|
|
 |
 |
 |
This "river log" details most sections of the local rivers
for northwestern Lower Michigan.
Please let me know if you have anything to add, change, or suggest to the information
below.
Thanks to all who have contributed to this Web page!
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
|
|
Near Petoskey, the Bear is a small, clear, slow-moving river, twelve miles overall
and offers very peaceful canoeing or kayaking through pristine Petoskey wilderness,
with a leisurely current and gentle turns ideal for beginners.
NOTE: The city of Petoskey had removed three of their dams, thus creating
a mile stretch of class 3 whitewater. Many have been seriously injured and
had their boats damaged, and nearly drowned, going down this part of the river. It
is urged that no one go down that stretch of the Bear.
NOTE: This river offers excellent fishing. It's also likely a Salmon river. Therefore,
avoid the lower sections during the thick of Salmon season (most of September) to
avoid conflicts and hook hazards with anglers.
For more information, contact: Bear River Canoe Livery, 2517 McDougall Road, Petoskey,
231-347-9038, or the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, 231-347-4150.
|
| Section |
Length |
Time |
Map |
Comments |
| Walloon Lake to Lake Michigan |
12 miles, not all usable |
|
Map |
I have no more information on this river at this time.
So, to be investigated:
1 mile section class II-III
http://www.riverfacts.com/rivers/11571.html
Bear River Canoe Livery offers 2 and 4 hours trips.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqdw3qVFrd8
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_detail_id_4330_ |
|
|
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.
|
| 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
Waliin Road bridge.
The first 2/3 of the trip (to some the Reynolds Road bridge) is wider and slower.
The last 1/3 is a bit narrower and a bit faster. |
| Wallin Road to King Road |
|
2.5 to 3.5 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 main Betsie River along this part. Very few
houses. Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Carmean. Easy entry/exit at SE or SW
corner at Haze. |
| King Road to Wolf Road |
|
0.6 hours |
Map |
Pit toilet available at Wolf Road. Experiment for the best place to take out -- several
potential locations. |
| King Road to Haze Road |
|
1.1 hours |
Map |
Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Haze. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Haze Road bridge to Psutka. |
|
3.75 hours |
Map |
Starting at Haze, this is the shortest trip you can take. Starting at M-115 may be
possible,.but not real convenient doing so might shave 1.3 hours off the trip
Easy entry/exit at SE or SW corner at Haze. Easy entry/exit at SE corner at Psutka. |
| Haze Road bridge to Kurick (for reference only) |
|
2.25 hours |
Map |
No easy entry/exit at Lindsy or 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.
Note: there is no good pullout / put-in spot at Kurick Road, so this section
is shown for reference only. If need be, the southwest corner is probably the best,
even though it's very steep. |
| Kurick to County Line (for reference only) |
|
2.25 hours |
|
Note: there is no good pullout / put-in spot at Kurick Road, so this section
is shown for reference only. |
| Kurick to Psutka Road bridge (for reference only) |
|
1.5 hours |
Map |
Note: there is no good pullout / put-in spot at Kurick Road. If need be, the southwest
corner is probably the best, even though it's very steep. So we use Kurick
Road only as a reference point.
Easy entry/exit at SE corner at Psutka. |
| Psutka to County Line |
|
45 minutes |
Map |
Easy entry/exit at SE corner at Psutka.
Easy entry/exit at SE corner at County Line. |
| 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 |
|
| 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
|
|
|
|
| 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 hours more or less (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, and
are Class II rapids featuring standing waves, bushel-sized boulders, rock gardens,
and plenty of fast water. 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!.) |
|
|
|
| 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.) |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
| 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 |
Less than 4 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 |
14.5 miles |
5 to 7 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) |
9.5 miles |
3-5 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) |
9.5 miles |
3-5 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 |
24 miles |
8 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 |
8 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 |
11 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 |
13 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) to Glengarry Bridge |
15 river miles |
2.5 to 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 rivers best known for its 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 Easl 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 |
|
|
|
| Section |
Length |
Time |
Map |
Comments |
|
|
|
Map |
"If you try to start at Otter Lake, the outlet is for all practical purposes
impassable. There is a wide clay/sand sand bar coupled with a wire fence and the
accumulated dead wood buildup. It possibly could be portaged but would be messy.
The sand bar looked to be partially clay and I felt that it wouldn't support a person."
"The only ingress is from the side road at the Esch Road beach. The water fowl
and animal life are good as very few people paddle up the creek. You could get all
the way upstream just up to Otter lake, except for the fence and sand bar."
South of Otter Lake are Bass Lake and Deer Lake, small connected lakes, one can paddle
around them both in about an hour. |
|
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
|
|
| 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). |
|
|
|
| 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 |
- 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."
- 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.
- Some basic paddling tips:
- Never paddle alone, but always with at least one other boater.
- 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.
- Steer away and maintain maximum clearance from strainers (trees, logjams, shrubs,
& debris). In a lot of cases, the current wants pull you into this kind of stuff.
You want to be moved out of the way LONG BEFORE you get to the obstacle. The longer
you wait, the harder it is sot 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 move
of the way quickly or risk being turned sideways to the current, hitting the tree,
losing your balance, and very likely tipping. Once tipped, the current will quickly
help tip you further and make 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 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:
- Call out NOW and loudly, "Help, Help!" This is extremely important
so all around you KNOW what's happening and can come help.
- If paddlers are not verry close and you have timee, blow your whistle.
- 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.)
- Once out of the boat, stay upstream of the boat, so you are not trapped between
it and obstacles or debris (rock, tress, etc.)
- When floating, lie on your back, feet first, in case you encoutner rocks or other
hazards.
- If you are in a good position to do so, attempt to rescue the boat.
- If you've not already done so, call for help and blow your whistle..
- Look for and obtain your paddle, then other loose stuff.
- 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:
|