (Red Bridge #1) has good access on the SE corner and decent parking along side but off the road.

M72 has good access and parking on the SE corner.

Shuttle: use Manistee Road on the east side of the River.

Note: Extend your trip a few miles at the beginning if you want by starting at the Cameron Bridge Road (see section just above).
M-72 to CCC Bridge 25 miles 5 hours Map The Canoeing Michigan Rivers book says there can be lots of canoe flotillas on summer weekends. And at time lots of.fisherman. Current steady with some slwo stretches.

M-72 has good access and parking on the SE corner.

CCC Bridge — Good access and parking on left, downstream corner at public access site (and second of two campgrounds there).

Shuttle road: Perhaps little more longer thn local two-tracks but faster is: M-72 west about 7 miles to Sunset Trail, then south on that nice gravel road a little over 7 miles to CCC Bridge.
CCC Bridge to lower Sharon Bridge (on West Sharon Road) 17 miles 4 hours Map The Canoeing Michigan Rivers book says this section is less crowded thant the previous section, though weekend use can be heavy.

The North branch of the Manistee river joins you just before Sharon. From there the current increases to moderately fast in places, and now expect some larger rocks to avoid. From here on downstream there is more water volume. Expect some powered fishing boats.

CCC Bridge — Good access and parking on left, downstream corner.

There are two bridgse at Sharon:
• The first (upper) is at North Sharon Road. There is no access or parking.
• The second (lower) is at West Sharon Road. There is good access and parking here at public access site.

Shuttle Road: on the south side of the river, just past the entrance to the public access site, find King Road a decent gravel road on the right. It connects to Military Road just before you reach Sharon. Go west ouf of Sharon a very short ways on West Sharon Road to public access site on right.
Lower Sharon Bridge (on West Sharon Road) to Smithville (just past M-66 Bridge) 20 miles 4 hours Map Below Sharon the river slows and widens a bit (60-90 feet), and runs 3-4 deep with deeper holes.

At the lower Sharon Bridge on West Sharon Road, there is good access and parking at public access site.

Smithville: On the river, 5 minutes past the M-66 Bridge at Smithville on the right is the take-out spot. Best to mark with a flag and make sure you all know where to pull-out.

Shuttle Road: West Sharon Road west 5 miles to M-66, then south on that 4 miles. Just north of river on west side of M-66, turn onto Bluebird, then turn on to Boat Ramp Road and take this a short ways to river. Good access and parking. (Former state campground.)
Smithville.to US-131 north Manton 35 miles 7 hours Map Below M-66: steady current with series of moderately fast riffles and some larger rocks. Fewer paddkers than sections above.

Smithville: Just north of river on west side of M-66, turn onto Bluebird, then turn on to Boat Ramp Road and take this a short ways to river. Good access and parking.

Shuttle: Shuttle: M-66 north for 1 mile to Lund Road. Tnen west 7 miles to Shippy Road. South 2 miles to County Line. West 5 miles to US-131. Cross US-131 and take OLD 131 south to state campground.
Smithville.to Coster Road Bridge 15 miles 3 hours Map Below M-66: steady current with series of moderately fast riffles and some larger rocks. Fewer paddkers than sections above.

Smithville: Just north of river on west side of M-66, turn onto Bluebird, then turn on to Boat Ramp Road and take this a short ways to river. Good access and parking.

Shuttle: M-66 north for 1 mile to Lund Road. Tnen west 6 miles to Coster Road. The SE 1.5 miles to river at Coster Road Bridge. Good access and parking.
Smithville.to Lucas Road Bridge 20 miles 4 hours Map Below M-66: steady current with series of moderately fast riffles and some larger rocks. Fewer paddkers than sections above.

Smithville: Just north of river on west side of M-66, turn onto Bluebird, then turn on to Boat Ramp Road and take this a short ways to river. Good access and parking.

Shuttle: Shuttle: M-66 north for 1 mile to Lund Road. Tnen west 7 miles to Shippy Road. South 2 miles to County Line, west 1/2 milles to Lucas Road, , south then east on Lucas over a mile to Lucas Road Bridge.
Coster Road Bridge to Lucas Road Bridge 3-4 miles 1 hour or so Map Below Coster Rad Bridge, river deepens and slows somewhat, a few light riffles.

Shuttle: Coster Road NW1.5 miles, west on Lund 1 mile, south on Shippy 2 miles, west on County Line 1/2 mille, south then east on Lucas over a mile to Lucas Road Bridge.
Lucas Road Bridge US-131 Bridge 20 miles 4 hours Map River deepens and slows somewhat, a few light riffles.

