Little Manistee River

Two rivers in one — an easy family float above 9 Mile, and one of the Lower Peninsula's most challenging runs below it

Photo: OptimusPrimeBot (U.S. Forest Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

The Little Manistee River is the "Big Man's" smaller sibling, flowing through Manistee County to Lake Michigan — and it has a split personality that every paddler needs to understand. Above 9 Mile Bridge, it is a fairly easy, pleasant float through national forest. Below 9 Mile Bridge, it becomes one of the most challenging paddles in Michigan's Lower Peninsula: a swift, obstacle-filled run with a gradient of about 14 feet per mile that demands real moving-water skills. West Michigan Kayaking Club runs both sections, but the lower run is strictly for experienced paddlers with solid eddy-turn and ferrying ability.

The upper section from Bear Track Campground to 9 Mile Bridge takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours and involves only light maneuvering — a fine trip for confident beginners paddling with the club. Then everything changes at 9 Mile: the current quickens dramatically, and the river becomes a continuous puzzle of log hops, strainers, and tight chutes that shift from year to year and even month to month. Paddlers on the 9 Mile to 6 Mile run should expect portages, bring a spray skirt and throw bag if they have them, and plan on 3 to 4 hours of focused paddling.

At a Glance

• Approximate length: ~30+ miles of paddleable river, national forest to Lake Michigan
• Difficulty: Easy above 9 Mile Bridge; intermediate to advanced below it
• Water character: Gentle forest stream upstream; swift, technical, obstacle-filled downstream
• Best season: Spring through early summer for good flows; late summer runs low and bony

Paddling Sections

Bear Track Campground → 9 Mile Bridge

Put-in: Bear Track Campground (44.1483, -86.0319)  |  Take-out: 9 Mile Bridge / Skocelas Road (44.1709, -86.1035)  |  Distance: About 2.5–3.5 hours

The easy section: a fairly gentle float with just a little maneuvering required. Take out at 9 Mile Bridge before the fast water begins — this is the standard turnaround point for casual trips, and the bridge landing has parking. A great club paddle for newer members.

9 Mile Bridge → 6 Mile Bridge (Experts Only)

Put-in: 9 Mile Bridge  |  Take-out: 6 Mile Bridge (44.1838, -86.1675)  |  Distance: About 3–4 hours

Not for river beginners. You must have fast-river kayaking experience: the ability to eddy out, ferry across current, and maneuver through tight openings is mandatory. The gradient drops 14 feet per mile, the current is swift, and obstacles change constantly. Expect portages and log hops. The Forest Service notes this reach is suitable for canoes and kayaks only — and even then, only for skilled paddlers. PFDs must be worn at all times.

6 Mile Bridge → Manistee Weir

Put-in: 6 Mile Bridge  |  Take-out: Above the Manistee Weir  |  Distance: About 2.5 hours

Continuing downstream past 6 Mile, the river gradually eases toward the DNR's Manistee Weir. You must portage the weir — use the designated portage area to the north of the structure. Below the weir the river continues to Stronach and Manistee Lake.

Hazards & Portages

Strainers and logjams are the defining hazard, especially on the 9 Mile to 6 Mile run — the river changes constantly, and what was clear last month may be blocked today. Scout blind corners, never paddle into a strainer, and be ready to portage. The Manistee Weir requires a portage via the designated area north of the dam. Cell service in the river corridor is poor to nonexistent — download maps before you go, paddle with a group, and carry the Ten Essentials mindset: dry clothes, first aid, and a plan.

Access & Parking

Access points are signed along the Manistee County river corridor: Bear Track Campground, 9 Mile Bridge (Skocelas Road), 6 Mile Bridge, and the Manistee Weir area, with walk-in access at several other points. Many sites are USFS fee sites with vault toilets; some require a recreation pass. Parking at 9 Mile and 6 Mile bridges is limited — carpool and arrive early on weekends.

Map