Spurr River Kayaking Guide

The Spurr River is a short, 3.9-mile stream in Baraga County, flowing from Beaufort Lake to Lake Michigamme near the US-41/M-28 corridor. Its source sits at approximately 46.54639, -88.18722 and its mouth at approximately 46.52861, -88.13167 — a brief run between two lakes in Michigamme watershed country.

The river's practical paddling context is Lake Michigamme itself: the lake has a documented public launch at approximately 46.52594, -88.12216, making the big lake — not the short river — the paddling destination here. No established route is documented on the Spurr River, and a 3.9-mile lake-to-lake stream is a connector to explore from the lake rather than a river trip in its own right.

Paddlers launching on Lake Michigamme could poke up the Spurr's mouth as a side excursion, conditions permitting. Beyond that, the river is undocumented water.

Paddling the Spurr River

Beaufort Lake to Lake Michigamme

The Spurr's entire 3.9-mile course links two lakes. Short lake-outlet streams like this are typically shallow and weedy at the ends with an undocumented middle — fine for a curious poke from the lake, not for a planned descent.

Lake Michigamme as the base

The lake's documented public launch at approximately 46.52594, -88.12216 is the practical access for this area. Launch on the lake, enjoy Michigamme's paddling, and treat the Spurr as an optional side channel.

Hazards & Portages

Undocumented river gradient and obstructions; shallow or weedy channel; standard inland-lake wind on Lake Michigamme.

Access & Parking

Use the documented public launch on Lake Michigamme (approximately 46.52594, -88.12216); no launch is confirmed on the Spurr River itself. Verify current launch status with the Michigan DNR.

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