Platte River Kayaking Guide

The Platte River is the Sleeping Bear country's paddling playground — a sparkling, spring-fed stream in Benzie County that may be Michigan's most beloved tubing and kayaking river. Flowing from the hills near Honor westward through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to Lake Michigan, the Platte offers two completely different trips in one watershed: a quick, technical upper river through shaded forest, and a gentle, gin-clear lower river that might be the prettiest easy float in the state.

The lower Platte is the star for most paddlers. From the M-22 picnic and canoe launch, the river meanders through Loon Lake and onward to Lake Michigan in a 2- to 4-hour trip (depending on how much you paddle versus drift) through shallow, transparent water over a sandy bottom. It is the rare river where you can watch your shadow glide along the bottom the whole way. Families love it, beginners thrive on it, and on a sunny summer day the colors — turquoise water, green banks, blue sky — are unforgettable.

The upper Platte is another story: narrower, quicker, and shaded, with logjams and sweepers that demand active paddling and quick decisions. It is rewarding for intermediate paddlers but not the place for a first float. Note also that the Platte gets busy — very busy — on peak summer weekends, when the lower river fills with tubers. Go early, go on a weekday, or embrace the party, and steer clear of the upper river during the heavy September and October salmon fishing pressure.

Paddling the Platte

Upper Platte: Veterans Memorial to Honor (about 7 miles)

The upper river run from Veterans Memorial State Forest Campground to Honor covers about 7 miles of narrow, quick, shaded water. Logjams and sweepers are frequent — this is active, engaging paddling for intermediates who enjoy reading water and threading tight spots. An extended 9-mile version continues from Veterans Memorial to Deadstream Road for those wanting more.

Lower Platte: M-22 Launch to Lake Michigan (2–4 hours)

This is the famous float: put in at the M-22 picnic and canoe launch, drift and paddle through Loon Lake, and continue down the crystal-clear lower river to the Lake Michigan beach. The trip takes 2 to 4 hours depending on effort, and the El Dorado launch to the lake is about an hour on its own. A fish weir along the way may require a short portage — follow posted signs. The finish, beaching your boat where the river meets the big lake, is pure Michigan magic.

Hazards & Portages

On the upper river, logjams and sweepers are the main hazards — scout blind bends and be ready to portage. On the lower river, the fish weir can require a portage; watch for signs. Where the river meets Lake Michigan, wind and waves can turn the mouth hazardous — do not paddle out into the lake in rough conditions. Peak-summer crowds are a different kind of hazard: with tubers everywhere, keep your speed down, communicate, and stay patient.

Access & Parking

Platte River Campground (44.71547, -86.12103) in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the key base for the area, with camping and river access. The M-22 picnic and canoe launch serves the lower river float, and El Dorado is another popular launch. National Lakeshore parking requires a park pass, and lots fill early on summer weekends — arrive before 10 a.m. or paddle on a weekday for the most peaceful experience.

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