The Pine Creek watershed covers 236 square miles. Baseline Creek, Mentha Drain, and Sand Creek are tributaries of Pine Creek. The navigable portion of Pine Creek is accessed from Pine Creek Impoundment. The lake is located west of Otsego on Jefferson Road in Otsego Township, Allegan County. Pine Creek is part of the Kalamazoo River watershed. The haze in some of the photos is smoke from Canadian wildfires.
Jefferson Road is south of the Kalamazoo River and parallel to it. Pine Creek Impoundment is across the road from the river. Pine Creek flows out of the impoundment at a water level control structure next to the south side of Jefferson Road. The water flows over the control boards of the structure and through two large culverts under Jefferson Road. Then, the creek empties into the Kalamazoo River.
The impoundment is drawn down once every five years for fish and wildlife habitat improvement and sediment control. Check with Otsego Township or the Michigan DNR when planning a trip. During a Kalamazoo River kayak trip, I paddled up Pine Creek for a look at the dam. The control boards were removed and the lake had been drained.
The land surrounding the impoundment and bordering the creek is private property, no trespassing. The creek flows through a swamp. I could not find a decent place to get out of my kayak and take a break. Maybe you’ll have better luck.
The Pine Creek Impoundment boat landing is located on the corner of Jefferson Road and 21st Street. The landing features the boat ramp along with a vault toilet and a small parking area. Jefferson Road and the water level control structure can be seen in the background.
I took my trip on a weekday in early June and my kayak was the only boat on the lake. Watch for shallow water. It’s easy to get stuck in the mud. On some portions of the impoundment, aquatic vegetation can be excessive. I easily explored everyplace that looked interesting, regardless of the vegetation. I thought that the water in the impoundment was cloudy and turbid. The lake looked dirty.
Head south on the impoundment toward the creek.
As you head south, the lake gets narrower and the east side of the impoundment deserves exploration.
The water clears up when the impoundment transitions to the creek.
The current in the creek is very slow and the bottom is mud. Paddling upstream on the creek is the best part of the trip.
Eventually, the creek narrows and fallen trees will challenge kayakers. I turned around when several trees blocked the creek from bank to bank. I did not try to portage. The mud bottom and the swampy terrain kept me in my kayak. Paddling downstream on the creek to the impoundment was just as enjoyable as the upstream portion of the trip.
I thought that the waters of the Pine Creek Impoundment were not very appealing at times. The southeast end of the lake was fun to explore. The scenery of Pine Creek was exceptional. Load up your kayaks and go!
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 