Chippewa River in Michigan

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Went down the Chippewa on a one and a half hour trip starting at the Coleman Rd. bridge just north of M-20 Finishing just after the bridge on Geneva. Rivers still somewhat high with a water temp of approximately 55 Degrees F. The entrance at Coleman Rd. is not very friendly but I didn't have much time on this afternoon.

The float downstream is pretty calm and mild with small overhanging trees nothing to difficult to negotiate though. This changes after you pass under the bridge at M-20. The river speed picks up and starts to wind a lot more. A lot of deadfall in this area. A lot of logs under the water which like to create eddies. Be careful to watch out for strainers, they're everywhere! At one point just after a large log cabin on the left there is a bend jam packed with them, most of which almost all the way across the river. I would recommend portage around this spot for inexperienced paddlers. The current around the bend tends to push you in between two massive strainers. The only way around this is to keep the back of your boat from slewing out from underneath of you as you try to pass through a hole about twice as wide as your kayak pretty close to shore. Good luck.

Accommodations:

None

Fees:

None

Directions:

Just north of M-20 on Coleman Road. 15 min. east of Mount Pleasant and 25 min. west of Midland

Trip Details

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

Trip Location