Manistee River in Michigan - Weekend Trip Report

by  mtruax

A self-supported trip created by mtruax

Trip Overview

Manistee River - Grayling to Mesick Day 1
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 11:06 AM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Activity Type: Paddling | Event Type: Fitness | Course: --
Labor Day weekend 2011 in the River at 11:25 Friday.
10-20mph NW an forecast 97 with muggy weather. Had to tent up from 2:30 - 4:20 because of storm. Wanted to get 40 miles in first day and ended up paddling till 9:45 with sunset at 8:20. Camped where a very territorial Beaver was not happy with me on his river and slapped the water for hours.

Got 40.92 miles in with average moving of 5.2.
No cell coverage a couple miles out of Grayling then picked up coverage at M66 for a few miles on each side.

Easy paddle with the current and tons of turns. Used slight Skegg and really enjoyed leaning into the corners.

Manistee River - Grayling to Mesick Day 2
Sat, Sep 3, 2011 7:15 AM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Activity Type: Paddling | Event Type: Fitness | Course: --
Planned to get in the water by 7am but rain continued and started at 7:25. Wind was much calmer today and the fog was very thick due to the temp drop from 90s to 60s. Not as many curves and made good time with an average moving speed of 5.7.

2-3 storms produced lightning and spent 1 hour on the shore under some thick cedar.

Trip total was 108 miles in 11.36 moving hours. Put in 11 am Friday at M72 bridge and took out at hwy 115 just west of Mesick. Combined moving average was 5.3

I have over 2,00 miles in Mich Rivers in 3 years with limited time to take long trips. This is the only 100+ mile trip that I have done with NO Portage. Was much nicer last year because of better weather conditions.

Directions:

Map of put-in at M-72 (west of Grayling, MI):

www.paddling.com/launches/showLaunch.html?lid=17662

Trip Details

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

Trip Location