PaddlingMichigan.com - Kayak or Canoe Northern Michigan

The Michigamme River system has been utilized as a means of travel for hundreds of years dating back to the 17th century and before when the French Explorer Etienne Brule, who discovered Lake Superior, noted the river in his travels while exploring the region. He obviously obtained this information from the Native Americans in the area.

The Michigamme and its upper tributary the Peshekee River can be traveled in spring and early summer from just a few miles from Lake Superior all the way to Lake Michigan at Green Bay in Menominee, Michigan via the Michigamme, Brule, and the Menominee Rivers.

As you travel this river, you can relive the some of the beauty and quiet solitude of the region, its wildlife, geological formations, fauna, and of course history.

You can begin your Michigamme River tour at either the Van Riper State Park on Lake Michigamme, at the Republic Sportsman’s Club northwest of Republic, or just south of the village of Republic.

You can do tours ranging from 2 days to as long as 7 days or more on the Michigamme. A typical day run can go from Republic through the Whitbeck Rapids (Class 1-II) or the full 6/7 day trip from Lake Michigamme all the way down the river through the Michigamme Reservior and down to M-69 just east of Crystal Falls, Michigan. You can even continue on down through the Peavey Reservoir and out to the Brule and Menominee Rivers. You can determine your own pace for either traveling or going slower to fish for the walleye, pike, bass and muskie that inhabit the river. Lake Michigamme, the Michigamme Reservoir, and the Peavey Reservoir are all quite formidable bodies of water with many islands, bays and coves.

This is an excellent trip for scout troops or others wishing a multi-day paddling adventure.
When considering a river to canoe or kayak you have to consider the Michigamme as it is very diverse and can offer you a great adventure.

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 ziplok bags for snacks and small articles. Sleeping Bag

EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES SUPPLIED BY Paddling Michigan

Canoes/Kayaks and Accessories: Canoes/Kayaks, 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.

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.