Little River Kayaking Guide
The Little River is a 35.2-mile tributary of the Menominee River in Menominee County in the central Upper Peninsula. It rises south of Stephenson and joins the Menominee about three miles upstream of Menominee–Marinette, at approximately 45.13417, -87.66750. Documented monitoring references include a site off County Road 577 (about 45.15244, -87.66139) and one on 6.25 Lane (about 45.2139, -87.6331) — data points that mark where the river crosses roads, not where paddlers launch.
At 35 miles, this is a substantial stream — and notably, the plainest name in the batch. But length has not translated into documentation: the sources consulted contain no established paddling itinerary, segment mileage, or confirmed public launch for the Little River. A 35-mile river that nobody has written up as a paddle is a river telling you something — likely shallow stretches, obstructions, or simply no tradition of use.
The Menominee River it joins is a big, dam-regulated border river with its own complex paddling logistics. Do not assume the Little River offers a simple back-door route to it. Treat the Little River as unscouted water requiring full reconnaissance.
Little River at a Glance
- Region: Central Upper Peninsula — Menominee County
- Difficulty: Not a documented paddling route
- Character: 35.2-mile Menominee River tributary rising south of Stephenson
- Known for: Joining the Menominee ~3 miles above Menominee–Marinette
- Watch for: No verified launches; receiving Menominee River is dam-regulated
Paddling the Little River
No established route
No kayak itinerary is documented for the Little River. The 35.2-mile course from south of Stephenson to the Menominee River (mouth approximately 45.13417, -87.66750) has no recorded put-ins, take-outs, or mileage splits. Monitoring points off County Road 577 (about 45.15244, -87.66139) and on 6.25 Lane (about 45.2139, -87.6331) are reference locations, not launches.
Scout it as an expedition, not a day trip
If the length tempts you, approach it as an expedition: drive the crossings, check flows, confirm ownership parcel by parcel, and be ready to find the river unfloatable in stretches. The Menominee at the bottom end is dam-controlled water with its own hazards and access rules — research it separately before considering any combined trip.
Hazards & Portages
With no documented route, the hazard list is the standard small-river set: strainers, logjams, beaver dams, fences, and shallow riffles — plus cold spring water. There are no documented portages. Near the mouth, the Menominee River's dams and regulated flows are a separate, serious hazard system; never drift into dammed water unprepared.
Access & Parking
No public boat launch or confirmed river access is documented for the Little River. Road crossings at County Road 577 and 6.25 Lane are scouting references, not verified launches. Check DNR maps and Menominee County plats for public land and legal access before planning anything.
Map
Map shows the documented mouth reference point; no public launch is confirmed there.
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Little River all season long. Come float with us!