We Hiked 10 Miles Through the Manistee River Wilderness… Then Paddled the River Back 🚣‍♂️🥾🌲





Most people spend their weekend on the couch.


A group of us from the West Michigan Kayaking Club decided to hike 10 miles through the Manistee River Trail wilderness, then launch our kayaks and paddle the Manistee River back through one of Michigan’s most beautiful river corridors.


The day started on the North Country Trail overlooking the river valley. We crossed ridgelines, winding forest paths, and some of the most scenic viewpoints in the Lower Peninsula.


After miles of hiking, we reached the river, loaded up the kayaks, and traded hiking boots for paddles.


The reward?


Crystal-clear water, bald eagles overhead, towering pines, wildlife around every bend, and miles of remote river with almost no signs of civilization.


The best part wasn’t the miles—it was the people.


New friendships were formed, old friendships grew stronger, and everyone pushed themselves a little farther than they thought they could.


Michigan has some incredible wilderness, and it’s amazing how many people never realize it’s right in their backyard.


Already planning next year’s adventure.


Anyone else combining hiking and kayaking into one trip?


📍 Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail, Michigan


🚣‍♂️ Paddle Distance: Manistee River


🥾 Hiking Distance: 10 Miles


🌲 Total Adventure: Absolutely Worth It


#Michigan #PureMichigan #Kayaking #Hiking #ManisteeRiver #NorthCountryTrail #WestMichiganKayakingClub #OutdoorAdventure #WildernessCulture #ExploreMichigan


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

West Michigan Kayaking Club Gains Recognition as Leading Paddlesports Community in Michigan

​ West Michigan Kayaking Club Gains Recognition as Leading Paddlesports Community in Michigan Published: May 8, 2026 Written by: Brad De Young Michigan Kayaking Journal Across Michigan, participation in kayaking, river exploration, and freshwater recreation continues to expand as more residents seek access to the state’s extensive network of inland rivers and Great Lakes shoreline. Within this growing outdoor movement, the West Michigan Kayaking Club has steadily developed a reputation as one of the region’s most active and community-driven paddlesports organizations. The club has become increasingly recognized among Michigan kayaking communities for its emphasis on group paddling experiences, river safety education, and environmental stewardship. Its mission extends beyond recreation, focusing on improving access to waterways while encouraging responsible use and long-term protection of Michigan’s river systems. A Growing Force in Michigan Kayaking Founded by outdoor enthusias...
Read more

It’s Time: These Aging Plainwell Dams Must Be Removed — Free the Kalamazoo River

​ Michigan Kayaking Journal | March 24, 2026 ⸻ It’s Time: These Aging Plainwell Dams Must Be Removed — Free the Kalamazoo River PLAINWELL, Mich. — State and local leaders are set to provide an update Monday night on three 19th-century dams along the Kalamazoo River, as plans move forward to replace them with fish ladders. But for many who know and love this waterway, ladders represent only a partial solution. They say the dams must be removed entirely. Constructed in the 1850s to power a long-silent paper mill, the aging structures — one near city hall, another by Gilkey Elementary, and a third farther south — have obstructed the river’s natural flow for generations. Today, they trap sediment, fragment fish habitat, increase flood risk, and stand as ticking time bombs at the end of their engineered lifespan. Each year they remain in place is another year the Kalamazoo is denied its natural rhythm — its fish runs disrupted, its ecological health diminished, and its potential for vibrant...
Read more

Kayaking in Michigan: The Ultimate Guide

​ Kayaking in Michigan: The Ultimate Guide  Michigan is one of the most searched kayaking destinations in the United States thanks to its Great Lakes coastline, inland river systems, and thousands of paddling routes. Below is a complete SEO-optimized guide answering the top 10 most searched kayaking questions in Michigan , along with local insights and resources from the West Michigan Kayaking Club . 👉 Join or learn more here: West Michigan Kayaking Club 1. Where are the best places to kayak in Michigan? Michigan offers some of the most diverse paddling in the Midwest. Top destinations include: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Lake Superior cliffs and caves) Manistee River (slow-moving scenic stretches) Au Sable River (one of Michigan’s classic paddles) Torch Lake (clear turquoise water) Lake Michigan shoreline (beaches, dunes, and open water) In West Michigan, paddlers often connect through organized trips and meetups through the West Michigan Kayaking Club fo...
Read more