Flintsteel River Kayaking Guide
The Flintsteel River is a 28.3-mile river in Ontonagon County on the western Upper Peninsula, flowing north as a tributary of Lake Superior with its mouth at approximately 46.92639, -89.20750. It runs through a heavily forested landscape of the Ottawa National Forest region, with documented reference points along South Firesteel Road (about 46.86605, -89.19625) and in the M-38 vicinity (about 46.81188, -89.18110).
Like its neighbor the Firesteel, the Flintsteel is known far better as fish water than as paddling water — the mouth area is noted for trout and salmon species including steelhead, lake trout, browns, Chinook, walleye, and coho. No established canoe or kayak route, put-in, take-out, or portage is published for the river. The name similarity with the Firesteel River causes frequent confusion; they are separate rivers, both emptying into Lake Superior in Ontonagon County.
Flintsteel River at a Glance
- Region: Western UP — Ontonagon County
- Difficulty: Not documented
- Character: 28.3-mile forested river to Lake Superior
- Mouth: Approx. 46.92639, -89.20750
- Watch for: Name confusion with the Firesteel River — a separate river
Paddling the Flintsteel River
No established paddling route
No established paddling route is documented for the Flintsteel River. No public launch, take-out, or hazard survey appears in paddling literature or agency sources. The river's length suggests the lower reaches could hold floatable water, and the mouth area on Lake Superior is used for launching canoes and kayaks onto the big lake itself — but the river corridor has no confirmed carry-in access. Any river attempt here would be exploratory: scout from roads, confirm public land status, and check water levels before committing.
Hazards & Portages
No hazards are documented because no paddling route is documented. Expect the standard western-UP river hazards — logjams, sweepers, beaver dams, and cold, tannin-stained water — plus the particular caution that the Lake Superior shoreline at the mouth is exposed big water with surf, fog, and fast-changing weather. Do not paddle out of the river mouth onto the lake without sea-kayak skills, proper gear, and a weather window.
Access & Parking
No developed canoe or kayak launch is documented on the Flintsteel River itself. Road references at South Firesteel Road and M-38 may offer views of the river, but bridges do not guarantee legal access or parking. The map below marks the river's mouth on Lake Superior. Verify public-land status with Ottawa National Forest and Michigan DNR maps before planning any access.
Map
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Flintsteel River all season long. Come float with us!