Trip Reports

Upper Boardman North Branch

Three TAPC members explored a little-known stretch of river on the North Branch of the Boardman east of Kalkaska. Most of the north branch has significant blockages, making for difficult paddling. But this short stretch accessed from state land (down a two-track off County Road 612 just east of Tolan Rd.) has none and also has side creeks that lead to two lakes (North Selkirk Lake and Camel Lake/South Selkirk Lake), otherwise inaccessible to the public.


Linnaea and Jacqui at the put-in. Large beaver dam to the left creating a flooded area making for easy paddling.


Irene going up a beaver dam on the North Branch of the Boardman, with Jacqui waiting her turn.



Irene and Jacqui navigating an obstacle paddling upstream on the North Branch of the Boardman.



Jacqui going over a smaller beaver dam on the side stream connecting the North Branch of the Boardman with North Selkirk Lake. 



A beautiful day paddling around a "secret" place, avoiding the crowds on the first day of Cherry Festival!



What, another beaver dam? No, this is the same as the first one, but going down instead of up!



Strava map of the trip.