Rafting Trips
The rivers listed below are perfect for your next rafting experience. You can choose rent our raft and explore the rivers by yourself or hire one of our experienced knowledgeable guides for a rate of $300 a day.
Escanaba River
The Escanaba River is one of the Upper Peninsula's largest river systems and has many miles of flotable water. Draining more than 900 square miles of remote hardwood forests and conifer swamps in the central U.P. from south of Marquette to Escanaba the river has several tributaries that form; most notably the East and West Branches and form a confluence to the mainstream near the village of Gwinn. The drainage area is found on the precambrian shield, with rugged outcroppings of rock, sheer cliffs, towering hardwood forests, and pine plains. It can be a very swift flowing river especially early in the spring run-off.
Being of the best Michigan rivers for trout the Escanaba and its tributaries offer a varied and challenging experience. For a float trip the main stream from Gwinn to the Boney Falls Basin (25 miles) is best. Just below Gwinn the East Branch dumps in and the fishing is great below the confluence. Also for a shorter trip there is access at Sawmill Creek about 10 miles below Gwinn. This is the best float area. The river runs about 40-60 feet wide and 3-4 feet deep over a bottom of solid stone mixed with sand. Riffles are spaced from 1/4 to 1/2 miles apart.
Michigamme River
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.
