Jordan River Hike & Kayak Adventure: A Weekend to Remember
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
Some adventures leave a lasting impression, and our inaugural Jordan River Hike & Kayak Adventure was one of them.
What started as a weekend designed to showcase one of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful wilderness areas quickly became one of the most memorable events in West Michigan Kayaking Club history. With an incredible turnout, perfect weather, and an outstanding group of outdoor enthusiasts, the weekend was filled with breathtaking scenery, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
The response from our members was so overwhelmingly positive that we’re excited to announce the Jordan River Hike & Kayak Adventure is now an official annual West Michigan Kayaking Club event!
Day One: Conquering the Jordan River Pathway
Our adventure began Saturday morning as members gathered at Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground before shuttling to the trailhead at the iconic Deadman’s Hill Overlook.
From the very first steps, the Jordan River Pathway reminded us why it is considered one of Michigan’s premier hiking trails.
The approximately 10-mile route challenged hikers with rolling ridgelines, hardwood forests, steep climbs, peaceful river crossings, and spectacular overlooks of the Jordan River Valley. Every turn revealed another incredible view, making the effort well worth every mile.
Throughout the hike, members encouraged one another, shared stories, stopped for photos, and appreciated the beauty of one of Michigan’s most pristine wilderness areas.
It wasn’t just a hike—it was an adventure shared among friends.
Saturday Evening Around Camp
Following the hike, many participants gathered at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground, our official event headquarters, for an evening around the campfire.
As the sun set over the Jordan River Valley, conversations shifted from the day’s hike to future adventures, favorite rivers, camping stories, and plans for Sunday’s paddle.
These evenings are one of the things that make West Michigan Kayaking Club so special. While the rivers and trails bring us together, it’s the friendships we build around the campfire that truly define our community.
Day Two: Paddling the Legendary Jordan River
Sunday morning brought another incredible adventure as we launched from Graves Crossing and paddled downstream to Rogers Road Bridge.
The Jordan River is widely regarded as one of Michigan’s most beautiful natural rivers, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.
Crystal-clear water, cedar-lined banks, abundant wildlife, and peaceful stretches of wilderness made for an unforgettable paddle through the heart of the Jordan River Valley. Every bend offered another scenic view, reminding us why protecting and enjoying Michigan’s wild places is so important.
For many participants, experiencing the Jordan River from both the hiking trail and the water created a completely unique perspective of this remarkable landscape.
Thank You to Everyone Who Joined Us
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated and helped make this inaugural event such an incredible success.
Whether you joined us for the hike, the paddle, or the entire weekend, your enthusiasm, teamwork, and adventurous spirit made this event something truly special.
One of the greatest rewards of these weekends is watching complete strangers become friends, encouraging one another on the trail, sharing meals around camp, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
We’re Already Looking Ahead!
Because of the overwhelming success of this year’s adventure, we’re thrilled to announce that the Jordan River Hike & Kayak Adventure will now be an annual West Michigan Kayaking Club tradition.
Next year’s event has already been posted!
If you missed this year’s adventure, now is the perfect time to start planning. We expect another fantastic turnout as we return to explore one of Michigan’s most scenic hiking trails and one of its most beautiful rivers.
Be sure to follow the West Michigan Kayaking Club Facebook page to stay up to date on all of our 2027 kayaking, hiking, backpacking, kayak camping, and outdoor adventure events. Our Facebook Events page is the best place to learn about upcoming trips, reserve your spot, and connect with fellow members before each adventure.
Adventure Awaits
At West Michigan Kayaking Club, we’re passionate about exploring Michigan’s wild places by land and water. From endurance hikes and kayak camping expeditions to scenic river paddles and backpacking adventures, every event is an opportunity to challenge yourself, build lasting friendships, and experience the incredible beauty our state has to offer.
The Jordan River reminded us once again why we do what we do.
Here’s to another amazing adventure—and many more to come.
We’ll see you on the trail and on the river!
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About West Michigan Kayaking Club
Founded in 2020, West Michigan Kayaking Club is a volunteer-run outdoor community dedicated to promoting safe, active recreation throughout Michigan. We organize weekend kayaking trips, hiking adventures, backpacking excursions, kayak camping weekends, endurance paddles, and river stewardship projects for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Whether you’re looking for your next challenge or your next adventure, you’ll find it with us.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
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