Canoe Expedition Trip

The Indian River is a designated Wild and Scenic river, undimmed and free-flowing. It begins at Fish Lake, 15 miles south of Munising (near the bigger, better-known Pete's Lake) and flows to Indian Lake near Manistique. These 36 miles have been marked as a canoe trail.

The Indian River is the most-used recreational river in the entire Hiawatha National Forest. It's a gently flowing river, usually some 30 to 50 feet wide and one to three feet deep. The canoe trail goes through hardwood forests, mixed conifers in the low areas, and marshlands, good for seeing wildlife. Brown trout top the list of fish species. Sandhill Cranes, River Otter, White-Tail Deer, Black Bear, and other animals are frequently reported.

This river has probably the best water flowage of any river in the Upper Peninsula late in the season due to numerous springs feeding it. The Indian is considered a gentle river with little or no rapids and generally water over 1 foot in depth.

Improvements have been made at Widewaters and Indian River Campgrounds, the two streamside campgrounds. Widewaters Campground (13 miles south of Munising on Forest Highway 13) would be a good place to start a short trip. The northern trailhead is at Fish Lake. From Forest Highway 13 look for the drive to Widewaters Campground but go a little farther. The trail ends at Palms-Book State Park, near Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring).

Paddling Michigan offers trips from 1 to 4 days on the river. Camping is generally done at Wide Waters Campground, Indian River Campground, and remote campsites along the river. We are the only outfitter with a permit from the National Forrest Service to operate on this river at this time.

EQUIPMENT YOU SUPPLY FOR WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIPS

Clothing: It may appear from the following list that you will be preparing for an arctic adventure! However, these clothes should keep you comfortable under poor weather conditions: warm jacket (i.e., for fall conditions) or windbreaker with pile/fleece (e.g. Polartec) liner or wool sweater, long-sleeved shirt, t-shirt, warm wool or synthetic socks, one pair of pants, shorts, swim suit, undergarments, small towel.

Paddling gear: Cap, sun glasses, paddling jacket (synthetic windbreaker or rain-suit, preferably with elasticized cuffs), short pants of synthetic material, neoprene booties or water sandals (e.g. Tevas) or running shoes, synthetic long underwear (top and bottom), plastic water bottle, head strap for glasses. A "Farmer John/Jane" wet suit will be supplied by Paddling Michigan; however, to guarantee a good fit, a wet-suit can be purchased at many outdoor stores.
    Optional:
    Hand-held sighting compass.
    Note:
    Paddling clothes should be synthetic, or with minimal cotton.

Personal Gear:
Sunscreen, chap stick, bug dope, toilet paper, matches or lighter, soap, etc. On day trips, we will have enough "river" bags to accommodate most clothing, but bring ziploc bags for snacks and small articles. Sleeping Bag

EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES SUPPLIED BY Paddling Michigan

Canoes and Accessories: Canoes, paddles, PFD’s, Tow lines, Dry Bags

Wet suits are provided. Please indicate your lifejacket size and wet suit size when you send deposit or trip balance.

Camping Equipment: One tent for each couple or individual, thermarest, camp grill, coffee pot, water purifier, 19 ft. shelter tarp, camp saw, cook stoves, fuel, camp cookery, dishes, two large dry bags for your sleeping bag and bulky clothing, and smaller dry bags as required.

Safety Equipment: First aid kit, marine radio, compass, tow line.