Fife lake NCT kayaking and hiking adventure | West Michigan Kayaking Club
π² Fife Lake NCT Backpacking & Upper Platte River Paddle Adventure
West Michigan Kayaking Club
π£βοΈπ₯Ύ Forest trails. River miles. Backcountry camping. Pure Northern Michigan.
Join the West Michigan Kayaking Club for a three-day hybrid adventure combining the scenic Fife Lake Loop of the North Country Trail (NCT) with a paddle down the Upper Platte River near Honor, Michigan.
This is a true backcountry-style experience featuring rugged hiking, rustic camping, and a dynamic river paddle through one of Michigan’s most beautiful watersheds.
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π Location Overview
* Hiking: Fife Lake / Manistee National Forest area (North Country Trail – Fife Lake Loop)
* Paddling: Upper Platte River (Honor / Beulah corridor, Michigan)
* Focus: Backpacking + river travel + rustic camping
* Skill Level:
* π₯Ύ Moderate backpacking (10–11 mile days with gear)
* π£βοΈ Intermediate paddling (current, obstacles, possible shallow sections)
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π Detailed Itinerary
π² Friday — Arrival & Hike In (~10–11 miles)
π Meet Location:
Old US-131 State Forest Campground
10055 Old US Highway 131, Fife Lake, MI 49633
π GPS: 44.4919° N, -85.4170° W
π https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/sfcampgroundsn-z/oldus131
π Meet Time: 12:00 PM (Noon) — gear staging and departure
* Rustic first-come, first-served campground
* North Country Trail access directly from site
* Recreation Passport required
Hike Route:
North on the Fife Lake Loop / North Country Trail toward Spring Lake State Forest Campground
* Distance: ~10.6 miles
* Terrain: rolling forest ridges, creek crossings, mixed hardwood/pine, lake views
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ποΈ Camping Options (Friday Night)
Primary: Spring Lake State Forest Campground
Backup: Dispersed camping on National Forest land (NCT corridor)
Dispersed Camping Rules (USFS):
* 150+ feet from trail, water, and roads
* Leave No Trace required
* No facilities or services
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π² Saturday — Hike Out & Return (~10–11 miles)
We continue the loop southbound back toward Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
* Distance: ~10–11 miles
* Terrain: forest corridors, ridge walking, river valley sections
ποΈ Evening Camp: Return to Old US-131 State Forest Campground
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π£βοΈ Sunday — Upper Platte River Paddle (~9–12 miles)
π Meet Location (Launch Area):
Veterans Memorial State Forest Campground
Beulah / Honor area, MI
π GPS: 44.6390° N, -85.9390° W
π Meet Time: 9:30 AM — boat staging + shuttle coordination
π Take-Out Location:
Platte River Park
Beulah, MI
π GPS: 44°40’16.98”N, 86°02’16.97”W
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π£βοΈ Paddle Route: Upper Platte River
* Distance: ~9–12 miles (depending on water level and take-out timing)
* Duration: 3–5+ hours
β οΈ River Conditions:
* Swift current in sections
* Possible strainers (downed trees)
* Shallow gravel bars
* Requires intermediate paddling skills and attention
This is a fun but active river run — not a casual float.
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π§ Key Locations Summary
* Old US-131 State Forest Campground — base camp / access point
* Spring Lake State Forest Campground — primary hike-through camping option
* Upper Platte River (Honor / Beulah corridor) — paddle section
* Platte River Park — final take-out
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β οΈ Logistics & Reminders
* ποΈ Recreation Passport required for Michigan state forest access
* π§ Filter or treat all drinking water
* π§ GPS or map navigation strongly recommended
* π» Proper food storage required
* π¦ Expect insects, ticks, and changing trail conditions
* π Shuttle coordination required for paddle day
* ποΈ Pack out ALL trash — Leave No Trace
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π Recommended Gear
* Backpacking pack + lightweight shelter
* Sleeping bag + sleeping pad
* Stove + food system for 2 nights
* Dry bags for river gear
* PFD (mandatory for paddle section)
* Hiking boots + water shoes
* Rain gear + insulating layers
* First aid kit + repair kit
* Navigation tools (GPS/map/compass)
π² West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure. π£βοΈπ₯Ύπ²
Participants may join for:
* Friday–Sunday full expedition
* Saturday hike only
* Sunday paddle only
π© Please message to confirm attendance and which segments you plan to join.
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers.Rugged Trails.Real Adventure.