Shuttle: Lucas Road west then north to County Line. West 5 miles to US-131. Cross US-131 and take OLD 131 south to state campground.
US-131 Bridge to Baxter Bridge 21 river miles Just over 4 hours Map Directions from M-37/M-42 junction to Baxter Bridge (29.5/31) put-in-point — go 9 miles east to 31 Road, then about 6.3 miles north to the river. (31 Road takes a jog near river and becomes 29.5 Road.) Cross the bridge, parking is on the left (NW corner).

Shuttle:
• 31.5 Road south a few miles to 8 Road.
• 8 Road east mile to 33 Road.
• 33 Road a mile south to10 Road
• 10 Road east 4.5 miles to business 131.
• Business 131 north 2 miles to main US-131.
• Main US-131 north 2.5 miles to bridge over Manistee River.

Good access and fair parking on NE corner of US-131 bridge and river.

Also, at the Old US-131 State Forest Campground, 1/2 mile down river from the US-131 bridge, there is good access and good parking. To get there, take:
• US-131 north to 4 mile (or close to Couty Line Road)
• cut over (go west short ways) old 131,
• old 131 south to campground and river access.
Baxter Bridge (29.5/31 Road) to Harvey Bridge (17/19 Road) 27 river miles 5.5 hours Map Take M-115 southeast to Crystal Mountain entrance, Lindy Road is across the street (north side of street). Take Lindy Road east through Thompsonville. 4 miles east of T'Ville it jogs south and becomes County Line Road. 12 miles east of T'Ville is a stop sign at Wexford Center (intersection with CO 633). Go 2 miles straight east to 17 Road. Turn right (south) on 17 Road and go one mile south to W4 Road. From here, you can go:

- To the Harvey Bridge to drop off car at ending point — Just over 4 miles south to the bridge, park on south side of river, east side of road.

      = OR =

- To the Baxter Bridge, the starting point. Go east on 4 Road about 7 miles to 29.5 Road, then south 1.3 miles to the Baxter Bridge. Park on north side of river, west side of road.

Baxter Bridge can also be accessed from the south via 31 Road.

Note: Harvey Bridge can be accessed from both north of the river via 17 Road and south of the river via 19 Road. There's good river access, and parking at public lot just south of access area.

The "High Rollways" (like this one) are on this part.

Attempts were made to find an earlier place to put out but on the north side of the river, making the travel and shuttle time less. There are some two-tracks at 23 Road and 21 Road (at West 6 Raod) that appear to go close or even right to the river. But the condition of these were lousy at best. No one would be happy driving on those for long.
Baxter Bridge (29.5/31) to 23 Road 17 river miles 3.5 hours Map The "High Rollways" (like this one) are on this part.

There is NO BRIDGE at 23 Road, and the only access to the river is from the south. So, the directions are different than the "Baxter Bridge to Harvey Bridge" trip mentioned above. A good Wexford County map helps.

Decide ahead of time if you want to drop off a car at 23 Road. It's recommend since you will be going past the pull-out point at 23 Road.

On the east side of Mesick, from M-115 take M-37 1/2 mile north to M-42 (16 Road). Then take M-42 (16 Road) east....

Directions from M-37/M-42 junction to 23 Road pullout point — go 5 miles east to 23 Road, then 3.75 miles north on 23 Road to the river. This is a straight but bumpy gravel road, figure 12 minutes on this just one way.

NOTE: At the 23 Road pullout point — hang a red (or bright colored) scarf, shirt, flag or whatever on trees/bushes to help mark the spot. Be sure to warn anyone in the lead to watch for the flag.

Directions from M-37/M-42 junction to Baxter Bridge (29.5/31) put-in-point — go 9 miles east to 31 Road, then about 6.3 miles north to the river. (31 Road takes a jog near river and becomes 29.5 Road.) Cross the bridge, parking is on the left (NW corner).

Shuttle Routes:

1) Use 12 Road going east off from 23 Road. This becomes Kolarvic, then 8 Road, and comes out on 31 Road. Note: June 2009, about 2 miles east of 23 Road a creek has washed out the road (on Kolarvic), so it's closed there. Take another route.

2) Use 14 Road going east off from 23 Road. take it 4 miles east to 31 Road, then 5.3 miles north to the river. This is wider and faster than the 12 Road way.

3) Go back to M-42 (16 Road) and take it 4 miles east to 31 Road, then 6.3 miles north to the river. This is the fastest way, as M-42 (16 Road) is paved.
23 Road to Harvey Bridge (17/19 Road) 10 river miles 2 hours Map There is NO BRIDGE at 23 Road, and the only access to the river is from the south.

Harvey Bridge can be accessed from both north of the river via 17 Road and south of the river via 19 Road. Good access, parking at public access lot just south of access area.
Harvey Bridge (17/19 Road) to Glengarry Bridge 15 river miles 3 hours Map Glengarry Bridge is in Glengarry, about 1.5 miles north of Mesick. From Mesick, take Eugene Street north to 11 Road, and take that north to the bridge. There is easy access here.

