Little Presque Isle River Kayaking Guide
The Little Presque Isle River is a 21.3-mile tributary of the Presque Isle River in Gogebic County in the far western Upper Peninsula. Its source sits at about 46.3671705, -89.8343287 and it joins the larger river at about 46.4993922, -89.774329. A documented monitoring point on Wolf Mountain Road (approximately 46.4187, -89.7837) records a drainage area of just 21 square miles — confirming this is a small headwaters stream, not a big-water river.
The name invites confusion with the famous Presque Isle River, whose waterfall corridor in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of Michigan's celebrated whitewater and sightseeing destinations. That reputation belongs entirely to the main river. The Little Presque Isle is its small, remote tributary, with no documented rapids, route, or recreational identity of its own.
No established paddling route, mileage, or public launch is documented for the Little Presque Isle River. Twenty-one miles sounds substantial, but with a 21-square-mile drainage the stream is creek-sized throughout — floatable, if at all, only in spring runoff, and entirely unscouted in the sources consulted.
Little Presque Isle River at a Glance
- Region: Western Upper Peninsula — Gogebic County
- Difficulty: Not a documented paddling route
- Character: 21.3-mile headwaters tributary of the Presque Isle River
- Known for: Small drainage (21 sq mi) in remote Gogebic County forest
- Watch for: Not the famous Presque Isle waterfall corridor; no verified access
Paddling the Little Presque Isle River
No established route
No kayak itinerary is documented for the Little Presque Isle River. The 21.3-mile course from its source (about 46.3671705, -89.8343287) to the Presque Isle River (about 46.4993922, -89.774329) has no recorded put-ins, take-outs, or mileage. The Wolf Mountain Road monitoring point (approximately 46.4187, -89.7837) is a data site, not a launch.
The main Presque Isle is the destination
Paddlers and sightseers drawn by the name should head for the Presque Isle River's waterfall corridor in the Porcupine Mountains — that is the documented, celebrated water. The Little Presque Isle is a separate, unscouted headwaters stream for explorers only.
Hazards & Portages
Expect small-stream hazards — strainers, logjams, beaver dams, shallow water — with no documented portages because there is no documented route. This is remote country with unreliable cell coverage; scout with a partner and a float plan. Do not carry the main Presque Isle's whitewater expectations onto this creek.
Access & Parking
No public boat launch or confirmed river access is documented for the Little Presque Isle River. Verify ownership at every crossing using DNR maps and Gogebic County plats before parking or putting in.
Map
Map shows the documented Wolf Mountain Road reference point; no public launch is confirmed there.
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Little Presque Isle River all season long. Come float with us!