Trip Report · May 30, 2026
First Annual Manistee River Kayak & Hiking Adventure
The Trip That Changed West Michigan Kayaking Club
44°21'51.32"N 85°49'15.18"W
44°17'01.74"N 85°51'40.72"W
A Small Idea That Grew
When I came up with this adventure, I pictured a couple of us hiking the Manistee River Trail, putting in at Hodenpyl Dam and paddling back downstream. A small trip with a few friends.
So I did what we normally do — I made it a club event. I quickly learned I had underestimated how many people would love a hike-and-paddle day. What started as a plan for a handful of people became the largest turnout the club had seen at that time.
Hike One Way. Paddle Back.
The plan was simple. Leave vehicles at Red Bridge, drive to Hodenpyl Dam, stage the kayaks at the river, return to Red Bridge, and hike roughly 10 miles north on the Manistee River Trail back to the boats.
It was the club's first true multi-sport adventure. Not just a kayak trip. Not just a hike. It combined two things our members love — and opened the door to the kind of trips we wanted the club to be known for.
Ten Miles on the Manistee River Trail
We met at Hodenpyl Dam around 8:00 AM to drop boats, then gathered at Red Bridge by 9:00 AM. Looking around the parking area, it hit me: there were a lot of us.
From Red Bridge we headed north through classic northern Michigan forest — elevation changes, roots, rocks and plenty of spots to stop and take in the view. The river was never far away, a constant reminder of where we were headed.
This was not a casual walk in the woods. It was an active hike, and with a paddle waiting at the end, it made for a full day.
The Paddle Back
After about ten miles on foot, the trail brought us to Hodenpyl Dam. Time to switch sports.
We launched and headed downstream through the Manistee National Forest. After spending the morning beside the river, we were finally on it.
From the trail, you watch the river wind through the forest. From the kayak, you become part of it. Seeing the same landscape both ways is exactly what made this trip special.
The People
As great as the trail and river were, the people were the best part. This trip brought together folks willing to work hard, get outside and experience Michigan differently.
One of them was Benita. That day she was simply another person who showed up for an adventure. It became the start of a friendship — and Benita went on to become one of the club's administrators and group organizers, helping the club continue to grow.
That's what I love most about these trips. Someone can show up as a stranger and before long become a friend, or part of the team building the club.
The Trip That Changed the Club
Before this trip, I was still thinking small: a few friends, a few boats, a few adventures. This trip showed us something bigger was happening.
People wanted to hike. They wanted to paddle. They wanted to challenge themselves and explore Michigan with others who shared that sense of adventure.
It proved multi-day trips, multi-sport adventures, long-distance paddles, hiking and camping trips were all possible. It became the blueprint for much of what followed:
- Hike approx. 10 miles
- Launch at Hodenpyl Dam
- Paddle downstream
- Push yourself
- Meet new people
- Make memories
Now an Annual Tradition
Everyone enjoyed it so much that we knew it couldn't be a one-time trip. The Manistee River Kayak & Hiking Adventure is now an annual club tradition — another chance each year to experience the river from both the trail and the water, meet new members and reconnect with old friends.
Join the Next Adventure
Watch the Events Calendar for upcoming dates, join our Facebook Community to stay connected, and if you're new, complete the membership agreement before your first club event. Membership and club events are free.
Come hike it. Come paddle it. Come do both.
Read the newer three-day trip report: Manistee River: 3 Days on the Water
— Brad De Young, Co-Founder, West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.