Canoe Expedition Trip

Collectively designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, the Ontonagon River and its many tributaries in the northwestern Upper Peninsula provide a remote paddling experience through what has been noted as some of the wildest country remaining in the Midwest.

Of the four principle tributaries the South Branch is undoubtedly the most consistent in terms of water level fluctuations and we can be assured good passage in the summer months from May to September. From Ewen there is a good access site to begin the 25.5 mile journey through a variety of scenes and conditions as we bend our way past portions of scattered farmland before we quickly enter the rugged heart of the Ottawa National Forest.

Here the current begins to sweep us along at a very enjoyable pace and it becomes a balancing act of negotiating our way through class I-II rapids and keeping a watchful eye for wildlife. Loons, turtles, eagles and otters are only some of the wildlife we can count on viewing. Countless numbers of songbirds help create the setting along with the rapids and wind and in an instant we've entered someplace wild and embracing. For the next 17 miles we round each bend with anticipation armed with curiosity about this place. The rapids, known as Flannigan Rapids, are created by rock gardens of various sizes and are easily negotiated by intermediate paddlers. We can't forget that these large and seemingly out of place boulders were finally laid to rest from the retreating glaciers. Along this stretch we'll find a place to rest for the night and look forward to possibly running one or two class III rapids before we enter the backwaters of Victoria Reservoir where we end the trip at the historic Victoria Dam, four miles south of Rockland. At this very spot during the mid 1800's a giant mass of nearly pure copper was extracted from the river and is now displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

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.