Best Places to Go Kayaking in the Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan borders three Great Lakes, which gives paddlers over 1,700 miles of shoreline to explore. On top of that, you also have your pick of 4,300 inland lakes to choose from that are linked to numerous rivers and streams that all offer a wide range of experiences. Kayaking in the Upper Peninsula can range from a leisurely paddle on a placid forest lake or stream to one that gets your adrenaline pumping as you maneuver your kayak through whitewater rapids or go on a multi-day sea paddling expedition.
While you can technically kayak in beautiful places all over the United States, one of the biggest advantages of visiting the U.P. is the sheer amount of unique experiences that you can enjoy. Considering that you could paddle over a shipwreck one day and go kayak fishing on a mountain lake the next, you’ll find that every day offers you the chance to enjoy a new adventure. In fact, the only hard part about planning a kayak trip here is figuring out where to visit in the Upper Peninsula, and you can use this guide to start planning the trip of a lifetime based on your preferred experience.
Paddle Close to Breathtaking Waterfalls
The Upper Peninsula waterfalls are one of the main attractions for visitors who come here every spring. While you’ll find waterfalls throughout many of the aquatic areas in the U.P., there are two places to go that truly stand out.
Tahquamenon State Park is a popular destination for waterfall chasers who also enjoy a more immersive experience by choosing to view the rushing cascades from the water. The Upper Tahquamenon Falls are an awe-inspiring 200 feet wide and 40 feet high, which makes it Michigan’s largest waterfall. If you opt to take a day trip tour, you can kayak your way from the Lower Falls to where the river mouth meets Lake Superior with the benefit of knowing that you can shuttle back to your original starting point after you’ve had your big adventure.
Superior Falls is another great option for a waterfall paddle. It is located at the mouth of the Montreal River and flows directly into Lake Superior. If you paddle upstream a bit, you can paddle directly to the base of the waterfall and then head out to paddle the big lake directly after.
Go Kayaking Through Sea Caves
Choosing to go kayaking in the Upper Peninsula allows you to paddle your way through unique sea caves you can’t access on foot. Once again, you’ll find that Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has what you’re looking for, and you can paddle your way into gorgeous colorful caverns or glide your kayak through uniquely formed arches.
If you love exploring sea caves and caverns, then you might also want to check out Mackinac Island. This lovely island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan doesn’t allow motorized vehicles, which means that you may prefer to take a guided tour so that you can leave your personal kayak behind at your hotel. On a day trip, you can paddle to see the famous Arch Rock. You might also enjoy going snorkeling after your paddle, where you can explore an underwater limestone formation called the Rock Maze.
Float Along a Peaceful Lake
Sea kayaking adventures are thrilling, but there’s also a lot of fun to have on the inland waters of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Lake of the Clouds is one of the state’s most well-known lakes, and there’s no denying that it is one of the most beautiful places to take your kayak. This lake happens to be located within the Porcupine Mountains State Park, which is around a half-hour drive from Ironwood. For this adventure, you’ll want to bring a lightweight kayak, since you’ll need to do a short hike to access the entry point. The effort is worth it, though, when you get to enjoy one of the most iconic kayaking in the Upper Peninsula experiences in the area.
If you just can’t get enough of lake kayaking and fishing, then you’ll also want to check out the Cisco Chain of Lakes that is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The 15 interconnected lakes allow you to travel by kayak from one to the other, and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy being near the Sylvania Wilderness, which offers the option of enjoying a few on-foot adventures.
Enjoy a Wildlife Viewing Tour
Kayaking in the Upper Peninsula can bring you closer to the many different types of wildlife that inhabit the area. While you can catch a glimpse of migratory birds and other U.P. critters from the land, paddling along the peaceful water tends to set animals at ease to the point that they’re less likely to scurry away before you can enjoy their beauty.
While it’s a bit of drive from Ironwood, making a trip to Manistique River is worth it when seeing wildlife is on your agenda. The river runs through the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot red foxes, porcupines, deer, and perhaps even a bear as you paddle down 11 miles of water. If you enjoy fishing, then bring your gear. While kayak fishing, you might catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass along with sunfish, northern pike, and yellow perch.
If you prefer to stay closer to your favorite historic Upper Peninsula town, then you can always see wildlife while paddling the Porkies. At the Porcupine Mountains State Park, you’ll find kayak rentals along with public access to Lake Superior on many public lands, including Union Bay and the Black River Harbor Recreational area. At Black River Harbor, if the water is high enough, kayakers can paddle upstream to the base of Rainbow Falls, then onto the harbor, under the suspensions bridge, and past the break wall into Lake Superior. A true perfect paddle day!
As you create your itinerary, remember that most people return to the Upper Peninsula more than once to hit all of the experiences on their bucket list. The region transforms during every season, and you’ll find that kayaking in the early fall feels quite different from paddling the shoreline in the summer. Once you’ve picked out where to visit in the Upper Peninsula, remember to also add in a few land adventures to round out your stay. Whether you go on a mining tour, meander through downtown Ironwood or explore a lighthouse, learning more about the history of the area will give you a deeper appreciation for the beauty you see as you go kayaking. Contact Travel Ironwood about the many things to do in the Upper Peninsula.