This is a round trip, launch and take out are at the same spot. It’s not a lengthy trip. It’s ideal for the kayaker who has a couple of hours to spend. As the crow flies, a round trip is about a mile. With the twists and turns of the river, it’s about one and one half miles.
The river access is west of Kalamazoo, on CR653, between highway M43 and 28th Avenue. There is no boat landing or parking lot. You launch your kayak at the bridge and park on the side of the road. I found that the best spot is on the south side of the river, on the east side of the road. The trip goes upstream from the access.
This stretch of the North Branch Paw Paw River flows through a vast lowland swamp.
Most large wetlands in southwest Michigan are covered with cattails and rushes. This swamp has none. That’s what attracted me to it. It’s different. There are trees and brush scattered throughout the wetland. There are no places to get out of your kayak to stretch and take a break.
The river is shallow, the bottom is mud, and the current is very slow. It’s a pretty easy paddle. The stream is lined with lily pads and water willow.
I approached a set of small culverts.
There was a rustic cabin to the left of the culverts. The area looked well traveled and I could sense that there was a house nearby. I momentarily contemplated portaging the culverts. The thought of a irate landowner entered my mind and I turned my kayak around, heading downstream to the landing.
I enjoyed touring this scenic wetland and I hope you enjoy it too!
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 