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  1. Home
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  4. »West Michigan kayakers tackle the full 216-mile Muskegon River

Muskegon River Adventure – Part 9 Houghton Lake to White Birch Campground | July 23, 2026 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 27, 2026 6:19 AM

We had finally made it all the way to the headwaters of the Muskegon River.

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Muskegon River Adventure Redo – Part 8 White Birch Campground to Jonesville Road | July 12, 2026 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 26, 2026 10:54 PM

Muskegon River Adventure #8 — We Came Back for Revenge 🛶🔥

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Muskegon River Adventure – Part 8 White Birch Campground to Jonesville Road | November 24, 2025 West Michigan Kayaking Club Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 26, 2026 6:02 PM

Muskegon River Adventure — Part 8 🛶

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Muskegon River Adventure – Part 7 Jonesville Road to Pine Road | November 2, 2025 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 26, 2026 5:52 PM

21 miles complete!

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Muskegon River Adventure – Part 6 Pine Road to Crawford Park | October 8, 2025 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 26, 2026 1:57 PM

23½ Miles Through the Remote Muskegon River

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Muskegon River Adventure – Part 5 Crawford Park to Evart | September 21, 2025 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 26, 2026 1:46 PM

September 21, 2025

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Muskegon River Adventure – Part 4 Hersey to Highbanks Park | August 20, 2025 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 26, 2026 1:18 PM

The journey continues!

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Muskegon River Adventure – Part 3 Highbanks Park to Hardy Dam | August 6, 2025 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 20, 2026 10:19 AM

Our third Muskegon River paddle was another great 25-mile adventure—although it took us a long 8 hours to make the journey from Highbanks Park in Big Rapids to Hardy Dam.

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Muskegon River Adventure – Part 2 Hardy Dam to Wisner | July 20, 2025 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 19, 2026 11:26 AM

Hardy Dam to Newaygo

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Muskegon River Adventure – Part 1 Wisner to Maple Island | July 1, 2025 West Michigan Kayaking Club | Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Aug 19, 2026 8:56 AM

The Muskegon River — Wisner to Maple Island

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https://www.westmichigankayakingclub.online

Paddling with West Michigan Kayaking Club means real adventure on real rivers — 15–30 mile expeditions, wilderness camping,

and winter water. Real adventure demands real preparation. Before you join any club trip, make sure you and your gear are ready.

 

 

 

Required Gear

 

Bring every item on this list to every trip. If you do not have it, you do not launch.

 

  • U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (life jacket) — worn at all times on the water, not stowed in the hatch.
  • A seaworthy kayak appropriate for the trip: adequate length with sealed bulkheads or flotation for the water you will be on.
  • A paddle, plus a paddle float (a spare paddle is smart on longer trips).
  • Hydration: enough water for the full day, plus a little extra.
  • Food and snacks matched to the distance and conditions.
  • Navigation: map, compass, or GPS — and the knowledge to use them. Do not rely on a phone alone.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. No cotton in cold conditions; wetsuit or drysuit when the water is cold.
  • Emergency equipment: whistle, bilge pump or sponge, throw rope where appropriate, first-aid kit, headlamp, and a dry bag for essentials.

 

Your Responsibility

 

Every paddler is responsible for themselves. That means:

 

  • Your equipment: inspect it before every trip and know how to use it.
  • Your transportation: arrange your own shuttles unless the trip posting says otherwise.
  • Your physical preparedness: our trips run long — train for the distance you sign up for.
  • Your paddling ability: honestly assess whether your skills match the trip's difficulty rating.
  • Understanding conditions: check the weather, water levels, and forecast before you launch — and be willing to sit a trip out.

 

Group Adventures, Not Guided Trips

 

West Michigan Kayaking Club trips are group adventures among fellow paddlers — not guided commercial trips. There is no guide service, no outfitter, and no one hired to keep you safe. Our trips run on a lead/middle/sweep structure built on preparation, communication, and personal responsibility. You are responsible for yourself on the water.

See upcoming trips

Read our Safety Guidelines

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