The main channel through the Ottawa Marsh is called the Dailey Bayou. The bayou branches off from the Kalamazoo River at the east end of the marsh and rejoins the river at the west end. Side channels split off from the bayou, creating many islands.
The two boat landings are on the Dailey Bayou, not on a side channel. Both are at the end of unmarked semi-improved trails. The beginning of the trail to the Hoffman Landing is on the north side of Old Allegan Road, near the 126th Avenue intersection. The beginning of the trail to the Main Ottawa Landing is on the north side of 126th Avenue, between 48th Street and 52nd Street. When planning your trip, check with the MDNR to make sure that the trails are open.
Which one of the two launch sites that you choose is up to you. I viewed satellite photos of the marsh on google maps. The east half of the wetland looked like it would be the most fun to explore, so I chose the Main Ottawa Landing.
A view of the Hoffman Landing at peak fall color:
The Main Landing is a choke point. All the water from the east half of the marsh funnels through a narrow channel right at the Main Landing. I paddled upstream from the landing.
I would describe the current through the marsh as moderate. The water was cloudy, so I couldn’t see bottom most of the time. I noted that the water depth dropped off right next to shore in many places, including the Main Landing.
At one point, I decided to take a break. I probed the bottom with my paddle and it seemed like hard sand. When I stepped out of my kayak, I immediately started sinking into the bottom. I could hardly walk. With every step, the bottom threatened to suck my water shoes off my feet. I stayed in my kayak for the rest of the trip.
The Ottawa Marsh is 1700 acres and it’s easy to get turned around (never admit that you got lost). Choose landmarks. Make a mental note of which direction the current flows in relation to the landing that you chose and you’ll have a much easier time finding your way back to your launch site. If you paddle downstream from your landing, make sure that you have energy left to paddle against the current on your way back.
I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the channels and islands of the Ottawa Marsh. The lush vegetation of the wetland was pleasing to the eye. There was no sign of civilization. No people. No road noise. Just the sights and sounds of nature.
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 