Pigeon River in Michigan

Trip Overview

Ran the Pigeon River from Pine Grove State Forest campground down to Pigeon River Road.

Very easy to find the put in, but it is back off the beaten path. Spotted a vehicle at Red Bridge or Webb road with lunches. River flows through state forest and very few cottages were seen.

One cottage, just after put in, did have a footbridge that you had to limbo. Any higher water and it would be a portage. This river flows through Michigan's elk country but unfortunately they are very shy.

Fast clear cold water over gravel and rock bottom up to another put in, McIntosh Landing(not marked) after this the bottom is mostly sand and river flows through the tag alder swamp for about 2 hours up to Pigeon River Road bridge. We took out here but plan on running to Mullet Lake on next trip. Access at put in and take out is good.

Accommodations:

Numerous campgrounds and hotels in area. At the put in we used there were pit toilets and water. Nothing at take out.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Pigeon River is located near Indian River off of I-75 in northern Michigan

Resources:

"Canoeing Michigan Rivers" and Delorme map of Michigan.