September 4 - Pere Marquette River
Published on 9/4/2012
On Tuesday 4th Sept. eleven club members paddled Pere Marquette River from Bowman Bridge launch site thru to Upper Branch Bridge. Both put in and take out were first class sites as river access goes. Driving time for our car of four people was 1:45 from Acme, driving via US 131. When planning your trip here allow 2:15 hours before launch start for most of you traveling from T.C..
This was my first paddle on the river and I was impressed with most of the river being an even foot or more water depth, clear water and sand bottom!
We stopped for lunch at the Rainbow Rapids launch site. This site had an elaborate concrete launch ramp, and black top drive up a big hill to the clean pit toilet.
There are actually several sets of fun rapids down from the Rainbow launch. There are many sections of the river with mini rapid riffles to keep your attention on this river just as if it had been setup as an amusement park. With ample width in the river we were always comfortable paddling two or three abreast for conversations.
River permits are not needed after Labor Day, even though the signage at the launch area stated permits were needed til Sept 15th. Most of this river is passing thru the Pere Marquette National Forest so be sure to check their web site and or phone the ranger station at 231 745 4631 when planning your paddle.
Enjoy.. presented by, Henry Eckhardt