Kayaking Guide to the Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula offers kayaking experiences that range from enjoying a quiet paddle around a placid inland lake to paddling your way through challenging currents along the shoreline of Lake Superior. To top it all off, you can enjoy paddling beside majestic cliffs and forestland, home to a diverse range of wildlife you can see from your boat.

You’re practically guaranteed the trip of your lifetime when you choose to venture out on U.P. waters, but there are some tips to follow to stay safe and enjoy every moment of your trip. Following this kayaking guide to the Upper Peninsula sets you up for a safe and exciting adventure that makes it possible to experience the true beauty of the region every time you visit.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Go Kayaking In the U.P.?

Knowing when and where to visit in the Upper Peninsula is important for being able to enjoy all of your favorite activities while you are here. Although you’ll find lots of things to do in Ironwood throughout every season, kayaking does tend to require warmer weather to enjoy.

In the winter, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior freeze over, along with many of the other lakes and rivers that you’ll find inland. While this opens up room for ice fishing and other winter sports, kayaking can become downright dangerous in frigid water.

The summer months are the best time to go kayaking in the best towns in the Upper Peninsula, which falls from mid-May to mid-September. But you might be able to squeeze in some additional time to go kayaking if we have a warmer start to the spring or a later end to summer weather. Experienced kayakers can also manage colder water temperatures with the right gear and training.

Where Are the Top Inland Places to Kayak?

No kayaking guide to the Upper Peninsula would be complete without mentioning where you’ll want to go for your trip. New or beginner kayakers often prefer to stay inland, which prevents being carried far out by the currents on the Great Lakes.

Fortunately, the Ottawa National Forest is a huge expanse of land that is located near Ironwood, which makes it easy to find lodging and eateries that are all within close proximity to where you launch your kayak. Here are several of the top places people tend to visit when they come to our U.P. town.

Porcupine Mountains State Park

Technically, the Porkies aren’t in the Ottawa National Forest, but they do border the national grounds. Avid kayakers love visiting the Lake of the Clouds, and you can choose to paddle quietly on the calm waters as you gaze in admiration at the beautiful scenery. Access to this location takes three-quarters of a mile hike with your kayak.

Sylvania Wilderness

The Sylvania Wilderness area has 34 named lakes, along with lots of other rivers and streams to explore. Kayaking is a popular activity here, and people often look forward to catching sight of a bald eagle as they paddle along. Loons and osprey are also common here, and the lakes are filled with trout and bass that you can fish for from your non-motorized boat.

Lake Gogebic

Known as the largest inland lake in Michigan, Gogebic offers miles of shoreline along with easy access launch points for kayakers that can sometimes be hard to find in other areas. If you want a true Upper Peninsula adventure, put in at Lake Gogebic and head towards Slate River, where you can find your way to Judson Falls.

What Are the Best Kayaking Locations on Big Water?

Big water kayaking might sound intimidating to new paddlers, but there are several areas that are known for being calm and easy to paddle. Just make sure to stay close to the shoreline, or you might even opt to take a beginner-friendly tour.

If you have some paddling time under your belt, then you’ll also find opportunities to challenge yourself on rougher waters. Either way, you’ll be paddling in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Choosing where to visit the Upper Peninsula for kayaking should include adding these places to your itinerary.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

 

Pictured Rocks is perhaps one of the most iconic places to go kayaking when you’re staying close to town. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has kayaking routes that will take you up close to waterfalls, arches, and towering cliffs, creating the perfect backdrop or destination for a kayaking adventure. Keep in mind that finding a put-in site can be challenging in certain areas, but you’ll still find lots of options when you follow a map of the area.

Agate Harbor

As the name suggests, the Agate Harbor is a known destination for kayakers who also have an interest in geological wonders. The Arch Rock is reachable by kayak when you launch in Agate Harbor, and you can also find shallow bay areas that are perfect for taking a break from paddling to do a little rockhounding.

Keweenaw Water Trail

This water trail circles the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, and it offers a complete loop that helps kayakers avoid having to backtrack on their adventure. Although this loop is best recommended for mid-level to advanced kayakers, the ability to move to an alternate shoreline if threatening waves or winds pick up offers a certain level of safety. If you choose to do the whole loop, then you’ll want to plan for paddling around six to eight days to finish.

Can You Find Kayak Tours and Rentals Throughout the Area?

If you’re staying in our town, then you’ll love knowing that there are many local areas open for you to rent a kayak, especially if you choose to visit the Porkies. Pictured Rocks also offer beginner to advanced kayaking tours that will take you to all the hot spots along the water. Sunset kayaking tours are also popular at many of the leading destinations for tourists in the Upper Peninsula.

What Are the Best Towns In the Upper Peninsula for Lodging?

Finding a place to stay near your preferred launch spot saves you time, and you’ll also find that having easy access to shops, restaurants, historical sites, and other things to do in Ironwood, MI makes it easy to plan a successful trip.

Ironwood has earned the distinction of being a visitor-friendly town that is located close to many natural wilderness areas. If you choose to camp on your kayaking adventure, then having a town that you can rely on to serve as a home base allows you to push yourself to the max while knowing where to turn for a good night’s sleep after you’ve completed the outdoor portion of your trip.

What Should You Bring for Your Kayaking Adventure?

Whether you rent a kayak or bring your own, there are a few things that you’ll want to pack to stay safe and comfortable as you traverse the waters in the Upper Peninsula. Fast-drying clothing made from synthetic materials such as polyester works best for staying warmer on your kayaking trips.

Sunscreen and bug repellent are essential for protecting your skin when you’re spending lots of time out on the water. You’ll also want to bring water shoes to keep your feet safe from sharp rocks you might encounter along the shoreline.

Out of all of the things that you bring on your trip, you’ll want to remember to bring a waterproof camera. After all, you’ll want to memorialize every moment you can of your trip to Ironwood and it’s surrounding areas. From remembering that glorious waterfall you saw flowing along the river to capturing an image of the colorful Pictured Rocks, you’ll love creating memories as you kayak in unique bodies of water that all embody the spirit of the Upper Peninsula.

Contact Travel Ironwood for more information about things to do in Ironwood and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.