This stretch of the Portage River offers some challenges, but it’s not too difficult for beginners. There is a dam to be portaged. The river averages about fifty feet wide and is one to three feet deep over a sand and gravel bottom. There are some deeper holes.
The Portage River flows through a agricultural region. The riverbanks are lined with hardwoods. There are swampy areas scattered along the shore.
Northeast of Three Rivers, the North Fisher Lake Road bridge marks the start of the trip. A small launch area is on the east side of the road, on the north side of the river. Parking is on the side of the road.
There is no shortage of fallen trees in the river. Most of the trees are easy to maneuver around.
There is the occasional downed tree that is difficult to negotiate.
I only had to portage over trees once.
Downstream from the South Fisher Lake Road bridge, the river enters open country, widens, and divides into several channels.
Keep an eye out for shallow water. It’s easy to run aground here. The channels eventually combine, farther downstream.
The current will slow as the river enters Hoffman Lake, a backwater of the Boy’s Dam.
When approaching the dam, the portage is on the left. It’s a small opening in the shoreline brush.
A path leads to the top of a small hill and continues on to the dam. The trail descends a steep hill down to the river.
Below the dam, the river moves at a moderate to fast pace. Watch out for rocks. There are some fallen trees to negotiate as the river winds its way through the City of Three Rivers. Most of the city is hidden from view by trees and brush along the riverbanks.
Downstream from the dam, the Portage River passes under three bridges before it flows into the St. Joseph River. Hang a right after you pass the wall.
Follow the St. Joe downstream as it flows under the Main Street bridge and a railroad bridge.
Continue downstream. The trip ends at the Conservation Park boat ramp, on the east (left) side of the river.
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 