Harvey Bridge can be accessed from both north of the river via 17 Road and south of the river via 19 Road. Good access, parking at public access lot just south of access area.

Note: In case you're wondering, there is no access to the river on M-37 bridge north of Sherman. However, if needed, Wilderness Canoe Trips on the left immediately below the bridge offers access, supplies, and shuttles. Also, the Glengarry Bridge is less than an hour downstream.
Glengarry Bridge to Veteran's Memorial Community Park (M-115 Bridge) 1.5 river miles About 30 minutes Map Glengarry Bridge is in Glengarry, about 1.5 miles north of Mesick. From Mesick, take Eugene Street north to 11 Road, and take that north to the bridge.

Veteran's Memorial Community Park is on the SW corner of the river and M-115. Daytime parking and picnic area. Launch steps on south end of park.
Veteran's Memorial Community Park (M-115 Bridge) to Hodenpyl Dam 2.5 to 3 hours? Map Mostly in the lake creeated by the Hodenpyl Dam.

Veteran's Memorial Community Park is on the SW corner of the river and M-115. Daytime parking and picnic area. Launch steps on south end of park.

To get to the Hodenpyl Dam from the Veteran's Memorial Community Park: Go west on M-115 across the Manistee River and in less than a mile turn left on N Hodenpyl Dam Road (this becomes Beers Road on its west end). Take this about 5 miles, and watch for gravel Hodenpyl Road on left with a sign for Hodenpyl Dam and Consumer Energy — turn left (south), go 1/2 mile to the dam and parking lot. Canoe lanndingis up the hill to the east (see stairs) of the parking lot.
Hodenpyl Dam (near Mesick) to Red Bridge (Coates Highway) 20 river miles 3.5 hours Map

Wide, but "a little faster"— like the upper Manistee. Sometimes has a few nice riffles. Take 115 to Marilla Road (which is 2.5 miles east of the Amoco on the east side of Copemish). Go 4.5 miles south on Marilla Road to Beers Road, the east 2.8 miles to gravel road (see sign for Hodenpyl Dam and Consumer Energy at bottom of the hill), then south a short distance to the dam, parking lot, and stairs down to the river.

Obstruction Alert: There are many inherent dangers in rivers, to be sure. Submerged trees, logs, branches, stumps, rocks, and boulders are often present in many rivers. And this section of this river has a special danger at one spot. It's a collection of branches and debris caught underwater by a mostly-submerged tree stump (or set of stumps). It's very hard to detect except for a small ripple and small piece of it protruding slightly above the surface. Upriver it seems of little concern, but from downriver one can easily see the protrusion.

Where is it? Here's a satellite view of its location. After you pass the suspension foot bridge, within the first 30 minutes or so, you'll encounter three sets of power lines that cross the river. This "tricky" obstruction is just before the third set, on the outside (left or east) of the turn 10-20 feet from a somewhat steep sandy bank, and near to where that sandy part of the bank starts.

Why so bad? We've had three people in kayaks in one year alone overturn very quickly by hitting this obstruction. (And likely many hit this on a regualry basis.) It looks deceptively tame. And the current can be strong there, pulling you towards the outside of the turn and this obstruction. One person who flipped here had his foot become tangled in some sort of line trapped there by the stump — fortunately he was able to free himself.

This begs these issues:
• Is anyone in your crew prepared to dive underwater and cut rope or other types of lines?
• Are all paddlers prepared in case of a flip?
• Be sure to see Recommendations For Your Paddle Trip.

Shuttle Road: Red Bridge in on Coates Highway... take Beers Road west to Marilla Road, south to Coates Highway, then east to Red Bridge (this is thhe second "Red Bridge" on the Manistee.) Better yet, if possible, take the Upper River gravel road, which is shorter distance, pretty, and fun.

Red Bridge (Coates Highway) to Tippy Dam 6 miles 3 hours Map Most of this is in the Tippy Dam Pond. Hug the north shore. Exit ot boat ramp on right (north of the dam).

Use Upper River Road as a shuttle road.
Tippy Dam to High Bridge 6 miles 1.5 hours Map There is no bridge at Tippy Dam — access is from the north side of the river.

This part of the river, from hear to Manistee Lake, offers over 25 miles of world class fishing. Depending on the time of year, you have the chance of finding more than a dozen species of game fish. The river’s best known for it’s fall and spring run of anadromous species such as Chinook Salmon, Brown and Lake Trout, and Little Manistee strain of Steelhead. So... expect lots of fishermen and fishing boats.

The river below the dam is wider and faster than above, but with few sharp bends.

