Five Mile Creek Kayaking Guide
Five Mile Creek is a small stream listed by the Michigan DNR in the Ford River basin at Township 39 North, Range 23 West, Section 31, in Delta County — the same section that also holds Finland's Creek. It appears in state trout-stream regulation tables, which is the extent of its official documentation: a named headwater tributary in the central UP's forested interior.
A note of caution on identity: a Great Lakes Fishery Commission technical document also references a 'Five Mile Creek' in Alger County, and there are other Five Mile Creeks in Michigan's Lower Peninsula (including one in Newaygo County). The DNR listing places this creek in Delta County's Ford River basin, which is the identity used here. No paddling route, launch, or trip report is documented for any of these UP creeks, so there is nothing here to plan a float around.
Five Mile Creek at a Glance
- Region: Central UP — Delta County
- Difficulty: Not documented
- Character: Small Ford River basin tributary
- Known reference: T39N, R23W, Section 31 (Michigan DNR)
- Watch for: Multiple same-named creeks in Michigan — confirm you have the right one
Paddling the Five Mile Creek
No established paddling route
No established kayaking or canoeing route is documented for Five Mile Creek, and no public access or portage is published. The creek is known only as a small trout-stream tributary in the Ford River basin. Paddlers interested in this watershed should look to the Ford River itself, which has documented launches and a paddled reach. For any small UP creek, confirm public access at each crossing with Michigan DNR maps and local sources before you go — most of these streams flow through a mix of public and private land.
Hazards & Portages
No hazards are documented because no paddling route is documented. Small UP creeks of this type typically present strainers, beaver dams, and water too shallow to float outside of spring runoff. Treat any visit as a scouting trip: wear footwear for wading, dress for cold water, and be prepared to walk out the way you came in.
Access & Parking
No public boat launch or carry-in site is documented for Five Mile Creek. The map below shows the approximate location of the creek's listed section in Delta County. A road crossing is not by itself proof of legal access or parking — verify land ownership with DNR or county sources first.
Map
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Five Mile Creek all season long. Come float with us!