Manistee River Hiking & Kayaking Adventure/ West Michigan Kayaking Club 2026

2025 Hugh Heward challenge/West Michigan Kayaking Club

2026 Hugh Heward Challenge/West Michigan Kayaking Club

Our 3rd Muskegon River paddle was another great 25 miles, taking a long 8 hours from Highbanks Park in Big Rapids to the Hardy Dam. On the first 13 we didn’t get the expected current to push us; and on the last 12, through the Hardy Pond, we met a fair amount of cross waves from literally hundreds of boats. While paddling through the Rogers Dam Pond we met some folks who are following our journey. That was cool! Then at our portage over the Rogers Dam I discovered a paper wasp nest, but they decided instead to attack Brad! Besides the usual wildlife, I especially like the underwater gardens when the water is low and kind of stagnant. The flowing seaweed and lily pads are quite peaceful. And finally shout out to Feral Hughman for his generous shuttle.

The next time you’re on 131 crossing the bridge over the Muskegon River, hopefully you’ll be reminded of another world…our paddle underneath it.

Wild Rivers.Rugged Trails Real adventure 

The 216-Mile Muskegon River Adventure

The 216-mile journey down the Muskegon River begins with Tim and me—and we’ve already been reminded just how incredible this river really is!

We had forgotten how amazing the Muskegon is, so we decided it was time for our next big adventure: paddling the entire river from beginning to end.

For our first outing, we jumped in about two-thirds of the way down, paddling from Wisner to Maple Island—roughly 21 miles.

We completed the section in about 4 hours and 40 minutes, including a lunch break. It was a fantastic first outing and a great reminder of why we love exploring Michigan’s rivers.

And this is just the beginning.

216 miles. One river. One adventure at a time. 🚣‍♂️🌲

Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

Hardy Dam to Newaygo

West Michigan Kayaking Club 

Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

The Journey Continues

Our Muskegon River adventure continued on a beautiful July day in 2025.

After completing the first section of the river, Tim and I were back on the water for Paddle #2. We still had a long way to go, and we were excited to see what the next stretch would bring.

This time, we launched just below Hardy Dam and planned to take out at Weisner’s Canoe Rental in Newaygo.

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Here is our Muskegon River paddle #4, from the Hersey boat launch to Highbanks Park in Big Rapids. It was a nice 20 1/2 miles over 5 1/2 hours. This section has great current, especially the part through Big Rapids. Although not a twisty river, IMO the rapids through here mirrored the Sturgeon, and that’s saying something. It was super fun in sea kayaks! Excellent wildlife too. We saw an eagle, blue heron, turtles, ducks, geese, and this time crayfish. It was a beautiful day!

Special shout out to Tracey and Gary from the Big Rapids Rotary Club. We met them on the water in Green Township while they were on their annual river cleanup. Thanks!

Stay tuned as Brad and I continue our journey north and east.

1/2 way there after Muskegon River paddle #5. Over 100 out of the 200 miles complete! This section was Crawford Park NE of Evart to the Hersey boat launch. It was another 5 1/2 paddle but this time we tackled 22 miles. We saw a few green herons as well as the trees begining to change into their fall colors. It’s a beautiful time of year to be on the water.

Next big paddle coming soon…

Great paddle on our 6th trip down the Muskegon. This time, Pine Rd to Crawford Park, is squarely in the remote part of the river. It was a little light on wildlife, but good on color and way bigger on attendance. Along Tim Postma and Karen Standley joined in! Our 23 1/2 miles was peaceful and warm, spending 6 hours on the water as predicted.

Houghton Lake Marina to White Birch camp site

Bagels and tea on route for breakfast, kayaks in at Marina