Just before the bridge at High Bridge road you can see the site for the original High Bridge — a 150' tall railroad trestle, now dismantled.
High Bridge to Bear Creek 8 miles: 3 hours Map From High Bridge to Bear Creek the rived widens and slows, and ther can be many backwaters and side channels during high water.

There is no bridge at Bear Creek — access is from the north side of the river.
High Bridge to Blacksmith Bayou Less than 2 miles About an hour Map There is no bridge at Blacksmith Bayou — access is from the south side of the river.
Blacksmith Bayou to Bear Creek A little over 6 miles   Map There are no bridges involved. Access for Blacksmith Bayou is from the south side of the river. Access for Bear Creek is from the north side of the river.
Bear Creek to M-55 Bridge 14 miles 5 hours Map There is no bridge at Bear Creek — access is from the north side of the river.
Bear Creek to Rainbow Bend 2 miles 1 hour Map There are no bridges involved — access for Bear Creek and Rainbow Bend is from the north side of the river.
Rainbow Bend to M-55 Bridge.

Take out at Bridge Street Boat Launch, Arthur Street Boat Laucnh, or
or East Lake Boat Launch.		 12 miles Maybe 4 hours float time to M-55 Map There is no bridge at Rainbow Bend and access is from the north side of the river.

Not as fun as river is wide and slow and open headwinds. Whitecaps are even possible! This section is better suited for powerboats and fishing boats. But there can be abundnat wildlife in the State Game Area when boat traffic is quiet.

There are three take-out points...

1. Access is poor at the M-55 bridge and there is no parking along M-55. Instead, go 0.4 miles past the M-55 bridge to a simple boat launch at Bridge Street. (It's 0.4 mile BEFORE the train bridge.) To get to this boat launch, on US-31 go about 0.2 miles west of M-55 is Bridge Street (Wesco gas station is a landmark.) Turn left (south) and go about 0.2 miles to the river. Map.

A short ways to the west at Park and Jerumbo is the train bridge and a campground.

2. Those in fhshing boats might consider going a ways further, maybe 0.6 miles out into Mansitee Lake, and take out at the Arthur Street (US-31) Launch Ramp (Map) (It's south a short ways from the SS Milwaukee car ferry and across from Mancino's restaurant.) This is the closest ramp to access the lower Manistee River that goes through town and out to Lake Michigan.

3. If you have the time and want a longer trip (and likely are in a larger boat) you can take out at the East Lake Village Launch Ramp. To get there, you'll go out into Manistee Lake, head south hugging the shore for about 0.7 miles, then left heading due east about 0.6 miles to the boat launch. This Penny Park and the East Lake Campground area, too. Map The village of East Lake is right off of M-55 east of Manistee. You shouldn't have any problems with freighters in this area as it's on the shallow side of Manistee Lake..

If you venture further out in Manistee Lake use great care as it's actively used by freighters
OTTER CREEK

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Aral Road to 1000 feet south of Otter Lake. Two miles in total, from Otter Lake to Lake Michigan. (And once near the Lake’s shore, the creek often goes 1000 feet or more paralleling the shore.)

The distance one can travel by boat is 1.6 miles (one-way) from the Aral Road bridge to about 1000 feet north of Otter Lake.		 A little over 2 hours round trip. Map

Otter Creek is a gentle stream flowing from Otter Lake to Lake Michigan surrounded by open wetland and woods. The major contributors to this creek are Otter Lake and several springs and streams coming in from the surrounding woods and hills. All those springs help make the creek much colder than nearby small lakes and the Lower Platte River.

From Aral Road to Lake Michigan there is too much tree fall, so it’s not suitable for boats. So your trip starts at Aral Road and then paddle upstream.

The creek is 25 to 50 feet wide with several wider patches, one that’s a few hundred feet. Even in late August there’s a nice channel ranging from 8” to a few feet deep that runs along the western shore most of the way (and along the eastern shore for the last few hundred feet on the south end). The creek has a very gentle current, so it's very easy paddling if you watch for and follow the main channel.

For the first few hundred feet you’ll see submerged planks along the shore used during the days of the sawmill at the nearby historic village of Aral.

This is wonderful and wild marsh and woods area to explore — no people and lots of water fowl, animal life and a myriad of plant life. Terrific for photographers, bird watchers, and other wildlife enthusiasts. In just one short visit, egrets, countless ducks, a blue heron, a green heron, two eagles, and some kingfishers were spotted.

You cannot get all the way to Otter Lake. Its small outlet is impassable and does not became navigable until joining with other streams in the area about 1000 feet north of Otter Lake — the southern end of your paddle trip on Otter Creek.

Access point: Aral Road.

  • Details: In the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Carry-in access, roadside parking on Aral Road or back at Esch Road (where there’s a restroom and access to Lake Michigan). Put in on north side of creek, about 10 feet east of the bridge. Stay off the other river banks.

