Perch River Kayaking Guide

The Perch River runs 25.4 miles from Perch Lake in Iron County through the Ottawa National Forest to the Sturgeon River in Baraga County — and it holds the best-documented whitewater in this entire batch of guides. Baraga County tourism documents a 6.8-mile M-28-to-Sturgeon River run rated Class II (III): a genuine, rated, measured paddle on a named reach. That is the trip this guide is built around.

The M-28 reference point sits near 46.518333, -88.663333, and the river's lower reaches are mapped near 46.5674401, -88.6459705 where it meets the Sturgeon. Class II (III) means real whitewater: straightforward rapids with a few moves that demand scouting, in a remote forested setting where help is not close. This is intermediate water, not a beginner float.

One firm boundary: do not extend that rating to the whole river. Only the documented 6.8-mile run carries the Class II (III) rating and the M-28-to-Sturgeon itinerary. The upper river, from Perch Lake down, has no documented route.

Paddling the Perch River

M-28 to the Sturgeon River (6.8 miles, Class II (III))

The documented run: put in near the M-28 crossing (about 46.518333, -88.663333) and paddle 6.8 miles to the Sturgeon River (lower river about 46.5674401, -88.6459705). Expect Class II water with Class III moves — scout what you can't see, run with a competent crew, and treat the Ottawa National Forest remoteness seriously. Verify the M-28 access point locally: the reference coordinate is documented, but confirm parking and legal access before you go.

Upper river (undocumented)

From Perch Lake in Iron County down to M-28, the river has no documented put-in, take-out, or paddling description. Do not assume it matches the rated run — it may be shallower, brushier, or blocked.

Hazards & Portages

Class II (III) whitewater on the documented run: real rapids with real consequences in a remote forest setting. Strainers and sweepers are likely in a river like this. The remoteness of the Ottawa National Forest means self-rescue skills and a solid group are essential. Never paddle the rated run alone, and never extend the rating to undocumented reaches.

Access & Parking

M-28 crossing area (about 46.518333, -88.663333) is the documented reference for the run's start — verify parking and legal access locally, as it is not confirmed here as a formal launch. No formal take-out is documented at the Sturgeon confluence; plan your exit in advance.

Map

The marker below is an approximate reference point at the M-28 crossing — not a confirmed formal launch. See the guide for the documented run.