This trip on the Portage River begins at the south end of Portage Lake, at the MDNR public access on Silver Street. Paddle east from the landing to the river mouth at the southeast corner of the lake.
The river flows through agricultural land and farmers use the river as a water source for irrigation. The river corridor is wooded. There are a few waterfront homes, but the riverbanks are mostly undeveloped.
The current is slow and the depth ranges from one to three feet. The river is mostly clear over a sand and gravel bottom. The solid bottom extends to much of the shoreline, making it easy to find a good spot to get out of your kayak and take a break.
For the first part of the trip, from Portage Lake to Parkville, the river is wide and mostly clear of obstructions. It’s easy to paddle.
In Parkville, the remnants of an old dam has created a small rapids. The dam diverted flow to a millrace which is still visible. The millrace powered a grain mill. The mill was in operation from 1909 to 1929. Sadly, there isn’t much left of this historic landmark.
Between Parkville and North Fisher Lake Road, there are a lot of fallen trees in the river. Maneuvering is required. There is always a way to get through without portaging.
The next bridge past the Parkville Road bridge is the North Fisher Lake Road bridge. It marks the end of the trip. The small landing is on the north side of the river, on the east side of the bridge. Parking is on the side of the road. I’m sure you’ll find this stretch of the Portage River to be a pleasure to paddle!
NULL ROAD BRIDGE TO THREE RIVERS CONSERVATION PARK
The Rocky River is not rocky in this stretch of the river. The bottom is mostly sand and gravel with mud along much of the shoreline. Consequently, it’s not easy to find a good spot to pull up on the riverbank to take a break. The clear river runs thirty to fifty feet wide and ranges in depth from one to three feet.
Rocky River access is northwest of Three Rivers, at the Null Road bridge. A boardwalk with a canoe/kayak slide is on the north side of the road, on the west side of the river.
There are a few waterfront homes on the shore, but much of the riverbank is undeveloped. The river current is slow to moderate.
The wooded river corridor makes for a pleasant scenic paddle. Fallen trees will require some maneuvering. If you possess basic paddling skills, then you should have no problems.
The old Cowling Road bridge still spans the river. It was built in 1904 and is no longer in use.
I paddled into the shallow Armalege Drain for a lunch break. I took advantage of a three foot deep hole off the drain mouth and went for a dip in the cool waters of the river.
After passing under the US131 bridge and the Hoffman Street bridge, the river flows through open country with a few trees.
There is a small Class I rapids at the Moore Street bridge.
There are Class I and Class II rapids in downtown Three Rivers. Before starting a trip, I recommend viewing the rapids and formulating a plan. Portaging is an option. Always paddle within your limits and experience level.
Memory Isle and Memory Isle Park are inside the Three Rivers city limits. The rapids are immediately downstream from Memory Isle. The rapids are the result of a dam failure and washout back in 1992. If you are going to portage the rapids, then take the channel on the right side of the island. Pull up on the mainland shore. The portage will be obvious. There is no handy place to put your kayak back in the water after portaging. This looked like the best spot. If I remember correctly, the wooden walkway is about three feet above the level of the river.
Go to the left side of the island if you intend to run the rapids. The rapids can be treacherous, so make your choice wisely. In the photo, compare the size of the rapids to the size of the auto in the parking lot.
There is a large pointed object just below the surface in the middle of this chute.
Downstream from the rapids, the Rocky River flows into the St. Joseph River at Scidmore Park. Directly across the St. Joe River from the mouth of the Rocky River is the Conservation Park boat landing, marking the end of the trip.
Viewing the mouth of the Rocky River from the Conservation Park boat landing.
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.
Immediately downstream is the railroad swing bridge. It was built in 1907 and is still in use.
The park is a nice place to end a trip. There are boardwalks, picnic tables, and a vault restroom. Maybe I’ll see you on the river!
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.
I have visited South Haven hundreds 0f times over the years with my wife, Colleen. We enjoy visiting the Lake Michigan beaches and hiking the numerous pathways in the area. A walking tour of the riverfront and the downtown area is also one of our favorite pastimes. I have spent countless hours catching fish from the waters of South Haven. I often wondered what it would be like to kayak the Black River through town and paddle the channel out into Lake Michigan. Perfect conditions came together in early October. The busy boating season would be over, so river traffic would be light. The weather forecast was favorable: eighty degrees and sunny with light winds. I loaded up my kayak and headed to South Haven!
