There are 2 popular sections of the river to kayak – The Upper Platte and The Lower Platte. Beautiful scenery as you travel in a tube down the Platte River to Lake Michigan. Weir to Lake Michigan (2 Hour): A 2-hour gentle float downstream to a beautiful Lake Michigan Beach. 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. Platte River as it flows into Lake Michigan . We had two 12 foot kayaks that were easy to use on the river. CANOE, KAYAK, & TUBE This is a gently flowing river with easy, gradual turns. Are you ready for something different than canoeing? There were no portages. We’ll get you on the river faster so you can enjoy a day of fun in the Michigan sun! Upper Platte River Kayaking and Canoeing. Riverside rents canoes and kayaks and is located right at the M-22 bridge. Parking lot area has a picnic … Easy kayak/canoe/tube rentals at the start, or bring your own. The upper portion is more scenic, and better geared toward the more experienced paddler. Riverside Canoes is the only private business operating inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Platte River State Fish Hatchery is on the river at Platte Creek, Michigan and Brundage Creek joins the river just to the east. We chose to tube it this year and it was so much fun! The Platte River from Lake Michigan is a very nice, easy paddle. Sunny rays peek behind the clouds and Nebraskans flock to the great outdoors. From Platte River kayak rentals to relaxing SUP trips on the lake, The Trading Post has you covered. Enjoy a day on the water! Equipment was … Loon and Walk (1 Hour): This is our short tubing trip taking just the right amount of time to get wet and refreshed! The Lower Platte is much easier and shorter. The Lower Platte River offers gentle flows with easy, wide turns. Make sure to call and reserve as the rafts are in limited supply. They are ideal for Mom, Dad and the kids. Riverside Canoes is conveniently located on the Lower Platte River at the M22 bridge. In partnership with Crystal Adventures and Honor Trading Post , we offer daily trips on both the Betsie River and Platte River. The river's bottom is often sand. 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. Protective water shoes are recommended. Starting at $9 (1 hour) / $16 (2 hours) These have become very popular over the years. There are two sections of the Platte River, the upper Platte River and the lower Platte River. At the Platte River Campground in the state forest, the river turns north west flowing toward Platte Lake. The upper Platte trip starts east of Honor where US 31 crosses the Platte near the salmon hatchery. The river's last quarter mile moves through beautiful sand dunes. The Riverside is located on M-22 halfway between Empire and Frankfort. There are usually quite a few fishermen, with boats and trailers at the launch site, depending on … There is no charge to use the river yourself, though. Kids love to be towed in a tube behind the canoe as well. 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. The Honor Trading Post is your Michigan vacation destination, offering Platte River tubing, kayaking, and canoeing for adventurers of all ages. 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. Try a paddle board and get a completely different experience. 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. Our rafts float down the same stretch of river as canoes and kayaks. Fallen trees that require quick turns are the biggest challenge when they are near one another and come from different sides of the river. Again, the current does not give much time to get turned and around the next tree after you pass the first. We’ve profiled some for your consideration. Beautiful views and super relaxing. Enjoy a lackadaisical float down the Lower Platte and a short walk on a gravel path. Spend An Afternoon Taking A Delightful Kayak Paddling Tour Through Platte River In Nebraska This Summer. We offer 4-, 6-, and 8-man rafts. Kayaking and canoeing is one of the most enjoyable summertime experiences you can have in Michigan. Our cars were left at the park where the Platte River meets Lake Michigan. The upper Platte trip's kayak rental and transportation was $25 and the lower Platte trip's kayak rental and transportation was $20. Adventure down the river as a group. There is a large parking lot at the river mouth, with picnic area, boat launch, and a nice sandy swimming area. We are open May 1 through Mid October. In partnership with Crystal Adventures and Honor Trading Post , we offer daily trips on both the Betsie River and Platte River. These stretches of the Platte River are in Benzie County. We had to paddle the entire length of the lake using our hands (we did not bring oars), which was very exhausting. On downstream, they are less thick, but I still saw several dozen more--sometimes surprising them with my presence. Ah, summertime. Been down the river on a canoe or kayak? Go canoeing with Riverside Canoes on the beautiful Platte River, located on M22 in Honor, Michigan in … Enjoy a lazy trip down the river, perfect for the whole family. We offer canoe trips on the Upper and Lower Platte River. Your Riverside Canoe Trip is sure to be an enjoyable time whether you take a canoe, kayak, tube or raft. Plenty of motels and B&Bs are nearby. Rent tubes, kayaks or canoes for a fun day of peaceful drifting along this beautiful section of the Platte. The Upper Platte River flows much faster than the Lower Platte River and offers exciting river runs for the experienced canoer or kayaker. When this lovely season approaches, it’s time to venture to Platte River. 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. 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. 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. This beautiful area where the Platte River flows into Lake Michigan is a busy place during the hot summer days. 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. A super way to beat the summer heat! During this week, salmon were moving upstream and were being commercially harvested at a weir below Loon Lake. Kayaks offer easier maneuverability and less tipiness than canoes. We put in at Platte River Picnic Area. 