Devils River

The Lake Huron shoreline at Alpena, near where the Devils River meets Thunder Bay. No freely licensed photo of the river itself was available. Photo: NOAA (public domain) via Wikimedia Commons.

The Devils River is a short, 2.4-mile stream in Alpena County that runs from the junction of its north and south branches to Thunder Bay on Lake Huron, near the small community of Ossineke. The north branch rises as the outflow of Devils Lake a few miles north-northwest of Ossineke; the south branch rises in northern Alcona County near Spruce and runs close along the west side of U.S. Highway 23 for about two miles before the road crosses both the south branch and the main stream.

This is not an established water trail — public information supports only a short lower-river exploration near the mouth. Think of it as a quiet backwater paddle or fishing float rather than a destination trip: put in, poke around the lower river and the edge of the bay, and paddle back at your own pace.

The river’s best asset is its setting. The mouth opens onto Thunder Bay, part of a Lake Huron shoreline known for clear water and the shipwreck country of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Combine a short paddle with shoreline exploring, but don’t expect developed river infrastructure.

Paddling Sections

Lower Devils River exploration (up to about 2.4 miles one way): Launch at the DNR Devils River Boat Launch and paddle downstream toward Thunder Bay, or upstream toward the branch junction near Ossineke. There is no documented through-route — treat this as an out-and-back paddle, and turn around well before the open bay if the wind picks up.

Hazards & Portages

• Thunder Bay exposure: The mouth opens onto big water; wind and waves can build quickly on Lake Huron.
• Shallow, weedy water: Expect shallow stretches and aquatic vegetation in summer.
• Limited information: With no established water trail, scout from shore first and don’t push past what you can see.

Access & Parking

DNR Devils River Boat Launch (near 44.9201, -83.4101): The documented public launch on the lower river. The nearby DNR Ossineke State Forest Campground and Snug Harbor are separate sites — don’t count on them as connected route endpoints without confirming access first.

Map

The pin marks the DNR Devils River Boat Launch on the lower river near Ossineke.