  • Map: 44.761658, -86.07391; goo.gl/maps/SHn7j

  • Directions from Honor: From the intersection of Main Street (US-31) and Henry Street, take Main Street 0.1 miles northwest to Deadstream Road (County Road 708). Veer to the right and go 0.9 miles to Indian Hill Road. Turn right (north) and go 6.3 miles to Esch Road. Turn left (west) and go 1.2 miles to Aral Road. Turn left (south) and go 400 feet to Otter Creek.

PINE RIVER

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Map of Pine River and details from the DNR

Note: A permit is required from May 15 to September 10. It's $2.00 per boat, per day. Make a reservation by calling:

A $5.00 daily use fee is required to park at the USNF public access sites.

Web sites:

Here are a few sections upstream not covered in detail, yet, below.
• Edgetts to Briar Patch – 1 Hour
• Briar Patch to Meadowbrook – 1 Hour
• Meadowbrook to Skookum – 1 Hour
• Skookum to Walker – 2 Hours

Section Length Time Map Comments
Walker Bridge to Peterson Bridge (M-37) 17 miles? About 5 hours Map Faster and deeper than the Upper Platte.

After Dobson Bridge, there's some "bumpy" water that can approach Class II. Larger rocks and boulders with standing waves, especially in spring. Expect to get wet from water splashing over the deck and coming directly into the cockpit. Sprayskirts are helpful here! There a little more likelihood of a spill on this part (compared to other parts and other local rivers) if you hit one of these larger rocks "just right."

Walker Bridge in on N. State Road: south (and a little east) of Hoxeyville. Silver Creek Campground is there, too, on the NW corner. Use the South Skookum DNR Access site just downstream from Walker Bridge.

Peterson Bridge is at M-37 where it crosses the Pine just south of M-55. Launch and parking are on the northeast corner of the river.

(If the main Peterson Bridge launch area is closed for construction, like it is in the fall of 2009, go to the campground on the southeast corner of the river. Go the the northeast area of the campground loop road, and there's a nice launch area down the hill behind the restrooms. Park cars at the small but main parking area seen when you first came in, just west of the campground loop.)

A $5.00 daily use fee is required to park at Peterson Bridge launch area; it's part of the Manistee National Forest.

Lincoln is a foot bridge but with car access to river via 10 Road off of State Road.

Elm Flats has a car access to river via 11 1/4 Road / State Road south of Hoxeyville. (Was closed when we went by it 9/2009.)

Dobson Bridge on 50 Road SW of Hoxeyville has a car access to river. Good parking, toilets, water.

Note: If starting at Dobson, go a few miles south of Perterson Bridge on M-37 to 48 1/2 Road, then east a few miles to 5 1/5 Road, then southeast to Dobson Bridge.
• Walker to Lincoln
• Lincoln to Elm Flats
• Elm Flats to Dobson
• Dobson to Peterson		 .75 hours
.75 hours
1.75 hours
2 hours
Peterson Bridge (M-37) to Low Bridge (near M-55) 8 miles 2.5 hours Map A bit faster and deeper than the Upper Platte. During the first 2/3 of the trip, there's some "bumpy" water that can approach Class II and has some big rocks that are pretty easy to avoid. Larger rocks and boulders create standing waves, especially in spring. The last 1.4 of river is pretty quiet.

Expect to get wet from water splashing over the deck and coming directly into the cockpit. Sprayskirts are helpful here! There a little more likelihood of a spill on this part (compared to other parts and other local rivers) if you hit one of these larger rocks "just right."

Peterson Bridge is at M-37 where it crosses the Pine just south of M-55. Launch and parking are on the northeast corner of the river.

(If the main Peterson Bridge launch area is closed for construction, like it is in the fall of 2009, go to the campground on the southeast corner of the river. Go the the northeast area of the campground loop road, and there's a nice launch area down the hill behind the restrooms. Park cars at the small but main parking area seen when you first came in, just west of the campground loop.)

Access to Low Bridge and the parking lot is about 5 miles west of M-37 on M-55 (just before M-55 crosses the Pine.).Enter the area at Low Bridge Road, cross the Low Bridge, and the launch and parking are on the left.

A $5.00 daily use fee is required to park both at Peterson Bridge and Low Bridge launch areas; they are part of the Manistee National Forest.
PLATTE RIVER

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NOTE: Avoid lower sections of the Lower Platte during the thick of Salmon season (most of September) to avoid conflicts and hook hazards with anglers.
Section Length Time Map Comments
Above Fish Hatchery     Map Not a lot known, other than 1) may not be allowed near Fish Hatchery, and 2) may not be passable.
Upper: US-31 bridge (near Fish Hatchery) to South Street bridge   1.5 hours Map  
Upper: US-31 bridge (near Fish Hatchery) to Indian Hill bridge   2 hours    
Upper: US-31 bridge (near Fish Hatchery) to Deadstream Road   2.5 hours    
Up the Deadstream into Little Platte Lake     Map Beautiful but very short. In spring, pitcher plants here and there on the east side.

