Upper section
Stronger rapids
The run's biggest drops, including the Class IV First Big Drop.
Upper Peninsula River Guide / Marquette County to Lake Michigamme
Peshekee River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
A wild Marquette County river that runs south beside the Peshekee Grade to Lake Michigamme. Its roadside whitewater run mixes long stretches of moving water and Class I-II rapids with a few stronger drops, and its many bridges make short trips easy to plan.
RegionCentral Upper Peninsula, Huron Mountains area
CountiesMarquette
WatershedMichigamme and Menominee rivers
Great Lake BasinLake Michigan
River LengthAbout 31 miles
PaddleablePeshekee Grade bridges to US-41, about 15 to 18 miles
Best SeasonSpring high water
MouthLake Michigamme
Before you launch: one big drop and spring snow
- Class IV drop: the "First Big Drop" near the top of the run is Class IV. Scout or portage it.
- Sticky hole: a possibly sticky wave or hole sits above one rapids section.
- High water: big spring flows wash out small rapids but make the large drops pushier. One spring trip flipped two of three canoes on a big drop.
- Snowed-in road: early spring trips are often cut short where snow blocks the Peshekee Grade.
River History
The Peshekee drains wild country at the edge of the Huron Mountains, logged in the late 1800s and early 1900s and now mostly forest. The Peshekee Grade, an old road that follows the river, gives paddlers and anglers access to a string of numbered bridges.
The river ends at Lake Michigamme near Champion, and its water continues down the Michigamme and Menominee rivers to Lake Michigan.
River Map
River Overview
The Peshekee River flows about 31 miles south through Marquette County to Lake Michigamme. American Whitewater's run follows the Peshekee Grade from the upper bridges down toward US-41, with seven numbered bridges and other road crossings for access.
Above 7th Bridge
Very low gradient. Not recommended for whitewater put-ins.
7th Bridge and Lake Alice Road bridge
Upper put-ins. The stronger rapids, including the Class IV drop, are in the upper section.
6th and 5th bridges
Good exit from the upper section, and a middle put-in.
Hasscib Lake Camp Road bridge
Middle access.
4th to 1st bridges
Lower put-ins and exits. Bridge 4 to about a mile above Bridge 1 is a 3.9-mile short run.
County Road Ida bridge and US-41
Lower take-outs near Lake Michigamme.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
There's no live gage on the Peshekee. American Whitewater uses the Middle Branch Escanaba River at Humboldt as a guide. The old Moose Rapids gage is no longer available.
How to read it
When the Middle Branch Escanaba at Humboldt is high with spring melt, the Peshekee is likely running.
Look at the rapids from the bridges before you choose a section.
Paddling Character
Middle and lower sections
Moving water
Scenic moving water with Class I-II rapids and many bridges for short trips.
Michigan Water Trails
The Peshekee is not a designated Michigan Water Trail. American Whitewater lists the Peshekee Grade run with bridge-by-bridge access.
Check American Whitewater for current reach notes.
American Whitewater, Peshekee RiverDams & Portages
Marquette County
No dams on the run
There are no dams on the Peshekee Grade run. The hazards are natural drops and wood.
Launches
Listed upstream to downstream. Confirm parking, fees and current conditions before you go.
Camping
Lake Michigamme
Van Riper State Park
State park campground on Lake Michigamme near Champion. A Recreation Passport is required.
State forest
Dispersed camping
State forest land in the area allows dispersed camping under DNR rules.
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
The Huron Mountains area is home to moose, wolves, black bear, deer, loons and eagles.
Fishing
The Peshekee has brook trout. Check the current fishing guide.
Safety
Safety essentials
- Wear a PFD and helmet on the upper section.
- Scout or portage the Class IV First Big Drop.
- Paddle with a group that can rescue in cold, fast water.
- Check that the Peshekee Grade is open before driving up in spring.
Rules, passes and private land
- A Michigan Recreation Passport is needed at state parks and many state-run launches.
- Much of the riverbank is private. Stop only on public land or where you have permission.
- Leave No Trace: pack out all trash.
What to pack
- Spare paddle, bilge pump, throw bag and whistle
- Dry bag with warm layers
- Map or GPS track with your take-out marked
- Helmet and throw rope
- Drysuit or wetsuit for spring water
Best Time & Access
Spring
The paddling season. Snow can block the upper road early on.
Summer
Usually too low.
Fall
Runnable only after big rain.
Winter
Snowed in. Not recommended.
From Grand Rapids, Lake Michigamme is about six and a half hours north. Take US-131 and I-75 to the Mackinac Bridge, then US-2 and M-95 or US-41 west toward Champion.
Trip Planning
Pick a section
Choose between the upper rapids and the easier lower bridges.
Short run
Bridge 4 to about a mile above Bridge 1 is 3.9 miles.
Camp nearby
Base at Van Riper State Park on Lake Michigamme.
Check before you go
Look at the Humboldt gage and road conditions.
River Difficulty
We use the American Whitewater difficulty scale. American Whitewater rates the Peshekee Grade run Class I-III, with a Class IV drop near the top.
Peshekee Grade run
Mostly Class I-II, with a few stronger drops and one Class IV.
Quick Reference
| Mouth | Lake Michigamme |
|---|---|
| Length | About 31 miles |
| Whitewater run | About 15 to 18 miles along the Peshekee Grade |
| Access | Seven numbered bridges, plus County Road Ida and US-41 |
| Gage | None. Use the Middle Branch Escanaba at Humboldt (04057800) |
| Best season | Spring high water |
| Difficulty | Class I-III (IV) |