Guest Post: Top 3 Whitewater Spots In Michigan

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, Michigan is home to some amazing whitewater areas. From mild rapids perfect for beginner rafters to intense whitewater for experienced kayakers, these top three whitewater spots in Michigan offer something for everyone.

Menominee River
The Menominee River is a good choice for beginner and intermediate boaters. The 116­mile river runs southeast from Iron Mountain, Michigan and forms a portion of the border between northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is home to Piers Gorge, the deepest whitewater gorge in the Midwest, with walls more than 100 feet high. Some of the best guided whitewater rafting in the entire state can be found along the Menominee River, making it an ideal destination for those who are just getting their feet wet in the world of whitewater. This river also has a short but exciting 4­mile section that provides even expert paddlers with a class II­V whitewater run that is one of the best in the Midwest.

Presque Isle River
Known as a kayaking river with opportunities for rafting, the Presque Isle River is for more advanced whitewater enthusiasts. The river runs through a beautiful, remote area in the northern part of the state, and it is one of Michigan’s best­known rivers for whitewater activities. The river is class IV difficulty, and it is known as the most challenging whitewater river in the Midwest. It has also been named one of the top 10 wild whitewater rafting trips in the US. Unrelenting rapids carry boaters through a hemlock and pine forest in an isolated canyon. Originating in the forests of Michigan and Wisconsin, the river rushes toward Lake Superior and has plenty of whitewater and thundering waterfalls to create a challenging and thrilling experience. The average trip along the Presque Isle River takes two to three days.

Paint River 
The Paint River is good for beginners and intermediate boaters that is best for whitewater paddling. With a total length of 30 miles, a trip along the Paint River typically lasts 12 to 15 hours. It is a more relaxed alternative to some of the other rivers in area, and it is one of the most family­friendly rivers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The class III Hemlock Rapids provide a bit of a challenge for more experienced enthusiasts, while the Horserace Rapids section, which has been rated as a class II, provides excitement and challenges appropriate for newer boaters.

Michigan provides beautiful scenery and numerous whitewater boating opportunities for paddling, rafting and kayaking. Northwoods Adventures is home to highly­skilled guides who are eager to take beginners and intermediate boaters on the adventure of their lives on Michigan’s top whitewater rivers. Start your Michigan adventure today