Rivers and Paddling in Manistee County
Pine River
Meandering throughout the Manistee National Forest
Quick, tight and loaded with white water, the Pine River is Manistee County’s fastest flowing river and is not for the novice paddler. If you are an adventure paddler looking for a challenge, visit the lower stretches of the Pine after a significant rainfall and enjoy the white water rapids.
River Difficulty/Paddling Tips
This entire river is considered to be for experienced paddlers only. Current is especially swift in the spring after the winter thaw, or after a major rain event. Because this river is very busy in the summer, you must obtain a river pass. They can be reserved at any forest service location prior to your desired day at a cost, or may be obtained the day of for no cost. Keep in mind, river passes are limited, so if you are traveling from a distance, be sure to reserve your spot on the river!
Tubing Tips
This isn’t really a great tubing river. The current is quite fast and tight. We suggest tubing the Big Manistee or Little Manistee River.
Float Times
(See map below for location of access points)
– Peterson> Low Bridge : 2.5 hrs
– Low Bridge > Norman Dixon : .75 hrs
Meadow Brook Bridge
Skookum Bridge
Walker Bridge
– Parking Fee: Yes
– Parking Area
– Toilets
– Primitive Launch Site
Lincoln Bridge
– Parking Fee: Yes
– Parking Area
– Toilets
– Launch Site
Elm Flats
– Parking Fee: Yes
– Parking Area
– Toilets
– Launch Site
Dobson Bridge
– Parking Fee: Yes
– Parking Area
– Toilets
– Launch Site
School Bridge
Bridge Crossing only – no direct river access
Peterson Bridge
Bridge Crossing only – no direct river access
Low Bridge
Bridge Crossing only – no direct river access
