Platte River in Michigan

Trip Overview

We put in at Platte River Picnic Area. There is an accessible ramp down to the river and plenty of parking, picnic tables and flush toilets.

We had two 12 foot kayaks that were easy to use on the river. We arrived at Loon Lake in 20 minutes and had a hard paddle against the wind (stay to the right shore) as there is no marker to re-enter the river.

We saw only two other kayakers and 3 bass fishermen who were having "a good day fishing". The rest of the river was a pleasant float with few houses, lots of birds, ducks and trout.

The gate was open at the Fish Wier so there was no portage.

Take-out is a nice area with views of Sleeping Bear; picnic tables, dunes to climb, swimming and flush toilets.

The Lower Platte trip was under two hours with surprisingly few people on that sunny, 70 degree day.

Accommodations:

Camping at DH Day, Platte River and Interlochen State Park.

Numerous accommodations surrounding area

Fees:

National Parks Permit - price varies on number of days and age.

Directions:

Put in at M22 and Lake Michigan Road; take out at Platte River Point at end of Lake Michigan Road. We dropped off kayaks and my husband drove to the end parking lot where he rode his bike back 2.5 miles to the put-in.