Little Union River Kayaking Guide

The Little Union River is a 4.2-mile tributary of the Union River entirely within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon County, in the western Upper Peninsula. Its mouth sits at about 46.79806, -89.61806 — and just upstream of that confluence, the stream pours through Little Union Gorge and over Little Union Gorge Falls (approximately 46.799722, -89.618333). A 4.2-mile stream ending in a gorge waterfall inside a wilderness park is not a paddling destination; it is a hiking destination that happens to be wet.

No established paddling route exists for the Little Union River, and none should be expected. The gorge and falls make a continuous paddle impossible, and the stream's tiny length leaves no meaningful flatwater reach to float. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park manages this water for its wild character — the documented recreational use is the trail to the gorge and falls, not boating.

Visit for the waterfall and the old-growth forest around it. The Union River it joins, and Lake Superior beyond, are the paddling waters in this park — the Little Union is the scenic tributary you cross on foot.

Paddling the Little Union River

No route — hike the gorge instead

There is no paddling route on the Little Union River. Little Union Gorge Falls (about 46.799722, -89.618333) blocks the 4.2-mile stream just above its confluence with the Union River (about 46.79806, -89.61806), and the remaining water is too short and steep to constitute a float. The park's trail to the gorge and falls is the way to experience this stream.

Paddling in the Porkies, properly

The Porcupine Mountains offer paddling on Lake Superior and on the park's larger waters — all of it governed by wilderness conditions, cold water, and park regulations. Plan those trips through the park's official resources, and leave the Little Union to hikers and photographers.

Hazards & Portages

Little Union Gorge and its falls are unrunnable — the defining hazard and the reason there is no route. Gorge terrain means slippery rock, steep banks, and no easy rescue access. There are no portages to describe because there is no route. In the park generally, black bears are active — store food properly and follow park wildlife guidance.

Access & Parking

Trailhead parking serving the gorge-and-falls hiking route exists within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park per park sources, but that is hiker access — no boat launch of any kind is documented on the Little Union River. Consult the park for current trail and parking information.

Map

Map shows the documented mouth reference point inside the state park; no launch or route exists there.