The Black River, from the Blue Star Highway bridge downstream to the Lake Michigan channel, is lined with marinas and condominiums with boat slips. There are a few single family homes on the river also. The amount of recreational boats on this waterway is staggering. It would be difficult to guess how many there are. There must be a thousand pleasure boats docked on the river. Kayaking through some of the marinas can be a entertaining part of your trip. Touring the marinas during heavy boat traffic is not recommended.
The canoe/kayak landing on the Black River is a really nice set-up.
In South Haven, turn north on Dunkley Avenue from Dyckman Avenue. That intersection is fifty feet east of the drawbridge. When Dunkley Avenue turns east, go straight, north, on Wells Street. Wells Street turns east and on that curve is the loading/unloading area. The dock is one hundred fifty feet from that curve. Free parking is east of that curve. Modern restrooms are north of the parking area. During my latest trip in August 2025, the modern restrooms were locked. There are portajohns in the boat landing area.
It’s time to get started! Now that you’ve got your kayak in the water, which way do you go? Upstream or downstream? If Lake Michigan is part of your trip, I recommend going downstream first. Usually, as the day progresses, the winds get stronger and the boat traffic increases. It’s much safer to head to Lake Michigan earlier in the day. Be sure to observe the rules of navigation when paddling the waters of South Haven.
Heading downstream from the boat landing.
As you head toward Lake Michigan, the first of many points of interest that you will see is the Dyckman Avenue drawbridge.
Downstream from the drawbridge, on the north side of the river, is the Michigan Maritime Museum, home of the fishing tug, Elsie J, a small marina, and the sailing ship, Friends Good Will.
The museum constructed a new building recently and I highly recommend a visit.
Looking downriver from the entrance to the museum marina. The large building on the right is Gull Lake Marine.
West of Gull Lake Marine, on the north side of the river, is a large basin full of boat slips that is part of the North Municipal Marina.
The rest of the North Municipal Marina and the South Municipal Marina are downstream from the basin.
The entrance to the channel to Lake Michigan is just west of the two municipal marinas.
On the day of my voyage, the swells in the channel were running one to two feet. Out in the Big Lake, the swells were running one to three feet. Offshore swells are farther apart and less steep than near shore waves. In the photos, the lake looks calm. When sitting in a kayak, it isn’t. On the day of your trip, I recommend driving to the beach and checking the channel and lake conditions before you launch your kayak. Don’t get caught in rough water that you can’t handle!
Once out in the open waters of Lake Michigan, you can enjoy the scenic views of the shoreline and the lighthouse.
When you head back upstream from Lake Michigan, there is still a lot more to see. On the south side of the river, before you get to the drawbridge, you will pass by the South Haven Yacht Club, the Harbor Inn motel, and two floating restaurants: the Idler and Admiral Jack’s.
Heading toward the drawbridge from the channel.On the left is Captain Lou’s, a famous watering hole. In 2025, Captain Lou is replacing the old building with a brand new structure.
There are very few places to stop and take a break. As you travel upstream from the drawbridge, I suggest stopping at the boat landing to stretch your legs.
Looking upriver from the drawbridge.
The following photos trace my route up the Black River from the boat landing to the Blue Star Highway bridge.
I didn’t paddle past the Blue Star bridge, choosing to return to the boat landing instead. If you want to see more of the Black River, I recommend taking a trip down the south branch of the river, from the Family Landing near Bangor to South Haven. I have kayaked that stretch of the river and found it to be scenic. However, there are portages over or around fallen trees. I have published a post with info and photos of that trip.
My five mile trip on the waters of South Haven was everything that I thought it would be. It was a memorable trip and I hope that your trip will create some fond memories for you!
This trip begins in the middle of nowhere, about halfway between Bangor and South Haven. The Family Landing is located on CR384 (12th Avenue) in Geneva Township. It’s on the north side of the road, on the east side of the river. A well-worn footpath leads from a small roadside unloading area to the riverbank. A small parking area is fifty feet north of CR384, on the west side of 68th Street, next to the old Riverside School.
My friend Dan and I took this voyage in early August of 2025 during low water levels. The character of the river can change during higher water levels.
