7 Magical Rivers to Kayak in Northern Michigan

From the Manistee River, to the Au Sable, there are so many gorgeous rivers to kayak in Northern Michigan. These are some of my favorite rivers to kayak in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Rivers to Kayak in Northern Michigan – West Side

Bestie River

Time frame: varies 

This underrated river zig zags from Interlochen out to Frankfort. Though this river is narrow, currents are quick and many downed trees/limbs make this more of an intermediate-advanced trek. The river is slower and more manageable the closer to Frankfort when the river opens up into Bestie Lake. This river is not recommended for beginner kayakers, paddle boarding, or children under 12. 

Click here to view some of the many places to launch your kayak onto the Bestie River.

Rivers to kayak in Northern Michigan. Man on orange kayak with bald eagle in the distance in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Manistee River

Time frame: varies

Arguably one of the best rivers to be on in Northern Michigan. This river stretches from Manistee all the way up to Gaylord. There are numerous launch sites whether you’re looking for a DNR launch site or sites within the National Forest. This river can be fun to float, kayak, canoe, backcountry portage, fish, there are endless activities! 

Here are some estimated paddling times for the stretch of the Mainstee River near Traverse City/Mesick/Cadillac. 

Launch sites managed by the USDA Forest Service

Rivers to Kayak in Northern Michigan – Sleeping Bear Dunes

Platte River

Time frame: 2-3 hours from eastern launch site. 30 minutes from western launch site

Located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this is a beautiful serene and calm river. Perfect for kayakers and paddle boarders alike. The river stays fairly shallow, and the water is clear. Plop your kayak in at the National Park Kayak launch site located right off M-22 on Lake Michigan Road. You’ll paddle to Loon Lake, which can be a bit to pass through but is worth it when trekking all the way to Lake Michigan. There is a second launch site past Loon Lake which can be found off of Lake Michigan Road. 

Click here to see launch sites throughout Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Rivers to kayak in Northern Michigan. Map of launch sites for the Platte River in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Crystal River

Time frame: about 3 hours

Sitting in one of the best Northern Michigan towns, Glen Arbor, you’ll find the pristine Crystal River. The name accurately describes what you’ll be floating down. Crystal clear waters, no deeper than 3-4 feet. There are three portages that you’ll need to pull your kayak out of the water, it’s helpful to have a buddy, especially for the last two portages where you’ll be crossing a road. There is one main launch site at the start of the river, off Fischer Rd. Make sure you head to Crystal River Outfitters whether you need to rent a kayak or are just looking to have your kayak transported, for $12 they’ll drive you and your kayak to the start of the river, and you simply must kayak back to Glen Arbor where your car is! 

Head to Crystal River Outfitters, whether you need to rent or simply transport your kayak!

Rivers to kayak in Northern Michigan. Map of launch sites for the 
Crystal River in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Rivers to Kayak in Northern Michigan – East Side

Au Sable River

Time frame for Oscoda, MI: 3-4 hours for half a trek. 6-8 hours for a full trek 

The famous canoe race river. Stretching from Grayling to Oscoda this river is another one of the best in Michigan. There are numerous sites to launch at, both Michigan DNR sites and National Forest launch sites. My favorite stretch of the river is the 19-miles closest to Oscoda, MI. You will drop your kayak in at the Lower Foote Dam DNR launch and paddle down. To make the trip about 3-4 hours you can get out at the USDA Forest Service Whirlpool Launch site or continue to the mouth of the river into Lake Huron for a full 6-8 hour day of paddling. 

Rivers to Kayak in Northern Michigan. Woman in blue sit-on-top kayak on the Au Sable River.

Rifle River

Time frame: Varies

Perfect for a relaxing, easy-going canoe or kayaking trip. DNR launch sites are found up and down the Rifle River, following the Rifle River trail will lead to these launch sites. Rifle River Campground and Canoe Livery offers 2-6 hour trips, White’s offers 3-7 hour trips as well as multi-day trips!


There are a variety of Michigan DNR launch sites that can be found along the rifle river as well.