Little Silver River Kayaking Guide
The Little Silver River is a tributary of the Sturgeon River system in Houghton County in the western Upper Peninsula, with its mouth reference at about 46.665493, -88.720136. A USGS measurement site near 46°39′50″N, 88°44′08″W — roughly 7.5 miles south of Alston — records a drainage area of just 10.5 square miles, confirming this as a small headwaters stream.
No established paddling route, mileage, or public launch is documented for the Little Silver River. With a 10.5-square-mile drainage, it is creek-sized water in remote forest country — the kind of stream that may float a boat for a few days each spring and spend the rest of the year as trout habitat. The sources consulted contain no trip reports, put-ins, or take-outs.
The Sturgeon River system it feeds is the known paddling entity in this area, with documented runs on the larger water. The Little Silver is its unscouted headwaters — interesting to hydrologists, but not a planned kayak destination.
Little Silver River at a Glance
- Region: Western Upper Peninsula — Houghton County
- Difficulty: Not a documented paddling route
- Character: Small Sturgeon River tributary; 10.5-square-mile drainage
- Known for: Remote headwaters water south of Alston
- Watch for: Creek-sized flows; no verified access or route
Paddling the Little Silver River
No established route
No kayak itinerary is documented for the Little Silver River. The mouth reference at approximately 46.665493, -88.720136 and the USGS site 7.5 miles south of Alston (drainage 10.5 square miles) are the extent of the documented record. There are no put-ins, take-outs, or mileage splits.
The Sturgeon system as the alternative
Paddlers interested in this watershed should look to the Sturgeon River itself, which carries the documented paddling in the system. The Little Silver is headwaters to scout on foot with a map, not a float to plan.
Hazards & Portages
Expect headwaters-stream hazards: beaver dams, logjams, strainers, and shallow water, with no documented portages because there is no documented route. Remote forest country means unreliable cell coverage and long walks out — scout with a partner and leave a float plan.
Access & Parking
No public boat launch or confirmed river access is documented for the Little Silver River. Verify ownership at any crossing using DNR maps and Houghton County plats before parking or putting in.
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 Silver River all season long. Come float with us!