On the first half of the trip, from CR384 to Phoenix Road, the current was slow over a sand bottom. Water depth was mostly one to three feet. The river flows in a northerly direction.
We encountered a multitude of downed trees and tree limbs. We successfully paddled over, under, and around most of them.
Some of them required a portage. Most of the portages were easy.
If you’re good at slouching way down in your kayak, then you can avoid some of the portages. Beginners might experience difficulty.
The first bridge after the landing spans the river at 8th Avenue. A tiny rapids under the bridge was the only swift current of the trip.
Downstream from the bridge, Black River Trails Campground occupies the riverbank on the left.
Upstream from the Phoenix Road bridge, a monster logjam completely blocks the river.
The portage is on the left. Follow the well-worn footpath through the woods for seventy five yards and you’ll arrive back at the river, downstream from the logjam.
The Phoenix Kayak Launch at the CR388 (Phoenix Road) bridge is a great spot to stop for a break. The landing features a dock with a boat slide and a ramp that leads to a parking lot and a vault toilet. You can end your trip at Phoenix Road or continue on to South Haven like we did. Starting at Phoenix Road and ending at South Haven is another trip option.
The second half of the trip, from Phoenix Road to South Haven, is much different than the first half. Very few fallen trees and no portages made paddling easy.
Shortly after leaving Phoenix Road, the river gradually becomes wider and deeper. The current slows to a snails pace.
If you tire easily, then you may not like this no-current section of the river. It extends all the way to the landing in South Haven. You may get tired, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. We couldn’t find anyplace to stop and get out of our kayaks to stretch and take a break.
Near the 70th Street bridge, the river changes course and flows in a westerly direction. Continuing downstream, the river travels under the 71 1/2 Street bridge, the Kal-Haven Trail bridge, and the Interstate 196/ US31 bridge.
At the Blue Star Highway bridge, the Black River enters the City of South Haven. From the Blue Star bridge to the boat landing, the shore is lined with hundreds and hundreds of boats.
Pleasure boats of all types and sizes are present.
As you can imagine, boat traffic can be heavy at times. Always be aware of your surroundings while kayaking the river through South Haven. Observe the rules of navigation. The river is patrolled, so make sure that you are compliant with the boating regulations. As long as you have a personal flotation device, then you’ll be okay. I have found that the pleasure boaters are a courteous bunch. They keep an eye out for small craft, but kayakers should still be vigilant.
The trip ends at the Black River Park ADA Kayak Launch. The landing is just around the bend from the boat ramp and 800 feet upstream from the Dyckman Avenue draw bridge.
There is a small free parking lot next to the loading/unloading area. When we ended our trip, the park restrooms were locked and we had to search elsewhere for facilities.
The first half of the trip challenged our kayaking skills. The lack of current on the last half of the trip tired us out. From start to finish, the scenery was exceptional. Overall, we enjoyed our Black River adventure!
I always thought that Upper Crooked was a fully developed lake, lined with homes and cottages from shore to shore. I found out differently while surfing satellite photos on Google Maps, looking for new waterways to explore. Large portions of Upper Crooked are undeveloped or sparsely developed. My kind of lake! I immediately planned a voyage. A seventy degree weekday in late October filled the bill.
The public access is on Delton Road, one and one eighth miles west of highway M43 and west of the village of Delton. The boat landing is a Prairieville Township park. There is a gate at the entrance that opens with a seven dollar payment, cash or card. Fees subject to change.
The parts of the lake that I explored were mostly shallow in nature and portions of these waters were covered with lily pads and other aquatic plants. Since my trip took place in the fall, the vegetation was in the process of seasonal die-off. Even though the waters looked choked with weeds, I easily paddled anywhere I wanted to go. In the summer, some of the areas that I explored would be difficult to traverse.
There was no boat traffic during the day of my trip. The lake can get busy during summer, especially on the weekends.
If you prefer kayaking the developed shorelines of Upper Crooked, you can tell where to go by simply viewing the lake. I will focus on the undeveloped areas, which are a little less obvious to find. Only a small portion of the lake is visible from the boat landing.
After shoving off from the launch site, head south along the west shore. After passing a small peninsula, the coastline gradually curves west.
Continue following the lake shore as it curves north toward a channel.
The channel leads to a large cove.
