Big Carp River Kayaking Guide
The Big Carp River is the alternate name for the Carp River of Gogebic and Ontonagon counties — the "Big" distinguishes it from the nearby Little Carp River, which runs roughly parallel a few miles to the west. It is a 10.3-mile wilderness river entirely within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, formed by the outflow of Lake of the Clouds and flowing west and southwest to Lake Superior near the Gogebic–Ontonagon county line.
This is a waterfall river, not a paddling river. A 1949 Michigan DNR fisheries survey describes it as wilderness stream habitat, and every modern source treats it as a hiking destination — the 9.6-mile Big Carp River Trail follows it from the Lake of the Clouds Overlook (M-107) to its mouth — rather than a boating route. No canoe or kayak route is documented by the DNR, USGS, or any paddling guide, and we will not invent one.
Big Carp River at a Glance
- Region: Western UP — Gogebic and Ontonagon counties; Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
- Difficulty: Not suitable — waterfall river, no documented paddling route
- Character: 10.3-mile wilderness stream; Bathtub Falls and Shining Cloud Falls
- Reference point: River mouth at Lake Superior, approx. 46.7677, -89.8852
- Watch for: Waterfalls, remote wilderness terrain, Lake Superior surf at the mouth
Paddling the Big Carp River
No recommended paddling route
Between Bathtub Falls and Shining Cloud Falls on the main river — plus Trap Falls on the upper Carp River Inlet — there is no continuous paddleable reach, and the river drops through steep, boulder-strewn terrain inside one of Michigan's most remote state parks. The Big Carp River Trail (9.6 miles out and back, with eight backcountry campsites) and the Lake Superior Trail at the river mouth are the documented ways to experience this river: on foot. Paddlers visiting the Porkies should look instead to Lake Superior shoreline paddling from the park's mouth areas, with full respect for the big lake's surf and weather.
Hazards & Portages
The river's defining features are its waterfalls — Bathtub Falls and Shining Cloud Falls — which make any thought of a through-paddle a non-starter. Add steep, remote old-growth terrain with no road access along the corridor and Lake Superior surf at the mouth, and the message is clear: enjoy this river from the trail, not from a boat.
Access & Parking
No boat launch or road put-in is documented on the Big Carp River. Trailhead access is at the Lake of the Clouds Overlook off M-107, where the Big Carp River Trail begins its 9.6-mile descent to the Lake Superior mouth. The Lake Superior Trail also passes the river mouth. For actual paddling in the park, research Lake Superior shoreline launches and check conditions with the park before you go.
Map
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club explores Michigan's waterways all season long. Come float with us!
