Come celebrate Northern Michigan in a nice quiet atmosphere. Because the Upper Manistee is a tiny remote stream, we can't take a large group, and so this trip will fill up quickly.
This outing covers the most scenic and undeveloped stretch of the Manistee, just downstream of its headwaters. See photo below. It's our favorite section of the river because the water is so clear, and the stream is shallow and very twisty. It is not cleared by any outfitter, so we have to find our own path through the stream. Therefore, each paddler must have a relatively short boat and have the capability to stop on a dime, turn around quickly, and eddy out so they can wait while others are scootching underneath low hanging branches, or hauling their boat over them.
You must be agile enough to be able to get in or out of your boat in dicey situations if the need arises.
It is likely that we will find a few obstacles in the way, like downed trees that might require climbing over or shimmying under. There will be lots of beaver dams to see, and few other human beings. A perfect outing for summertime!
We'll stop for lunch at the Deward access. So pack a lunch, something to sit on, and a pruning saw.
Details about meeting place and time will be sent with your e-mail confirmation.
