Big Garlic River Kayaking Guide
The Big Garlic River is a 14.4-mile river in Marquette County that drains a 30-square-mile watershed from Ishpeming Township northeast to Lake Superior. It is a designated trout stream — its mainstream is regulated water from the Forks downstream to County Road 550, with its lower tributaries carrying special brook trout protections.
The river is small: a decades-old fisheries study described the main stem as 3 to 9 meters wide and averaging about 38 centimeters deep, flowing through heavily forested, glaciated granite hills. It is classic cold-water trout habitat, not a float river.
No paddling route, outfitter, or public kayak launch is documented for the Big Garlic. Its size, shallow depth, and trout-stream character make it a poor candidate for a river run — paddlers should think of it as a fishery and a Lake Superior tributary, not a destination for boats.
Big Garlic River at a Glance
- Region: Central Upper Peninsula — Marquette County, Ishpeming Township to Lake Superior
- Difficulty: Not documented as a paddling route; too small and shallow for reliable floating
- Character: 14.4-mile cold-water trout stream through forested granite hills
- Access: No public paddling access documented; crossed by County Road 550
- Watch for: Shallow water; special trout regulations; private shoreline
Paddling the Big Garlic River
No established paddling route documented
No put-in, take-out, mileage, or difficulty rating is published for the Big Garlic River. At 3 to 9 meters wide and under half a meter deep on average, it is a wading stream, not a paddling one, and late-summer flows are likely too low to float at all. The County Road 550 crossing offers a look at the river, but it is not a launch.
Hazards & Portages
The main hazard here is disappointment: the Big Garlic is simply too small and shallow to paddle in most conditions. For anglers and shore visitors, the usual small-stream cautions apply — slippery banks, cold water, and biting insects in season. Respect the special trout regulations and give anglers room.
Access & Parking
No DNR or public boat launch is documented on the Big Garlic River. The river is crossed by County Road 550, which provides a viewing point but not a launch. Surrounding shoreline is largely private — confirm land status before attempting any access.
Map
Approximate mid-river reference point for the Big Garlic River — no paddling access is documented.
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles Michigan's waterways all season long. Come float with us!