This was an exploratory outing on the section of the Little Manistee upstream from the challenging section between Nine Mile and Six Mile Bridges (that stretch is only for advanced paddlers). We had heard about this trip from other folks and read about it in guidebooks, but somehow had never gone down to explore it. What a find!!! First we checked with Mark Miltner from PRPC, and also called a member of Prairie State Canoeists who had paddled it this summer during the same week that their group had helped with one of our Pine River Cleanups. Our group consisted of solo canoeists Lois & John, and the king of dry feet, Fred, who was enjoying his new play boat.
We began at Driftwood Valley Campground, stopped for a lunch break an hour into the trip at Bear Track. Both were really nice facilities, with spotless potties and clean picnic tables. (Here is a photo of the put-in.)
This is looking upstream from the put-in
This is looking downstream from the put-in
It was another 2.5 hours to the end at Nine Mile, although that part of the trip might be longer in the summertime since there were numerous tempting places for swim breaks. Apparently there is an outfitter that sends out folks on the stretch below Bear Track, since there was evidence of downed trees having been cleared, but not totally. We definitely had some limbo spots!
Not only was the river and scenery gorgeous, but this river is by far the cleanest stream I have ever seen! In ten miles, I saw only 2 cans, and they looked really old. Perhaps the landowners make sure it stays pristine, or maybe the users are just so respectful that no-one dares to leave anything behind. The current is gentle enough so that accidental capsizes are probably not a common occurrence, and the fact that this river is "in the middle of nowhere" may contribute to its litter-free condition. In any case, it's a keeper and we will return!
We didn't see anyone all day until the last ten minutes, and then it was just a couple of fishermen who had left their trucks at our takeout. I'm not sure if it will be so wonderful on a summer weekend, but on a sunny warm Wednesday in September, the Upper Little Manistee was dream come true! Lois
The Upper Little Manistee River is now one of my favorites!
For those of you who weren’t there, I think this river is most like the very upper Manistee, but bigger. The water is very clear, and a lot of maneuvering is required, but the current is fairly gentle. There is a definite feeling of remoteness, even though there are a fair number of cabins on the river. Both Driftwood Valley (our put-in) and Bear Track (lunch stop) Campgrounds are beautiful. They are filled with large hemlock and some of the campsites are on a high bank overlooking the river. Today was the last day of summer, and we paddled in short sleeve shirts, but some of the trees are definitely starting to turn.
John