Kayaking Northern Michigan: Best Routes on the Lakes and Rivers

A Paddler's Paradise Built by Glaciers

The glaciers that retreated from Northern Michigan roughly 12,000 years ago left behind over 11,000 inland lakes, a maze of clear rivers draining toward the Great Lakes, and a Lake Michigan shoreline cut with protected bays and river mouths that offer ideal paddling conditions. Whether you want a two-hour flatwater tour, a multi-day wilderness canoe route, or surfing Lake Michigan swells on a touring kayak, Northern Michigan has it.

The Platte River — Crystal Clear Classic

The Platte River south of Honor is one of Michigan's most popular paddling rivers — crystal clear, spring-fed, and gentle enough for beginners while interesting enough for experienced paddlers. The 2-4 hour route from Goose Road to Platte River Campground passes through cedar swamps, sandy banks, and emerges at Platte Bay on Lake Michigan. Multiple outfitters in Honor rent canoes and kayaks with shuttle service. In late summer and fall, chinook salmon run the river in numbers that make the paddling surreal.

Boardman River — Traverse City's Backyard Gem

The Boardman River winds through the heart of Traverse City before emptying into the bay. The upper Boardman in Kalkaska County is a blue-ribbon trout stream; the section through Traverse City has been restored following dam removal and now flows through a reconstructed floodplain with access points throughout the city. Paddle from Veterans Park to the Boardman Lake, then continue to the bay for a scenic 3-hour urban river experience. The Traverse City events calendar includes guided Boardman River paddles organized by local environmental groups.

Crystal River — The Most Beautiful in Michigan

The Crystal River, flowing from Glen Lake through Glen Arbor to Lake Michigan, makes a credible claim to being Michigan's most beautiful paddling route. The water is literally transparent — you can see bottom in 15 feet of water. The route passes through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and emerges at the Lake Michigan shore. It is short (about 4 miles) but the clarity and the surrounding forest make it an experience paddlers return to repeatedly.

Torch Lake — Paddling the Caribbean of Michigan

Torch Lake is 18 miles long, 200 feet deep at its deepest, and colored a Caribbean turquoise that photographs as though it were photoshopped. Kayaking the lake's perimeter takes 2-3 days with camping at designated sites. Day paddlers can launch from the public access in Alden or Torch River and explore the lake's bays and sandbar — in summer, the shallow northwest sandbar becomes a social gathering point with dozens of boats anchored in 3 feet of clear water.

Inland Seas Education Association — Suttons Bay

For a different kind of paddle experience, the Inland Seas Education Association in Suttons Bay offers sailing programs on Lake Michigan aboard their historic schooners. While technically sailing rather than kayaking, the educational component — Great Lakes ecology, navigation, maritime history — makes this one of the most distinctive water experiences in the region. Family programs run throughout summer.

Safety and Planning

Lake Michigan kayaking requires specific open-water experience — the lake can generate dangerous conditions with little warning, and hypothermia is a risk even in summer given the water temperature. Inland river and lake paddling is considerably safer for beginners. Always file a float plan, wear a PFD, and check weather before launching on the Great Lakes. Most Northern Michigan outfitters offer lessons alongside rentals. Check the regional events calendar for guided paddling programs throughout the season.