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. What a great way to make your way down the Platte River. It was a magnificent end to my trip. Tubing Down the Platte River Great experience for our family during a family vacation up north. This stretch starts at the M-22 Bridge and ends where the Platte empties into Lake Michigan. Our lower river canoe trip is a family favorite. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) offers a fun, relaxing way to get unique views of all the flora and fauna. The Honor Trading Post. We’ll get you on the river faster so you can enjoy a day of fun in the Michigan sun! I began the trip at 9:30 am and pretty much had the river to myself. The river was equally quiet, we only saw 1 other couple in a canoe the whole trip. ©2021 Riverside Canoes • 5042 N Scenic Hwy, Honor, MI 49640. 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. They have Otters, Twin Otters and Loon 100s as well as SOTs. 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. 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. On Sept. 12 I kayaked the upper stretch that begins where US 31 crosses the Platte River a few miles west of Honor. Riverside is ready to accommodate groups of all sizes. The main branch receives Collison Creek just east of Honor, Michigan. The Platte River moves through Loon Lake and continues northward. The 1 1/2 hour trip is seldom leisurely because the speed of the current requires vigilance. 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. They are easy enough for kids 10 and up. The Platte River in Michigan is located within the scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the northwestern side of the lower peninsula.. The first few thousand are allowed to go past the weir before it is closed every mid-September. Been down the river on a canoe or kayak? Two rivers provide easy river paddling and floating. The Upper Platte is longer and much more challenging. 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. There are only two instances of this 1-2 punch, though. Trip Duration: Day Trip Call today to reserve your trip. Bud's Canoe Trips in Honor can rent canoes and both SOT and Otter kayaks. On Sept. 12 I kayaked the upper stretch that begins where US 31 crosses the Platte River a few miles west of Honor. The least expensive is the Plaza Motel in Benzonia. Riverside is ready to accommodate groups of all sizes. Looking for a little more action? Stop for a while. Protective water shoes are recommended. Weir to Lake Michigan (2 Hour): A 2-hour gentle float downstream to a beautiful Lake Michigan Beach. Loon and Walk (1 Hour): This is our short tubing trip taking just the right amount of time to get wet and refreshed! 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. The river flows into a small lake, with a sand gravel/ bar along the north shore for a … 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. guest-paddler, The Beauty of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Minimizing the Aches and Pains of Flatwater Paddling. Although the rapids never rise above class II, the upper portion is much faster and has tighter turns. Kayak/canoe rentals in the area offer a shuttle to and from landing points. These have become very popular over the years. Platte River in Michigan. Enjoy a lackadaisical float down the Lower Platte and a short walk on a gravel path. We offer 1- and 2-man “sit-in” kayaks. We dropped our kayaks at a rest stop on the Platte River right off of Deadstream Road in Honor, MI. 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. Go Platte River tubing, kayaking or canoeing! Kerry Kelly 2005. What a great way to make your way down the Platte River. This part of the river is perfect for anyone to kayak. This trip can also be done with a two-person team with their own watercraft and vehicles. They are ideal for Mom, Dad and the kids. Ending up at Lake Michigan is … The Lower Platt has more tubing traffic. Two days later, I did the lower Platte, which is not at all challenging but very lovely. Make a day of it. The Big Manistee River is included in the National Wild and Scenic River system because of its long … Plan a picnic. 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. This gorgeous river spans 310 miles and is full of stunning sights. There is an accessible ramp down to the river and plenty of parking, picnic tables and flush toilets. Several thousand mature salmon were massed just below the weir and it was fascinating to move through them and see them up close. Choose Riverside Canoes located conveniently on the beautiful Platte River, along M22 in Honor, Michigan. The lake is a little more difficult, but the rest is super easy and so clean. Your Riverside Canoe Trip is sure to be an enjoyable time whether you take a canoe, kayak, tube or raft. It’s also usually shallow (river levels are up for 2020). Whether you’re a fan of the lake, river, or sleeping creeks, there are a ton of options in the Mitten State. The Platte is a clean, easy to navigate river, great for novice kayakers and canoeists. 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. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) offers a fun, relaxing way to get unique views of all the flora and fauna. In September the river was shallow but deep enough for canoes and kayaks. 12 Unforgettable Spots To Go Kayaking And Canoeing In Michigan. The entire area is absolutely gorgeous with sand dunes all around and a picturesque sandy beach at the mouth of the river. Take the time to visit the outfitter in Beulah, its worth the trip for the info they provided. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by A super way to beat the summer heat! The Platte River river loops through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, so is mostly forested along the shore. 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