Brule River in Michigan

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

We took the Brule River entering at HWY 189 bridge and ending at the US 2 bridge. This stretch takes about 10 hours of casual floating and we camped on the riverbank where we made our own campsite by finding some high ground and making a site of our own which was approximately 8 hours into the trip.

The Brule River is the Upper Michigan/Northern Wisconsin states border. This beautiful stretch of river in which we ran into multiple wildlife. Just to mention a few bald eagles, whitetail deer, and otters.

This stretch has scattered areas of rapids which are not extremely difficult whether in canoes or kayaks. A couple of us got wet which is a part of the fun. About 3 hours into the trip the Iron River runs into the Brule River. Just below this point is where the scattered rapids begin.

This is a great stretch of river whether finding a spot on the side of the river to camp or starting early and floating the trip in one day is a lot of fun.

You can also make this a shorter trip by getting out at

Scott Lake rd. approximately 2 hours, the ghost town of Pentoga iron bridge approx. 4 hours, or old Carney dam DNR access site approx. 7 hours.

Accommodations:

There are not really any accommodations or facilities along the river. Although there is some motels in the area if your not going to rough it on the side of the river.

Directions:

Leaving Iron River, MI go approximately 10 miles south on Hwy. 189 to the MI/WI border bridge. The US HWY 2 bridge is approximately 10 miles south east from Crystal Falls MI. on US HWY 2.

Resources:

Yes, There is a book we have purchased which is called Canoeing Michigan Rivers (vol.1) that has some detailed drawn maps and articles on the Brule. We purchased this book at the Iron River DNR Ranger Station.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: 2-3 Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location