West Michigan Kayaking Club · Upper Peninsula River Guide
Manistique River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
The Manistique was an important source of food and materials for Native Americans. In the logging era, timber from the Seney country ran down the Fox–Manistique route to the mills at Manistique.
The Manistique Pulp and Paper Company built a dam and a 3,300-foot concrete flume in town in 1918–1920; the historic Siphon Bridge crosses it. The lowest 1.7 miles below the dam were listed as a Great Lakes Area of Concern for PCBs and mill waste, and all cleanup actions were completed by November 2019.
Interactive River Map
River Overview
From Germfask the river winds about 65 river miles south to Lake Michigan at Manistique, a classic 3–4 day kayak camping trip of about 19–22 paddling hours.
It borders Seney National Wildlife Refuge and picks up the Fox and West Branch along the way.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
Verify locally.
Paddling Character
- Slow, flat, winding sand-bottom river; a favorite for newer paddlers.
- Few houses and few other boats.
- Below the West Branch the river widens and gains current.
- Lower river: wide open water where a headwind can raise 1–2 foot waves on the last 5–6 miles.
- No mile markers: carry a GPS and a good river map.
Michigan Water Trails
Verify locally.
Dams & Portages
One dam.
- Manistique Paper Company Dam, city of Manistique, about 1.7 miles above the mouth. Paddlers report the portage is difficult; plan to take out above the dam.
- Above town the river is free-flowing. Deadfall is common but usually passable without carrying.
Never run a dam.
Launches
- Highway 498 access, Germfask
- Mead Creek State Forest Campground: launch is across a narrow wooden footbridge; carry boats and gear
- Cookson Bridge. Public access: Verify locally.
- Cedar Road Landing, Manistique: take-out above the dam. Location: Verify locally.
- Germfask outfitters rent boats and run shuttles.
Camping
- Mead Creek State Forest Campground, on the river
- Merwin Creek State Forest Campground: Verify locally.
- Northland Outfitters campground, Germfask (private)
- River-bank camping is limited: many banks are knee-deep muck. Look for firm sand.
- No overnight camping inside Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
Wildlife & Fishing
- Walleye, bass and northern pike.
- Bald eagles, sandhill cranes and deer along the refuge boundary.
Safety
- Dam at Manistique.
- Wind on the wide lower river.
- Heavy mosquitoes in early summer; mucky banks.
- Refuge rules: daylight paddling only, no boats on refuge pools.
- Nearest hospital: Manistique. Name: Verify locally.
Best Time & Access
June to September.
Trip Planning
- Check the USGS gage
- Check the weather
- Leave a trip plan with someone
- PFD on
- Dry bag packed
- Shuttle set
- Cold-water gear ready
River Difficulty
- Class IClass I (not listed by American Whitewater) — easy moving water, small riffles, few obstructions.
Ratings rise at high water — check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
- Germfask–Manistique: ~65 river mi
- Basin: Lake Michigan
- Gage: USGS 04056500
- One dam: Manistique
- Best: June–September
Sources
Paddle It With the Club
Join West Michigan Kayaking Club members on the Manistique River.
Come paddle with us
Sign the member agreement, then pick your first trip.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.