Ogontz River Kayaking Guide
The Ogontz River is a 5.3-mile Delta County river reaching Ogontz Bay on Big Bay de Noc, with its mouth mapped at 45.8621925, -86.7759739. It is a short, Lake Michigan–bound stream in a scenic corner of the central UP — and, like many short streams in this series, it is essentially undocumented as a paddling route.
A DNR record references the US-2 bridge crossing, which at least gives paddlers a landmark: the river passes under US-2 on its way to the bay. But a bridge reference is not a launch, and no established paddling itinerary or verified launch was found. The river's 5.3-mile length is a geography fact, not a route description — it says nothing about depth, obstructions, or whether the full length is floatable.
The mouth at Ogontz Bay is the plausible paddling water: flat, scenic, and on Big Bay de Noc. But verify shoreline access locally before going, and treat anything upstream of the bay as unscouted.
Ogontz River at a Glance
- Region: Central Upper Peninsula — Delta County
- Difficulty: Unknown — no route documented
- Character: Short 5.3-mile river to Ogontz Bay on Big Bay de Noc
- Signature reach: None documented; mouth area is the plausible option
- Watch for: No verified launch; bay chop at the mouth
Paddling the Ogontz River
The short run to the bay (5.3 miles, undocumented as a route)
The river's full length is known, but its paddling character is not. Short Lake Michigan tributaries like this are often shallow, sometimes sandbarred at the mouth, and occasionally blocked by deadfall — any descent would be exploratory.
The US-2 crossing
A DNR record references the US-2 bridge over the river. Use it as a landmark for finding the stream, not as a launch — bridge crossings are not automatically public access, and parking on a highway shoulder is its own hazard.
Hazards & Portages
Undocumented upstream obstructions should be assumed: strainers, shallow stretches, possible beaver activity. At the mouth, Big Bay de Noc brings wind, waves, and cold water — check the marine forecast. Verify land ownership before launching anywhere but established public access.
Access & Parking
None verified. No public launch is documented for the Ogontz River. The US-2 bridge is a DNR reference point, not a confirmed launch — verify legal access and safe parking locally before using it.
Map
The marker below is an approximate reference point at the mouth of the Ogontz River — not a verified launch site.
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like this one all season long. Come float with us!