Black River Kayaking Guide
This Black River is a 29.8-mile river in west-central Marquette County. It rises out of Goose Lake in northeast Republic Township, flows generally southeast through north-central Humboldt Township, and joins the Middle Branch of the Escanaba River in Ely Township, on its way to Lake Michigan. It is a designated Type 1 trout stream, fished for brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
Near the mouth, the Black River Pathway and its falls wind about 2.5 miles of marked trails through the pines — a hiking destination, not a paddling one.
No paddling route, outfitter, or public kayak launch is documented for this river. It is a forested trout-stream watershed with no published put-ins, take-outs, or mileage.
Black River at a Glance
- Region: Central Upper Peninsula — Marquette County, Republic to Ely Township, into the Middle Branch Escanaba
- Difficulty: Not documented as a paddling route
- Character: 29.8-mile Type 1 trout stream through iron-range forest country
- Access: No public paddling access documented; Black River Pathway trailhead near Ely Township
- Watch for: Give anglers room; this is fished trout water, not a known float
Paddling the Black River
No established paddling route documented
No put-in, take-out, mileage, or difficulty rating is published for the Marquette County Black River. It is a small trout stream with no documented public launch. Any exploration would be fully exploratory: check Michigan DNR waterway maps and county atlases, confirm land ownership at any crossing, and do not count on finding runnable water or a place to launch.
Hazards & Portages
With no documented route, hazards cannot be catalogued. Expect the default small-stream complications — beaver dams, strainers, and cold water — plus iron-range forest country with limited services. Respect the trout-stream character of the water and the anglers who fish it. Verify before you go.
Access & Parking
No DNR or public boat launch is documented on this Black River. The Black River Pathway trailhead near Ely Township is a hiking access point, not a launch. Informal road crossings in Republic and Humboldt Townships may offer views of the river — confirm land status first and respect posted private property.
Map
Approximate reference point where the Black River joins the Middle Branch Escanaba 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!