Indian River Kayaking Guide

The Indian River is a 59.1-mile tributary of the Manistique River, rising in Alger County and flowing through Schoolcraft County and Indian Lake. It is one of the Upper Peninsula's genuinely distinguished paddling rivers: 12 miles carry National Wild and Scenic River 'scenic' designation and 39 miles carry 'recreational' designation, and the river hosts a documented canoe trail from Fish Lake to Indian Lake of approximately 36 to 40 miles — a true multi-day wilderness trip.

First, the name: this is not the Indian River of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. That river is a short, well-known waterway near Indian River, Michigan, connecting Burt and Mullett lakes; this one is a wild UP river in the Manistique watershed, and the two share nothing but a name. The UP Indian River's canoe trail is the real deal for experienced trippers: a long, lake-and-river route through the Hiawatha National Forest with a remote, north-woods feel throughout.

Conditions vary along the trail and with the season. The Hovey Lake-to-Doe Lake stretch is not maintained and demands many portages; the Doe Lake-to-Indian Lake stretch is periodically maintained but deadfalls can still force portages. One route source advises that before mid-June, when water runs high and fast, the trail is for advanced paddlers only. This is a trip to plan carefully — shuttle, campsites, water levels, and portage expectations all need attention before you launch.

Paddling the Indian River

Fish Lake to Indian Lake canoe trail (about 36–40 miles)

The documented canoe trail runs approximately 36 to 40 miles from Fish Lake down to Indian Lake, mixing lake paddling with river reaches through the Hiawatha National Forest. Plan this as a multi-day trip: the distance alone demands it, and the portaging does too. The Hovey Lake-to-Doe Lake section is unmaintained with many portages, while Doe Lake-to-Indian Lake is periodically maintained but still subject to deadfall blockages. Before mid-June, high, fast water makes this an advanced-paddlers-only proposition. Check current conditions, arrange a long shuttle, and carry full wilderness tripping gear — this is remote country.

Indian Lake and the lower river

Indian Lake itself — the big water at the trail's end — is a well-known UP lake with developed access, making it the most civilized part of the route. Paddlers can also use the lake area for shorter day paddles without committing to the full trail. Note that the river continues past the lake toward the Manistique River; the documented canoe-trail experience centers on the Fish Lake-to-Indian Lake corridor described above.

Hazards & Portages

Portages are the defining feature rather than an exception: expect many on the unmaintained Hovey Lake-to-Doe Lake stretch and periodic deadfall portages below Doe Lake. High, fast water before mid-June raises the difficulty to advanced, with pushy current and cold water. Lake sections bring wind and waves — the lakes here are big enough to be dangerous in a breeze. Standard north-woods hazards apply throughout: strainers, beaver dams, remoteness, black flies and mosquitoes, and no quick help if something goes wrong.

Access & Parking

Access points along the Fish Lake-to-Indian Lake corridor are a mix of forest landings and lake accesses in the Hiawatha National Forest; Indian Lake has the most developed access at the downstream end. Because maintenance levels vary by section and conditions change yearly, confirm put-in and take-out locations, road conditions, and any needed permits with the Hiawatha National Forest and Michigan DNR before finalizing your shuttle. The map below marks the Indian Lake area as a general reference.

Map