Paddling our Rivers in Manistee County

Looking to find that perfect river to float?  Well you are in luck, we have many fantastic paddling or floating rivers.  The Little Manistee River, Big Manistee River, Pine River are great paddling rivers for all experience levels.  If you are looking for a lazy day float, try the lower half of Bear Creek in the late summer/early fall for great fall color!   Browse any of these great rivers below!

Your River Adventures. #MyManistee

Explore the Rivers in the Manistee County Area

With 250+ river miles to explore… there is no shortage of paddling and fishing opportunities on the rivers of Manistee. Here you will find a complete list of rivers in our region and recommended routes, trips and float times.

River Tips and Recommendations


 

Best River for Families:  Big Manistee River – This top Michigan river is ideal for families traveling to the region, as it is wide and there are plenty of rental liveries servicing the various segments.

 


 

Best River for Experienced Paddlers: Pine River – This river contains some of the only white water in the Lower Peninsula.  This river is frequented by expert paddlers throughout the season, however, the early spring thaw attracts many from around the Midwest as this is the time of year when the river is at its swiftest current.

 


 

Best River for a Tube/Float: Little Manistee River – This great river, is shallow and is great for those looking for a quick 2-3 hour afternoon float.

 

EXPLORE OUR WATERWAYS

Download a complete guide to all of the rivers in Manistee County. Included you will find float times/charts and GPS locations for each access site.
Download a Map of all the Manistee County Rivers

Watercraft Rentals

No Watercraft? No Problem… search our great rental liveries and companies serving the waterways around Manistee County.

Found 3 listings

 

Follow the travelers that love Manistee County, enjoy these stories about our incredible outdoor recreation, things-to-do, dining, shopping and unique experiences you will ONLY find here.

Browse our latest #MyManistee perspectives here, or scroll through these top stories in your category.

Big Manistee Winter Paddling

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Nature & Pet Friendly Parks in Manistee County

Traveling with your four legged companions is becoming more and more of a norm in the travel world, so rest assured that we have places that welcome your pets. A top beach in the Manistee Area would be the North Beach Access.  Perfect, out of the way, and...

Time to Try Something New

Encumbered by responsibilities, we yearn to get away from it all. We find ourselves seeking the peaceful refuge of the wide-open spaces of the great outdoors. Winter is no exception. Good News! We have just the solution for your winter blues or cabin fever! This year...

Grebe Park

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Northern Natural Cider House & Winery

As is true of so many businesses in Manistee County, the Northern Natural Cider House and Winery in Kaleva is a family operation. When I visited, the Dad, Dennis Mackey, is still living in his great grandfather’s home built in 1905, with wife Diane, and...

Arcadia Overlook

As you are driving north through Manistee County on the beautiful Scenic Highway M-22, you will find yourself "on top of the county" when you reach the Arcadia Overlook (known by some as "Inspiration Point").  When you travel through the quaint town of...

Winter Trail Warriors

 Picture this…a dusting of freshly fallen snow covers the expertly groomed trails before you, the temperatures have dropped just low enough to keep the fresh snowpack on the trails in peak condition, you have nothing but time and over 250 miles of snowmobile trails...

Generations of Land: Farms in Manistee County

Farming in Manistee County is not just a job for the families who live and work here- it is part of their history and culture. Each individual farming family is unique in its own way, celebrating the traditions of ancestors through each crop they harvest...

Top 5 Unique Fall Finds for 2020

There are more ways to experience fall color than just by car or bike. Here is your TOP 5 #MyManistee "Unique Ways to Explore Fall" this fall color season in Northern Michigan.   1) Scenic Airplane Tour Take a Scenic Airplane Ride with Orchard Beach Aviation....

Drop your paddle board in the water

East river floatsOur two Manistee Rivers - Ideal for big groups, kids and people who don’t have a ton of paddling experience that are looking for a true Northern Michigan adventure.The Big Manistee River is wide, and smooth flowing with no rapids or tight...