About the Platte River

Lower Platte River
Canoe, Kayak, Tube

PlatteRiver

Gentle flowing river with easy gradual turns. As you head down the river you will come into a small lake called Loon Lake. This is part of the lower Platte river, you simply paddle along the right hand side and you will pick the river back up again. This takes approx. 20 minutes to get through. You will also pass through the State of Michigan's Fish Weir. This is a contraption that has gates that can be lowered into the river to stop the migrating Salmon from going up stream. The weir is in operation from the middle of August until October. During these months portaging around the weir is necessary. River depth on average is between 2-3 feet deep with a few holes that are deeper. This is a great trip for the whole family or the beginning canoers. It truly is for all ages and abilities. Total trip time takes 2-21/2 hrs and ends at a sandy beach on Lake Michigan with a beautiful picnic area and modern restroom facilities. You will get out of the river well before it dumps into Lake Michigan. This is where your car will be waiting for you.

Upper Platte River
Canoe & Kayak Only

Much faster than the lower Platte River. More oriented towards the experienced canoer. The river on average is between 2-3 feet deep with tight turns, fast current, low hanging branches, and underwater obstacles. A lot of wildlife can be seen including deer, ducks, loons, bald eagles, fish, otters.. just to name a few. This section of the Platte river is exceptionally scenic with limited places to stop along the way. A real trip....or should we say tip? Total trip time is about 3 1/2 hours and ends about 1 mile from The Trading Post on Deadstream Road.

The Lower Platte River Trip is in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, therefore a Park Pass is required for floating on the river. As a service to our guests and the National Park, The Trading Post sells the required pass. You can purchase a $10 pass ( good for 7 days ) or a $20 pass that is good for 1 year from the month you purchase it. These passes are good for anywhere within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

A Park Pass is not required for the Upper Platte River trip as this section is not located within the property of the National Lakeshore.

Pets are welcomed in our canoes and kayaks. However, there are restrictions for your pets in the National Park, so we will be happy to explain this to you.