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!

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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.

Explore the Shores

Fishing and Hunting, Manistee Area, North Coast, River Country, Rivers and Paddling

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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.

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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.

Winter River Fishing in Manistee

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Fishing & Hunting, Guided Tours, Outdoors, Rivers & Paddling, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

River fishing the waterways of Manistee County provides an experience rich with stunning scenic landscapes and abundant nature during every season of the year, including the winter months. The frozen riverbeds and snow-covered trees create a serene backdrop for a day...

Hodenpyl & Tippy Dams

by Manistee VB | January 14, 2016 | Fishing & Hunting, Local History | 0 Comments

Completed in 1918, Tippy Dam (known as Junction Hydro when it was built) was named after Charles W. Tippy, a board of directors chair for Consumers Power. Tippy is Consumer Energy’s second largest hydro dam producing up to 20,000 kilowatts and providing...

Arcadia Overlook

by Manistee VB | January 14, 2016 | Fall, Featured, Spring, Summer | 0 Comments

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...

Wonders of Winter Along M22

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Seasons, Self Guided Tours, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

The scenic M22 route following the Lake Michigan shoreline from Manistee north through the Leelanau Peninsula is one of the most beautiful drives in any season of the year, winter is no exception. Your route begins at US31 & M22 at the Little River Casino Resort....

Outdoor Adventure in Manistee’s North Woods

by Maralee Cook | March 22, 2017 | Adventure Sports, Fall, Featured, Local Parks, Outdoors, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter | 0 Comments

If you’re an adventurous explorer, you’ve come to the right place. Our North Woods are in the heart of four-season natural beauty with thrill-a-minute activities. A passionate group of entrepreneurs have developed their own visions to share, creating...

Grebe Park

by Manistee VB | February 10, 2016 | Boating & Harbors, Outdoors, Seasons | 0 Comments

Arcadia Lake is a 100-acre, natural beauty gem and Grebe Park, both family- and pet-friendly, offers access to all. Through the park’s association with Manistee County’s Explore the Shores Program, construction of a special fishing platform and launch site...

3 Harbors of Manistee County

by Maralee Cook | January 27, 2016 | Fishing & Hunting, Summer | 4 Comments

In fair weather in spring, summer and fall, water lovers on kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and PWCs share the Lake Michigan shoreline, harbors and rivers with power boats and sailboats. When the weather gets rough, surfers and kiteboarders navigate swirling...

Hiking the Loop: Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop

by Brandon Jensen | February 18, 2016 | Fall, Outdoors, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 60 Comments

Nestled in the Manistee National Forest you will find hundreds of miles of marked trails for those who love to hike, bike, or in the winter, cross country ski and snowshoe. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? We suggest the North...

Manistee’s sugar sand beaches

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Beaches, Summer, What To Do | 0 Comments

In the City of Manistee, over 130 acres of Lake Michigan sandy beachfront parks straddle the banks of the Manistee River Channel. First Street Beach/Douglas Park to the south, and Fifth Avenue Beach and Park to the north, offer open, accessible concession...

Let’s go for a ride!

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Trails, What To Do | 0 Comments

Grab your bike and let’s go riding... Sometimes, the best areas to ride, are not the formal trail systems in the region. Summer beach rides are a blissful way to go for a ride. Generally winds are lower in the summer so it is easy to cruise along the water...