Look for two creeks coming in from the right...go up them if the water is high. Interesting places but, they are dead ends. The southern (first one) is a combined feeder of many smaller creeks in the "swamp" to the east. The northern (second one) is the North Branch of the Platte River coming in.

There are many swans on the northeast area of the lake, be aware of them. See if you can see the eagle's nest, and maybe the eagle, in the northeast area of the lake (on your right as you enter the lake from the Deadstream).
Lower: M-22 bridge near Riverside Canoe Livery to Lake Michigan, 2 hours   2 hours Map Pretty slow and easy - maybe the easiest river around.
Lower: From Loon Lake to Lake Michigan   1.5 hours Map Pretty slow and easy - maybe the easiest river around.
SHALDA (or SUCKER) CREEK

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Little Traverse Lake to Lake Michigan About 3.5 miles total   Map Not really a do-able trip but here are notes from those that DID do it, once...

Leave car at park at Lake Michigan beach (nice beach there with outhouse facility) then you can walk back to beginning of the outlet creek.

About 2.5 miles of river from Little Traverse Lake to Lake Michigan and then about a mile paddle back to park at Lake Michigan beach.

The first mile of is pretty nice, it appeared someone had chain sawed and removed all obstructions down to an old beaver dam with 3 large beaver houses.

Beyond that point, obstructions became increasingly unbelievable. With windfalls of up to 20' tall and nearly continuous, we dragged our boats over a mile through brush, windfalls, woods, briar patches, muck until we returned to the stream about 0.3 mile from Lake Michigan. At this point it was easier to drag the boats in the stream than through the brush (windfalls thinned out near end).
UPPER HERRING LAKE

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Section Length Time Map Comments
Upper Herring Lake Inlet     Map You can paddle up in kayaks about a 1 mile from Upper Herring Lake. It would be almost impossible for any but the tiniest of canoes. Appears to have no feeder stream easily accessible to start from to go DOWN the inlet.
Upper Herring Lake Outlet: From public launch to M-22 bridge   40 minutes Map Watch for small pond on north side about 1/2 way down.
Upper Herring Lake Outlet: M-22 bridge to Lower Herring Lake       Not possible: too many logs down, a foot bridge or two, shallow water, etc. Can probably be walked from Beuna Road. Can certainly be walked from Elberta Beach Resort Road to Lower Herring Lake

Recommendations For Your Paddle Trip:

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  • General:
    • Avoid lower sections of certain rivers, like the Betsie, Little Manistee, and Lower Platte, during the thick of Salmon season (most of September) to avoid conflicts and hook hazards with anglers.
    • In the spring, rivers are generally higher and faster, and may have uncut treefall left from the winter.
    • Late in the summer and before fall rains, rivers are generally lower and slower, and smaller ones may be a "sandbar tour."
    • It's usually a good idea to neevr paddle alone.
    • Make sure someone not with you knows your paddle route and expected end time.

  • Leader(s) of the group:
    • Teach these recommendations to all on your trip.
    • Know the condition of and challenges on the river you're about to do.
    • Make sure all going are able to handle the condition of and challenges on the river, or ready to learn.
    • Know if anyone in your group cannot swim, and let everyone know should a rescue be needed.
    • Bring along:
      • rescue and emergency equipment,
      • heaving rope (or throw-bag rope), lighter, waterproof matches, duck tape, cellphone, first aid kit, knife, whistle,
      • consider: map, compass, GPS, binoculars, watch
      • whatever may be needed related to stings, bugs bites, poison ivy, ticks, snake bites, swelling, etc.
      • spare paddle,
      • spare clothes to share in a dry bag
    • Create a plan -- for any expected meals, breaks, pull-out point(s), which side of river and bridge of pull-out point, the chosen way through any forks, around islands, etc. -- and make sure all are aware of it before entering the water.
    • Make sure all drivers have their keys when the leave their cars.

  • Everyone in the group should:
    • Stick to the plan created by the leader(s).
    • Let someone know if you choose to take an alternate channel or way around an island.
    • See personal gear suggestions below.
    • Be able to handle the condition of and challenges on the river, or ready to learn.
    • Never paddle alone, but always with at least one other boater.
    • Let your leader know if you cannot swim.
    • Be aware of these (and other) basic paddling tips.
    • Keep a bit of distance between boats to allow each person to navigate through a tricky spot without being struck by a boat from behind.
    • Know how to back up:
      • This sometimes the only way out of a tricky spot. Just back up and try a different approach.
      • In case the boat(s) in front of you get hung up so you can avoid them.

