Pigeon River in Michigan

Trip Overview

EZ stretch of water for people of all abilities. Two ways to do trips on this river. When there is ample water, you can put in at the Ottawa County Park Hemlock Crossing and go down stream to Holly drive take out. Or for late summer time when the water at the park is low, put in at Holly drive and paddle up and back, the current is minimal, wind coming in from Lake Michigan sometimes can actually push you back up stream.

Below Holly drive is Pigeon Lake and 1/2 mile out to Lake Michigan. After 6:30pm there is no wake on Pigeon Lake and it's great to paddle out and take in a sunset. Bring a light because it is a popular fishing port and when the fish are biting there can be traffic just after sunset.

Accommodations:

Bathrooms at Hemlock Crossing Park, nothing at Holly Dr.

Fees:

No fees at either launch.

Directions:

From U.S. 31 in Ottawa County Michigan (between Holland and Grand Haven), take Croswell St. west to Olive Dr. then go south to park.


To Holly Dr.: take Blair Rd, west from US 31 to Holly Dr. north to end of road.

Launches:

If you stage a vehicle at Hemlock Crossing Park, it needs to be gone before they lock the gate at 10pm.

Contact:

Ottawa County Parks
12220 Fillmore St.

West Olive, MI 49460

Phone: (616) 738-4810

Resources:

Mapquest: West Olive, Michigan area

Ottawa Co. Parks website: http://www.miottawa.org/ParksVI/Parks/hemlockcrossing.htm