Silver River Kayaking Guide
The Silver River of Baraga County is a 24.9-mile stream flowing from Fisher Lake (approximately 46.65500, -88.23500) north to Huron Bay on Lake Superior at approximately 46.81611, -88.29583. (Michigan has several rivers sharing this name; this guide covers the Baraga County river to Huron Bay, not the Keweenaw or Baraga–Houghton streams of the same name.)
The river's signature feature is Silver Falls, a drop on the river at approximately 46.79278, -88.33639 — one of the Huron Bay watershed's waterfall landmarks and a definitive sign that this is scenic, rugged water rather than a casual float. Map-derived listings show slipway-type access points near the mouth, the falls, and the upper river, but their official public status could not be verified.
No established paddling route is documented for the Silver River. With a waterfall on its course, unconfirmed access points, and a Lake Superior bay at its mouth, it is a river to research thoroughly — and likely to admire from shore — rather than a trip to plan from this page alone.
Silver River at a Glance
- Region: Western UP — Baraga County, Huron Bay watershed
- Difficulty: Not established — no documented paddling route; waterfall on course
- Character: 24.9-mile river, Fisher Lake to Huron Bay; Silver Falls mid-course
- Signature reach: Silver Falls (scenic feature, not a paddling feature)
- Watch for: Waterfall; unconfirmed access points; Superior bay at the mouth
Paddling the Silver River
Fisher Lake to Silver Falls
The upper river runs north from Fisher Lake through Huron Mountain foothill country to Silver Falls. This is forested, rugged terrain; the river's gradient and obstructions are undocumented, and the falls are an absolute barrier to any through-paddle.
Silver Falls to Huron Bay
Below the falls the river continues to Huron Bay on Lake Superior (approximately 46.81611, -88.29583). Slipway references near the mouth exist on maps but are unconfirmed as public launches — verify before relying on them, and respect Superior's conditions at the bay.
Hazards & Portages
Silver Falls and any other undocumented drops; unknown rapids and deadfall; unconfirmed access status; Lake Superior's cold water and weather at Huron Bay.
Access & Parking
Map listings show possible slipway access near the mouth, falls, and upper river, but none could be confirmed as public. Verify current access status with the Michigan DNR and local sources before any trip; do not assume a mapped slipway is legal public access.
Map
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Silver River all season long. Come float with us!