  • The person in the front of the group has to:
    • Know when and where to stop for a meal or a break (assuming that's the plan)
    • Stop every so often to make sure all are present and OK.
    • Know where to stop at the end.
    • Never go past a dam, bridge, or canoe/kayak access point until you wait for the group to catch up. This avoids you going past the pull-out point accidentally.
    • Not get too far out ahead and keep those behind in sight.
    • Scout for challenging spots and alert the rest of the group as needed.

  • Those people in second and third place positions:
    • Need to keep track of who's in the lead.

  • Those at the the rear:
    • Must know there must never be ONE person in the rear of the group, but always TWO, each keeping track of the other, in case one gets hung up.
    • Have the obligation of being the sweep boat, watching for other boaters on the trip, and making sure one person does not fall behind and become a SINGLE rear boat.

  • Keep the group together:
    • Think of a group like a rubber band, one that can stretch out quite a ways, and yet remains one whole entity, never completely breaking into separate groups (unless that's planned for and known in advance).
    • Keep the group relatively compact, yet maintain sufficient spacing to avoid collisions. If the group is large, consider dividing into smaller groups or using the "Buddy System" as an additional safeguard. Space yourselves closely enough to permit communication, but not so close as to interfere with one another in challenging spots.
    • Stay within sight of those in front of you and those behind you.
    • Know how many people are in your group and take head counts regularly.

  • At the pull-out point:
    • Always have a few people posted to watch for those still coming, so they do not go past the pull-out point.
    • If needed, mark the the pull-out point with red flag or similar and make sure everyone knows to look for the marker.

  • If you go past the pull-out point:
    • As soon as you realize this, if it's not too late and the current allows, paddle back upstream to the pull-out point.
    • If that's not possible, and hopefully the river allows, paddle to the next dam, bridge, canoe/kayak access point.
    • Only that's not possible for some reason, stop at some place where you can be see from the road along the river, so those searching for you can see you, and hopefully get to you.

  • If someone goes past the pull-out point:
    • Keep someone at the pull-out point in case those "lost" happen to paddle upstream back to the pull-out point.
    • Send someone by car to the next dam, bridge, canoe/kayak access point to wait there for those lost.
    • If need be, send a third party to look along the river for those lost. Start by car looking at every river view point. If there's a trail along the river, this is perhaps the next best option. Last, send a team by boat.
    • Coordinate all search parties by creating plans for both if they find or do not find those lost, and so in the end everyone is together again.
    • The messiness of the rescue mission reinforces the need to make sure ahead of time that everyone knows the pull-out point, and which side of river and bridge of pull-out point.
    • Cell phones can really shine in this situation!

  • Personal gear suggestions:
    • Life jacket or vest (required to be on board for each person)
    • Let your leader know if you can swim or not.
    • Wide brim hat or baseball cap for the sun, and for going through brush. Use a hat strap if you value your hat.
    • Good rain gear.
    • Footwear that is comfortable both when dry and completely wet, and can handle sharp rocks, fallen trees, broken glass, etc.
    • Waterproof and/or warm paddle gloves.
    • Appropriate clothing should you tip over, get wet, get cold, etc..
    • Replacement clothing and towel in a dry bag should you get wet.
    • Sunglasses -- to help protect the eyes from glare off the river surfaces.
    • If you wear glasses, tie them on with a glasses strap and carry a spare pair on long trips.
    • Do not wear bulky jackets, ponchos, heavy boots, or anything else which could reduce your ability to survive a swim.
    • Spray skirt (or waterproof covering for legs)
    • Swimsuit, if the water's warm enough!
    • Bug repellant.
    • Whatever may be needed for you related to bees, bugs bites, poison ivy, ticks, snake bites, swelling, etc.
    • Aspirin, Motrin, Benadryl.
    • Sun block. Reapply as needed such as on a longer trip or after any swim.
    • Anything required for outdoor restroom stops.
    • Drinking water, or equivalent
    • Food, fruit, snacks
    • Any camera or cell phones should protected it in a waterproof container.
    • It's safest to take your wallet with you — just be sure it is well protected from getting wet or lost if you tip over.
    • Rescue and Emergency gear
    • Duct tape, and other boat repair equipment.
    • Consider: rope, lighter, knife, whistle, duck tape, first aid kit, waterproof matches.
    • Cell phone in a dry bag.
    • Main and Spare car keys if you are a driver on the trip.
    • Method(s) for bailing water: towel, sponge, hand pump, etc.
    • Seat pads, back cushions, etc.
    • Flashlight for night trips.
    • Other gear to block water, sun, cold, or heat.
    • Make sure all gear is protected from getting wet or lost if you tip over.
    • Extra paddle.
    • Extra live jack or vest.

