Most Popular Trips
Download the river map using the button to the right to get a visual image of the trips described below.
Claybank to Insta Launch - 2 hour float time, 7 miles
This adventure begins on private property on Claybank Lake. Your trip begins at the tip of the lake with a 5-minute paddle to the river. This part of the river is the closest trip to Manistee, which means the river starts to slow down the closer you get to the Lake. It’s a beautiful flowing portion where you will see wildlife while enjoying floating down the Big Manistee. Your trip ends at the mouth of Manistee Lake right at Insta Launch Campground, which is located 200 yards from our parking lot.
Anderson to Insta Launch - 3 hour float time, 9 miles (Customer favorite)
This adventure begins on private property on Anderson Bayou. Your trip begins right on the bayou, completely surrounded by the Manistee National Forest in the midst of a diverse wildlife area. It is about a 10-minute paddle to the river. Many guests will see bald eagles, beavers, otters and many species of birds during this short paddle. Because it starts in a bayou, there may be plant growth in the water at the beginning of the trip and not be as clear as the river. As you get closer to the city, the river slows down a little as you near the end of your journey. Your trip ends at the mouth of Manistee Lake right at Insta Launch Campground, which is located 200 yards from our parking lot.
Rainbow Bend to Insta Launch - 4 hour float time, 12 miles
This adventure begins at the federal launch site at Rainbow Bend. It's a beautiful stretch down the river where you will see plenty of wildlife in the midst of the Manistee National Forest. As you get closer to the city, the river slows down a little as you near the end of your journey. Your trip ends at the mouth of Manistee Lake right at Insta Launch Campground, which is located 200 yards from our parking lot.
Bear Creek to Insta Launch - 5 hour float time, 15 miles
This adventure begins at the federal launch site at Bear Creek. It’s a beautiful stretch down the river where you will see plenty of wildlife in the midst of the Manistee National Forest. As you get closer to the city, the river slows down a little as you near the end of your journey. Your trip ends at the mouth of Manistee Lake right at Insta Launch Campground, which is located 200 yards from our parking lot.
Tippy Dam to High Bridge - 2 hour float time, 5.7 miles
This adventure begins at the state launch site at Tippy Dam Recreation Area. This is a beautiful stretch starting right at Tippy Dam. This section of the river flows nicely the whole stretch in the midst of the Manistee National Forest. Your end point is at High Bridge federal boat launch. This is perfect if you’re looking to just get out for a quick trip. It is best if you park your vehicle at High Bridge and we pick you up and drive you up river. When you’re done, you can just jump in your car and head out.
High Bridge to Bear Creek - 3 hour float time, 8.5 miles
This adventure begins at the federal launch site at High Bridge. This stretch moves nicely and is in the midst of the Manistee National Forest. This trip is best if you park your vehicle at Bear Creek and we pick you up and drive you up river. When you’re done, you can just jump in your car and head out.
Red Bridge to Tippy - 3.5 hour float time, 6.5 miles
This adventure begins at the Red Bridge federal launch site. This is a unique trip because it is in the backwaters of Tippy Dam. Even though this is the river, it feels more like a chain of lakes. It’s a beautiful area with high ridges and islands. There are many great spots to camp or picnic. If you're looking for a river float, this is not the trip for you. This trip is best if you park your vehicle at Tippy and we pick you up and drive you up river. When you’re done with your adventure, you can just jump in your car and head out.
Hodenpyl to Red Bridge - 4 hours float time, 11.6 miles
This adventure begins at Hodenpyl Dam river access launch. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Big Manistee River. This river area is popular for the famous hiking trails around this stretch. It has very high banks all around it with beautiful scenery. There are many places to camp along this stretch if you’re looking for an overnight adventure. This adventure costs more because of the driving distance from our location. It is best if you park your vehicle at Red Bridge and we pick you up and drive you up river. When your adventure finishes, you can just jump in your car and head out.
High Bridge to Insta Launch - 8.5 hours float time, 24 miles
This adventure begins at High Bridge federal launch site. For those die-hards that want a really long day of paddling, this trip is for you. These trips must leave in the morning so you have time to get back before dark. Your journey will take you along beautiful stretches of the river, ending at the campground 200 yards from your car. There are 2 federal launches on this journey for bathroom breaks at Bear Creek and Rainbow Bend.
Tippy to Bear Creek - 5 hours float time, 14.5 miles
This adventure begins at the state launch site at Tippy Dam Recreation Area. This is a beautiful stretch starting right at Tippy Dam. This section of the river flows nicely the whole stretch in the midst of the Manistee National Forest. Your end point is at Bear Creek federal boat launch. It is best if you park your vehicle at Bear Creek and we pick you up and drive you up river. When you’re done, you can just jump in your car and head out.
Hodenpyl to Insta Launch - 18 hours float time, 48 miles
This adventure begins at Hodenpyl Dam river launch site. This is an epic trip if you’re looking for a true adventure. This is a perfect 2 night, 3 day trip. We recommend a canoe for this trip so you have a vessel big enough to haul all of your gear. Some of the most beautiful stretches of the river are on this stretch. There are amazing sites to camp on the first 4 hour stretch from Hodenpyle to Red Bridge and some great spots from Red Bridge to Tippy. There are more limited spots for the rest of the trip but plenty of areas to camp in. We rent camping gear if you don’t have any or can supplement anything that you’re missing.
01
Planning
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02
Development
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03
Launch
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