🌲 Fife Lake North Country Trail & Boardman River Adventure | West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
Looking for the ultimate Northern Michigan weekend? Join the West Michigan Kayaking Club for an unforgettable three-day expedition that combines backpacking through the beautiful Fife Lake Loop of the North Country Trail with a scenic paddle down the crystal-clear Boardman River.
This unique adventure offers the perfect blend of forest hiking, rustic camping, and river exploration. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on a full weekend expedition or simply join us for a day hike or paddle, this trip is designed to immerse you in some of Michigan’s most spectacular wilderness.
🚣♂️🥾 Adventure Overview
Experience two of Northern Michigan’s outdoor treasures in one incredible weekend.
🥾 Backpacking
- Fife Lake Loop – North Country Trail
- Approximately 21 miles over two days
- Rolling hills, hardwood forests, pine stands, creek crossings, and peaceful lakes
🚣 Kayaking
- Boardman River
- Approximately 11 miles
- Paddle from Forks Road Campground to Brown Bridge through one of Michigan’s most scenic rivers
🏕️ Camping
- Rustic Michigan State Forest Campgrounds
- Optional dispersed backcountry camping within the Manistee National Forest
💪 Trip Difficulty
🥾 Backpacking: Moderate
- Approximately 10–11 miles each day while carrying your overnight gear.
🚣 Kayaking: Easy to Moderate
- Gentle current with beautiful scenery, suitable for paddlers with basic river experience.
📍 Meeting & Camp Locations
🏕️ Old US-131 State Forest Campground
Friday Meet-Up & Saturday Night Camp
📍 44°29’30.71”N, 85°25’01.22”W
🌲 Spring Lake State Forest Campground
Friday Evening Camp
📍 44°33’48.58”N, 85°21’59.33”W
🚣 Forks Road Campground
Sunday Launch
📍 44°40’23.90”N, 85°24’06.26”W
🛶 Brown Bridge
Sunday Take-Out
📍 44°38’34.70”N, 85°30’30.75”W
📅 Weekend Itinerary
🌲 Friday – Backpack the North Country Trail (10.6 Miles)
We’ll meet at Old US-131 State Forest Campground at 12:00 PM, organize gear, review the route, and begin hiking north along the scenic Fife Lake Loop.
Expect a beautiful day filled with:
- Towering hardwood forests
- Rolling ridgelines
- Quiet pine forests
- Creek crossings
- Scenic lake views
- Remote backcountry wilderness
That evening we’ll camp at Spring Lake State Forest Campground, with dispersed camping available if needed.
🏕️ Saturday – Complete the Loop
Saturday we’ll finish the southern portion of the loop, returning to Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
After completing approximately another 10–11 miles, we’ll relax around camp, enjoy dinner together, swap trail stories, and prepare for Sunday’s river adventure.
🚣 Sunday – Paddle the Beautiful Boardman River
Sunday morning we’ll shuttle vehicles before launching from Forks Road Campground.
Our paddle follows approximately 11 miles of the stunning Boardman River through crystal-clear water, cedar-lined banks, and peaceful Northern Michigan scenery.
Depending on river conditions and group interest, we’ll have the option of extending the trip downstream or running Keystone Rapids for those looking for a little extra adventure.
⚠️ Important Trip Information
Please come prepared for a self-supported outdoor adventure.
Participants should note:
- Recreation Passport required for Michigan State Forest Campgrounds
- Filter or treat all drinking water
- Carry a GPS, map, or navigation app
- Practice proper food storage
- Be prepared for mosquitoes, ticks, and changing weather
- Shuttle coordination is required on Sunday
- Pack out everything you bring in
- Coast Guard-approved PFDs are required while kayaking
🎒 Recommended Gear
Backpacking
- Backpack with rain cover
- Tent or lightweight shelter
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Backpacking stove
- Food for two nights
- Water filter or purifier
Kayaking
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Coast Guard-approved PFD
- Dry bags
- Water shoes
Essentials
- Hiking boots
- Rain gear
- Warm layers
- First aid kit
- Repair kit
- GPS, map, or compass
- Headlamp with extra batteries
🌲 Choose Your Adventure
Not everyone has an entire weekend available—and that’s okay!
You’re welcome to join whichever portion fits your schedule:
🥾 Friday–Sunday – Complete backpacking and kayaking expedition
🥾 Saturday Only – Join us for a day hike on the North Country Trail
🚣 Sunday Only – Paddle the scenic Boardman River
No matter which option you choose, you’ll experience some of Northern Michigan’s finest trails and waterways while meeting fellow outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for adventure.
Join the Adventure
If you’d like to participate, please join our facebook page and comment on the event or send us a message indicating which portion of the weekend you’ll be joining. This helps us coordinate campsites, shuttle logistics, and group size.
We look forward to another incredible weekend exploring Michigan’s forests, rivers, and backcountry together.
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure