Montreal River (Gogebic County) Kayaking Guide

The Montreal River of Gogebic County is the border river — it forms part of the Michigan–Wisconsin line before reaching Lake Superior at Oronto Bay. The whole river runs 47.8 miles, but paddlers know one specific reach: the famous canyon run below Saxon Falls, a 3.5-mile whitewater descent through a 200-foot-walled canyon with what Miles Paddled describes as nonstop Class II–III rapids. It begins at the base of a 90-foot waterfall and ends just above a hydroelectric dam, past which an even taller falls drops to Lake Superior.

The documented run starts at Saxon Falls Road (46.53638, -90.37935) — reached via stairs, not a developed launch — and ends near Highway 122 (46.55673, -90.41493). This is serious whitewater in a remote canyon: flow depends on dam releases and rain, with Miles Paddled suggesting around 400–600 cfs for the merely curious and 1,000-plus for enthusiasts. It is not a beginner run, not a casual float, and not a place to be casual about the take-out: miss it and the river continues to a dam.

Above Saxon Falls the river is impounded, and below Highway 122 it is unrunnable. So the Montreal here is a one-run river — but what a run, for paddlers with the skills and the water to match.

Paddling the Montreal River (Gogebic County)

Saxon Falls Road to Highway 122 (3.5 miles, Class II–III)

Put in at Saxon Falls Road (46.53638, -90.37935), at the base of the 90-foot Saxon Falls — access is via stairs, not a designated launch. The next 3.5 miles run through a canyon with 200-foot walls and continuous Class II–III rapids. Take out near Highway 122 (46.55673, -90.41493), above the hydroelectric dam. Do not float past the take-out: the river continues to the dam and then to falls that drop to Lake Superior. Target flows per Miles Paddled: roughly 400–600 cfs for a look, 1,000+ for a full-value run — and confirm releases before you go.

Above and below the run

Above Saxon Falls the Montreal is impounded — not a paddling reach. Below Highway 122 the river hits the dam and the unrunnable falls to Oronto Bay. This guide documents only the canyon run between the two points.

Hazards & Portages

Class II–III whitewater in a remote canyon with 200-foot walls and limited escape. A 90-foot waterfall sits at the put-in and a hydroelectric dam at the take-out end — missing the take-out has severe consequences. Flow depends on dam releases and rainfall and can change. Cold water, isolation, and stairs-only access at the put-in compound the seriousness. Expert whitewater skills and a solid crew are required.

Access & Parking

Put-in: Saxon Falls Road (46.53638, -90.37935) — via stairs, not a designated launch; verify current access. Take-out: near Highway 122 (46.55673, -90.41493). Confirm both access points and release schedules locally before planning this run.

Map

The marker below is an approximate reference point at the center of the documented whitewater run — not a launch site. Use the put-in and take-out coordinates in the guide.