Sand River Kayaking Guide

The Sand River is a 9.2-mile tributary of Lake Superior that flows mostly through the Escanaba River State Forest in the northeastern corner of Marquette County, crossing into the northwestern corner of Alger County just before reaching the lake at the village of Sand River. It is a short, accessible northwoods river on the M-28 corridor between Marquette and Munising.

The river's mouth at the village of Sand River (approximately 46.496325, -87.106811) is its most reachable point, and local vacation listings describe the river as pleasant for canoeing and kayaking near its lower end — though those are private-rental impressions, not a documented public route. No established put-ins, mileage, or portage notes were found in paddling sources.

For now, the Sand River is best understood as a pretty forest stream with roadside proximity: worth a look from the village, but not a river with a published trip to plan around. Verify access and conditions locally before putting a boat in.

Paddling the Sand River

Through the state forest

Most of the river's 9.2 miles run through the Escanaba River State Forest in northeastern Marquette County — wooded, quiet, and roadless in stretches. The river rises at approximately 46.39883, -87.139589; its upper character is undocumented.

The village and the mouth

At the village of Sand River the stream meets Lake Superior near M-28. This is the natural reference point for any visit (approximately 46.496325, -87.106811), but confirm legal access before launching — and treat the big lake with full respect.

Hazards & Portages

Undocumented gradient, deadfall, and beaver activity; no documented portages; Lake Superior's cold water, waves, and weather at the mouth.

Access & Parking

No confirmed public launch was found on the Sand River. Roadside proximity near the village of Sand River on M-28 does not equal legal access — check current Michigan DNR maps and verify ownership before any trip.

Map