KALAMAZOO RIVER, PIPELINE LANDING TO NEW RICHMOND, ALLEGAN COUNTY

This trip will take kayakers through one of the more remote areas of the Allegan Forest. For part of the way, the river borders the Ottawa Marsh. The densely wooded riverbanks seem like a jungle.

The primitive MDNR Pipeline Landing is on the south side of the river. Take a unimproved trail north from 126th Avenue, between 46th Street and 48th Street.

Downstream from the landing, the topsoil eroded from two hills, leaving steep sand banks that rise up from the water’s edge.

Past the second sand hill, the river divides into two channels. Take the channel to the right. The left channel flows into the vast Ottawa Marsh. Kayakers have been known to get lost in the many channels of the large swamp.

If you are not concerned with time, explore some of the many openings in the riverbank. Some go nowhere.

Others open up to scenic bayous.

The main channel through the Ottawa Marsh eventually flows back into the Kalamazoo River. Exploration up the channel is limited by many downed trees and strong current.

Viewing the mouth of the channel from the river.

Toward the latter part of the trip, the Rabbit River flows into the Kalamazoo from the north. Paddling up the Rabbit is a interesting side trip.

After the Kalamazoo River passes under a power line, a unnamed creek flows in from the south. It’s worth checking out.

Downed trees blocked our way, so we paddled back down the creek to the river.

Houses begin to appear on the river banks as you get close to New Richmond. A small shaded bayou lies at the base of a tall riverside hill topped with homes. The bayou offers a nice view of the river and the shade feels good on a hot day.

New Richmond Bridge Park marks the end of the trip. The boat landing is on the north side of the river, downstream from the two bridges. By vehicle, head east on Old Allegan Road from 58th Street. The landing is at the end of the road.

The two bridges are an interesting piece of the local history. The first bridge is the New Richmond swing bridge. It was built in 1879 and was recently restored for pedestrian use.