At the west end of the cove, a channel leads to another cove.
At the west end of this second cove, a Parker Road causeway separates Upper Crooked from a unnamed lake.
After exploring the two coves, there’s still more to see. Retrace your course back to the first channel.
After leaving the channel, go south along the west shore.
At the far south end of this part of the lake, you will come to another Parker Road causeway that separates Upper Crooked Lake from Lower Crooked Lake.
After touring this part of the lake, I decided to meander toward the boat landing. On my way back, I followed the east shore south from the landing to a narrow channel that opens up into a cove.
It was choked with lily pads, so I decided to end my voyage. As you may have guessed, that’s a lot of paddling! I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to explore Upper Crooked Lake. I was quite pleased with the outcome. The undeveloped areas of the lake were very scenic. Be sure to put this lake on your “to do” list!
127 acre Otis Lake is more of a swamp than a lake. Because of its shallow nature, the lake is choked with aquatic vegetation in the warmer months of the year. Access to the lake is on Otis Lake Road in Rutland Township. Boats can be launched from the shoulder of the road. I kayaked the lake in early summer and the vegetation had already taken over most of the lake, making it difficult to paddle. I was able to explore by paddling areas of sparse vegetation growth. Early spring or late fall is the best time to explore Otis Lake. I didn’t see a single fish in the lake, so leave your fishing tackle at home. The forested hills of Barry State Game Area surround the lake.
The top photo was taken on Black Friday in November. The bottom photo is during summer.
This stretch of the Dowagiac River, from M51 to Peavine Street, is different from most southwestern Michigan rivers. Most rivers are bathed in sunshine. The Dowagiac River is shaded by the forest canopy. Sunlight filters through in some places. You can leave your sunscreen at home.
The Dowagiac River was straightened and dredged in the 1920’s. Consequently, the river does not meander. It gently curves through the countryside, without loops or sharp turns.
A byproduct of the dredging is the steep banks at the river’s edge for much of its course. The river bottom is mostly sand with some gravel here and there. Water depth is mostly one to three feet. There are some deeper scour holes around trees and logjams. On the day of my voyage, the water was slightly cloudy. The only obstacles are trees and tree limbs.
During this six and a half mile voyage, the river passes under six bridges: M51, Middle Crossing Road, Yaw Street, M62, Frost Street, and Peavine Street.
My trip took place in late August of 2021. I used a canoe/kayak livery, Doe-Wah-Jack’s Canoe Rental, for shuttle service. It is located on highway M51, a little over two miles north of the Dowagiac city limits, on the south side of the river and on the east side of the highway.
The livery is very diligent about clearing paths through fallen trees that completely block the river. I encountered one large logjam that they hadn’t gotten to yet. A huge tree fell across the river and it took several other trees with it, creating a massive blockage. I found what looked to be the best place to get through and got out of my kayak. I waded the logjam, climbing over, under, and through the tangle of trees, pulling my kayak behind me.
After finally clearing the logjam, I turned around for one last look upstream at the blocked river.
I don’t regard logjams like this as something to detest or dislike. It’s part of nature. I like the challenge of getting through safely. It’s all part of the total kayaking experience. A positive mindset makes portaging fun, instead of making it a chore.
During my trip, I discovered two abandoned rental kayaks. Each one was thoroughly stuck in a log jam. I found out that the kayakers walked out. Quitting is for sissies.
I was disappointed when the boat landing came into view. The Dowagiac River was so much fun to kayak that I didn’t want my trip to end. Paddling through the tunnel of trees was enchanting.
The river access site is immediately downstream from the Peavine Street bridge. There are steps and a boat slide that will take you up from the river’s edge to the loading/unloading area. There are no restrooms.
I don’t know why it took me so many years to return to the Dowagiac River. From now on, I’ll be sure to make it an annual trip!
Most kayakers ignore Rupert Lake because of its small 28 acre size. My curiosity got the best of me, so I set out on a sunny May afternoon for a peaceful paddle.
The lake is located in the northwest corner of Kalamazoo County, in Alamo Township. The MDNR landing is on the north side of B Avenue, Between 2nd Street and 6th Street.
Most of the lakeshore is undeveloped and pleasant to paddle. A near-shore drop-off exists around most of the lake. The maximum depth is 29 feet.
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 