Rivers and Paddling in Manistee County

Pine River

Meandering throughout the Manistee National Forest


 

Quick, tight and loaded with white water, the Pine River is Manistee County’s fastest flowing river and is not for the novice paddler. If you are an adventure paddler looking for a challenge, visit the lower stretches of the Pine after a significant rainfall and enjoy the white water rapids.

River Difficulty/Paddling Tips

This entire river is considered to be for experienced paddlers only.  Current is especially swift in the spring after the winter thaw, or after a major rain event.  Because this river is very busy in the summer, you must obtain a river pass.  They can be reserved at any forest service location prior to your desired day at a cost, or may be obtained the day of for no cost.  Keep in mind, river passes are limited, so if you are traveling from a distance, be sure to reserve your spot on the river!

Tubing Tips

This isn’t really a great tubing river.  The current is quite fast and tight.  We suggest tubing the Big Manistee or Little Manistee River.

 

Float Times

(See map below for location of access points)

– Peterson> Low Bridge :  2.5 hrs
– Low Bridge > Norman Dixon : .75 hrs

Access Points
(See map below for location of access points)

Major Access Points on the River System: Download map for details.

– Peterson Bridge –Map (On M37 south of the M55 junction)
– Low Bridge – Map (Just off M55 on Low Bridge Road)
– Norman Dixon – Map (Off S. Tower Line Road on Robinson Road)

Meadow Brook Bridge

Site Amenities:
– Primitive Parking Area
– Parking Fee: No

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

Skookum Bridge

Site Amenities:
– Primitive launch site only (no parking area)

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

 

Walker Bridge

Site Amenities:
– Parking Fee: Yes
– Parking Area
– Toilets
– Primitive Launch Site

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

 

Lincoln Bridge

Site Amenities:
– Parking Fee: Yes
– Parking Area
– Toilets
– Launch Site

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

 

Elm Flats

Site Amenities:
– Parking Fee: Yes
– Parking Area
– Toilets
– Launch Site

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

 

Dobson Bridge

Site Amenities:
– Parking Fee: Yes
– Parking Area
– Toilets
– Launch Site

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

School Bridge

Site Amenities:
Bridge Crossing only – no direct river access

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

Peterson Bridge

Site Amenities:
Bridge Crossing only – no direct river access

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

Low Bridge

Site Amenities:
Bridge Crossing only – no direct river access

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE

Norman Dixon

Site Amenities:
– Parking Fee: No
– Parking Area
– Launch Site

GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE