Stop for a while. by  Make sure to call and reserve as the rafts are in limited supply. Kayaks offer easier maneuverability and less tipiness than canoes. They have Otters, Twin Otters and Loon 100s as well as SOTs. We offer 4-, 6-, and 8-man rafts. Although the rapids never rise above class II, the upper portion is much faster and has tighter turns. The Platte River is located in the southern part of the park, and canoes, kayaks, and tubes can be rented where the river crosses M-22. During this week, salmon were moving upstream and were being commercially harvested at a weir below Loon Lake. The Platte River is 29.5 miles long and runs from Lake Dubonnet near Lake Ann westward thru Platte Lake and eventually all the way out to Lake Michigan. The first few thousand are allowed to go past the weir before it is closed every mid-September. We dropped our kayaks at a rest stop on the Platte River right off of Deadstream Road in Honor, MI. I came across blue herons, ducks, a deer drinking from the center of the river, and hundreds of mature Chinook and Coho salmon that were moving upstream to spawn. When this lovely season approaches, it’s time to venture to Platte River. It is a 5-mile paddle via kayak/canoe, but from the M-22 Bridge to Platte River Point, (the river mouth) it is only 2.5 miles. Make a day of it. In September the river was shallow but deep enough for canoes and kayaks. The Big Manistee River is included in the National Wild and Scenic River system because of its long … What a great way to make your way down the Platte River. The Platte River State Fish Hatchery is on the river at Platte Creek, Michigan and Brundage Creek joins the river just to the east. 12 Unforgettable Spots To Go Kayaking And Canoeing In Michigan. From Platte River kayak rentals to relaxing SUP trips on the lake, The Trading Post has you covered. As you head down the river, you will come into a small lake called Loon Lake. The Platte River wanders for nearly 30 miles across beautiful northwest lower Michigan, from its origin in Long Lake in Grand Traverse County to the mouth at Lake Michigan inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Benzie County. The Upper Platte River flows much faster than the Lower Platte River and offers exciting river runs for the experienced canoer or kayaker. The river's bottom is often sand. Trip time is between 3-4 hours. The entire area is absolutely gorgeous with sand dunes all around and a picturesque sandy beach at the mouth of the river. They are ideal for Mom, Dad and the kids. The Platte River river loops through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, so is mostly forested along the shore. It is the terminus of many tubing, canoeing, or kayaking trips. On Sept. 12 I kayaked the upper stretch that begins where US 31 crosses the Platte River a few miles west of Honor. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by Choose Riverside Canoes located conveniently on the beautiful Platte River, along M22 in Honor, Michigan. Riverside Canoes is conveniently located on the Lower Platte River at the M22 bridge. This trip can also be done with a two-person team with their own watercraft and vehicles. Two days later, I did the lower Platte, which is not at all challenging but very lovely. Platte River as it flows into Lake Michigan . The Honor Trading Post. We chose to tube it this year and it was so much fun! Weir to Lake Michigan (2 Hour): A 2-hour gentle float downstream to a beautiful Lake Michigan Beach. Kayak/canoe rentals in the area offer a shuttle to and from landing points. The river's last quarter mile moves through beautiful sand dunes. These stretches of the Platte River are in Benzie County. This is part of the lower Platte River; you simply paddle along the right-hand side and you will pick the river back up again. Experience two of northern Michigan's most pristine rivers from the unique vantage point of a canoe or kayak. We had two 12 foot kayaks that were easy to use on the river. Riverside Canoes is conveniently located on the Lower Platte River at the M22 bridge. Our cars were left at the park where the Platte River meets Lake Michigan. Riverside rents canoes and kayaks and is located right at the M-22 bridge. The upper portion is more scenic, and better geared toward the more experienced paddler. There are two sections of the Platte River, the upper Platte River and the lower Platte River. Loon and Walk (1 Hour): This is our short tubing trip taking just the right amount of time to get wet and refreshed! Ending up at Lake Michigan is … We are open May 1 through Mid October. It’s also usually shallow (river levels are up for 2020). Equipment was … Kids love to be towed in a tube behind the canoe as well. Upper Platte River Kayaking and Canoeing. Spend An Afternoon Taking A Delightful Kayak Paddling Tour Through Platte River In Nebraska This Summer. On downstream, they are less thick, but I still saw several dozen more--sometimes surprising them with my presence. Try a paddle board and get a completely different experience. Been down the river on a canoe or kayak? We put in at Platte River Picnic Area. CANOE, KAYAK, & TUBE This is a gently flowing river with easy, gradual turns. Adventure down the river as a group. There are only two instances of this 1-2 punch, though. Tubing the Platte River from M22 bridge We started tubing the Platte River at the M22 bridge, but then got stuck trying to traverse Loon Lake due to a head wind and a slow moving current in the lake. The entire 1 1/2 hour trip moves through the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, and pristine is the word to describe both the stream and shoreline. The Honor Trading Post is your Michigan vacation destination, offering Platte River tubing, kayaking, and canoeing for adventurers of all ages. The Platte is a clean, easy to navigate river, great for novice kayakers and canoeists. It's hard to believe that the Platte River has not already been mentioned here because it is a popular stream for paddling. The lower stretch is quiet (4 mph current), but the upper stretch is much faster with fallen trees that serve as formidable obstructions when they are close together. Sunny rays peek behind the clouds and Nebraskans flock to the great outdoors. The Lower Platte is much easier and shorter. Protective water shoes are recommended. Kerry Kelly 2005. Beautiful scenery as you travel in a tube down the Platte River to Lake Michigan. We offer canoe trips on the Upper and Lower Platte River. The upper Platte trip starts east of Honor where US 31 crosses the Platte near the salmon hatchery. The 1 1/2 hour trip is seldom leisurely because the speed of the current requires vigilance. Kayaking and canoeing is one of the most enjoyable summertime experiences you can have in Michigan. The main branch receives Collison Creek just east of Honor, Michigan. No fishing is allowed below the weir during this period, so I saw no other people but did see herons and ducks as well as more deer drinking in the stream. Because the harvest was in progress, the weir was closed and a 7-yard portage was needed, but the getting out and back into the kayak is easy because the shoreline as these points have been modified to accommodate this. This gorgeous river spans 310 miles and is full of stunning sights. The Platte River in Michigan is located within the scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the northwestern side of the lower peninsula.. Two rivers provide easy river paddling and floating. There is an accessible ramp down to the river and plenty of parking, picnic tables and flush toilets. This beautiful area where the Platte River flows into Lake Michigan is a busy place during the hot summer days. Loon and Walk (1 Hour): This is our short tubing trip taking just the right amount of time to get wet and refreshed! A super way to beat the summer heat! They are ideal for Mom, Dad and the kids. Looking for a little more action? Plan a picnic. In the northern part of the park, near Glen Arbor, the Crystal River flows from Glen Lake to Lake Michigan and canoes and kayaks can be rented in Glen Arbor. Riverside is ready to accommodate groups of all sizes. Bud's Canoe Trips in Honor can rent canoes and both SOT and Otter kayaks. It was a magnificent end to my trip. Go canoeing with Riverside Canoes on the beautiful Platte River, located on M22 in Honor, Michigan in … There are usually quite a few fishermen, with boats and trailers at the launch site, depending on … Riverside Canoes is the only private business operating inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Your Riverside Canoe Trip is sure to be an enjoyable time whether you take a canoe, kayak, tube or raft. There is a large parking lot at the river mouth, with picnic area, boat launch, and a nice sandy swimming area. Riverside offers two tubing trips on the Lower Platte River: a 45-minute float called the Loon & Walk, or a two-hour trip from the Weir to the township park at Lake Michigan. Trip Details. Your Riverside Canoe Trip is sure to be an enjoyable time whether you take a canoe, kayak, tube or raft. Are you ready for something different than canoeing? A super way to beat the summer heat! Fallen trees that require quick turns are the biggest challenge when they are near one another and come from different sides of the river. Go Platte River tubing, kayaking or canoeing! We had to paddle the entire length of the lake using our hands (we did not bring oars), which was very exhausting. guest-paddler, The Beauty of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Minimizing the Aches and Pains of Flatwater Paddling. I began the trip at 9:30 am and pretty much had the river to myself. In partnership with Crystal Adventures and Honor Trading Post , we offer daily trips on both the Betsie River and Platte River. There are 2 popular sections of the river to kayak – The Upper Platte and The Lower Platte. At the Platte River Campground in the state forest, the river turns north west flowing toward Platte Lake. Our lower river canoe trip is a family favorite. Tubing Down the Platte River Great experience for our family during a family vacation up north. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) offers a fun, relaxing way to get unique views of all the flora and fauna. The Platte River from Lake Michigan is a very nice, easy paddle. They dropped us off by van past Loon Lake and the trip took a little over two hours. The upper Platte trip's kayak rental and transportation was $25 and the lower Platte trip's kayak rental and transportation was $20. We offer 1- and 2-man “sit-in” kayaks. We’ll get you on the river faster so you can enjoy a day of fun in the Michigan sun! The Platte is seldom deeper than 3 feet and the shoreline is mostly natural with the few cottages along it not harming the pristine views. Enjoy a lackadaisical float down the Lower Platte and a short walk on a gravel path. The Platte is seldom deeper than 3 feet and the shoreline is mostly natural with the few cottages along it not harming the pristine views. We’ve profiled some for your consideration. The Riverside is located on M-22 halfway between Empire and Frankfort. The Platte River moves through Loon Lake and continues northward. Platte River in Michigan. What a great way to make your way down the Platte River. Parking lot area has a picnic … Whether you’re a fan of the lake, river, or sleeping creeks, there are a ton of options in the Mitten State. Weir to Lake Michigan (2 Hour): A 2-hour gentle float downstream to a beautiful Lake Michigan Beach. Again, the current does not give much time to get turned and around the next tree after you pass the first. The Lower Platt has more tubing traffic. January 11, 2007 March 26, 2018 Dianna Stampfler kayaking, michigan winter, new years resolution, paddling, platte river, winter kayaking My New Year’s Resolution for 2007 is the same as it was for 2006 and 2005 — it’s worked for me in the past, so I’ve decided to stick with it. ©2021 Riverside Canoes • 5042 N Scenic Hwy, Honor, MI 49640. The Lower Platte River offers gentle flows with easy, wide turns. The least expensive is the Plaza Motel in Benzonia. You’ll find clear water, sandy beaches and a new adventure at each bend. Just minutes from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Trading Post takes care of everything you need to have the perfect day on the water. Try a paddleboard and get a completely different experience. Starting at $9 (1 hour) / $16 (2 hours) These have become very popular over the years. The lake is a little more difficult, but the rest is super easy and so clean. Take the time to visit the outfitter in Beulah, its worth the trip for the info they provided. Ah, summertime. These have become very popular over the years. We’ll get you on the river faster so you can enjoy a day of fun in the Michigan sun! The Upper Platte is longer and much more challenging. Enjoy a day on the water! Several thousand mature salmon were massed just below the weir and it was fascinating to move through them and see them up close. Easy kayak/canoe/tube rentals at the start, or bring your own. Kayak Launch Points There are many launch sites for kayaks within the National Lakeshore listed below: Platte River Point – Developed Access – Boat ramp located about 100 yards from the mouth of the Platte River. In partnership with Crystal Adventures and Honor Trading Post , we offer daily trips on both the Betsie River and Platte River. There is no charge to use the river yourself, though. This part of the river is perfect for anyone to kayak. On Sept. 12 I kayaked the upper stretch that begins where US 31 crosses the Platte River a few miles west of Honor. Beautiful views and super relaxing. Photo (s) by Kaitlyn Pettinato People of all ages and abilities will soon be able to enjoy an iconic Northern Michigan river like never before with the creation of a new Platte River park. They are easy enough for kids 10 and up. While the Upper Platte River is narrower, faster moving, and home to downed trees and other obstacles, the Lower Platte is gentle, wide, and meandering. There were no portages. Riverside is ready to accommodate groups of all sizes. Trip Duration: Day Trip Protective water shoes are recommended. Enjoy a lackadaisical float down the Lower Platte and a short walk on a gravel path. The river flows into a small lake, with a sand gravel/ bar along the north shore for a … Been down the river on a canoe or kayak? Our canoes accommodate 2–3 adults or 2 adults and up to 2 children, as long as both children are under 4 1/2 feet tall, for safety reasons. Call today to reserve your trip. Starting at Riverside Canoe Rentals (located near the intersection of M-22 and Lake Michigan Rd), or the small park across the river, this trip will take you roughly 3 hours to float, but shorter if you are paddling. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) offers a fun, relaxing way to get unique views of all the flora and fauna. The river was equally quiet, we only saw 1 other couple in a canoe the whole trip. 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