  • Some basic paddling tips:
    • Never paddle alone, but always with at least one other boater.
    • Know the difficulty of the section of the river you about to do, and its condition. Be able to handle the condition of and challenges on the river, or ready to learn.
    • Always prepare for the possibility of taking on water and/or dunking. This involves things such as:
      • Dress appropriately (no cotton).
      • Bring along a change of clothes in a dry bag.
      • Put loose gear in storage compartments (or tied down) so it cannot float away.
      • Make sure all gear is protected from getting wet or lost if you tip over.
    • Adjust your foot braces so that with your feet and legs in a comfortable position, your knees or thighs can be snugly "locked" in place against the side, cockpit. or thigh/knee braces of the boat. This gives you great control of the boat in challenging situations and in a tipping situations, which then allow you to, with a quick snap of the hips, balance the boat.
    • Look for and follow the main channel. When paddling a river, at least the kinds we have here in Northern Michigan, usually there is a main channel – it can be down the center as you might expect, but often can swing from side to side, especially on turns. The main channel runs deeper and faster. Out of the main channel will be shallower and slower. The main channel can usually be easily spotted by a string of bubbles and a faster current.
    • Watch out on turns. At the inside of a turn the water is often much slower than the main current. At the outside of a turn, the river cuts into the banks and there can be many obstacles — lots of tree fall and logs, submerged stumps, etc. It’s too bad because often the main channel goes on the outside of a turn. And the main channel will want take you to the outside of a turn. So if there are obstacles present in the outside of a turn, a safe bet is often careful path down the middle, keeping from being swept into the obstacles, yet still iin a fast enough part of the river to not loose momentum.
    • Steer away and maintain maximum clearance from strainers (trees, logjams, shrubs, & debris that would love to “strain” you from your boat). In a lot of cases, the current wants pull you into this kind of stuff, especially on turns. You want to be moved out of the way LONG BEFORE (way upstream) you get to the obstacle. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get out of the way. And the faster the current, the quicker you have to react.
    • Avoid if at all possible, hitting anything with your boat sideways to the current. There you are most vulnerable to the current, taking on water, and completely tipping over.
    • Do not grab on to branches/brush above the water in trying to avoid them or you can be drawn out of your boat, flip, or both. This is especially true if your boat is sideways to the current -- that's usually a guaranteed flip!
    • Keep a bit of distance between boats to allow each person to navigate through a tricky spot without being struck by a boat from behind.
    • Know how to back up:
      • This sometimes the only way out of a tricky spot. Just back up and try a different approach.
      • In case the boat(s) in front of you get hung up so you can avoid them.
    • A common mistake is to be traveling along near the shore and be surprised by a tree in the water sticking out perpendicular to the shore. Now you have to very quickly move out of the way or risk being turned sideways to the current, hitting the tree, losing your balance, and very likely tipping. And once tipped, the current will quickly help tip you further and make take you all the way over. If the current is strong and flows under the tree, it can take your boat UNDER the tree. You might get pulled out of your boat, or, worse, being drawn under the tree, too. So again, one of most important tips is to steer away (way upstream) and maintain maximum clearance from all strainers (trees, logjams, shrubs, & debris).
    • Again, it all comes back to -- avoiding obstacles.
    • If you do encounter an obstacle:
      • Avoid grabbing branches from above unless you WANT to leave your boat. This is especially true if your boat is sideways to the current.
      • Lean downstream. (If you lean upstream, the current can grab the top edge of you boat and quickly tip you over).
      • If you start to tip, immediately try to untip. A quick snap of the hips, and aided with the paddle, might do the job.
      • If you cannot recover from a tip, and your boat is tipping over for sure:
        1. Do no be proud – call out NOW and loudly, "Help, Help!" This is extremely important so all around you KNOW what's happening and can come help.
        2. If paddlers are not verry close and you have time, blow your whistle.
        3. Get out of the boat NOW. (You do NOT want to tip or go under with our boat. Save yourself first in this case, then deal with boat.)
        4. Once out of the boat, stay upstream of the boat, so you are not trapped between it and obstacles or debris (rock, tress, etc.)
        5. When floating, lie on your back, feet first, in case you encoutner rocks or other hazards.
        6. If you are in a good position to do so, attempt to rescue the boat.
        7. If you've not already done so, call for help and blow your whistle..
        8. Look for and obtain your paddle, then other loose stuff.
        9. Let others know how they can help.
    • Consider practice tip-overs! These are ones where you intentionally hit something and tip over, in shallow water and with others right there to help, to learn all you can from the experience. It will make all the difference when you are in an unexpected tip over.

  • Here are site with many more tips, recommendations, and related information:
  • Some recommended books...

    • Paddling Michigan by Kevin Hillstrom and Laurie Hillstrom. (Available at Amazon.)

  • More rivers to check out:

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