Second River Kayaking Guide
The Second River is a 6.3-mile tributary of the Middle Branch Escanaba River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula — a small feeder stream in the Escanaba River watershed of Marquette County. Its name is purely positional, the kind of label surveyors gave to the second stream encountered, and it has stuck.
That is essentially the full public record. No paddling route is documented on the Second River, no launch or take-out is described, and the stream's gradient, obstructions, and surrounding ownership do not appear in any paddling source. Small tributaries of the Escanaba's branches are typically narrow, forested, and influenced by beaver activity.
Paddlers researching the name should not confuse it with any other 'Second River' — and should treat this one as undocumented water in every respect.
Second River at a Glance
- Region: Central UP — Marquette County, Escanaba River watershed
- Difficulty: Not established — no documented paddling route
- Character: 6.3-mile tributary of the Middle Branch Escanaba River
- Signature reach: None documented
- Watch for: Undocumented gradient, deadfall, and access
Paddling the Second River
A small watershed tributary
The Second River feeds the Middle Branch of the Escanaba River system — forested headwater country where streams run narrow and brown with tannin. Without documentation, its floatability is unknown and should not be assumed.
Planning any visit
Standard undocumented-water homework applies: current Michigan DNR maps, land ownership verification, water levels, and local knowledge. The Escanaba watershed's larger branches have more documented paddling; this tributary does not.
Hazards & Portages
Unknown gradient and obstructions; likely deadfall and beaver dams; no documented portages; remote forest setting.
Access & Parking
No confirmed public access point was found for the Second River. Check current Michigan DNR maps and verify ownership before any visit.
Map
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Second River all season long. Come float with us!