Trip Report #2: The Manistee, Spring '09

It's a crime and a shame that I have not reported on one of our favorite haunts yet. The Manistee River is a tried and true favorite for me and my paddling-partner-in-crime, the infamous Hiker & Paddler (you really MUST check out his blog, especially if you're into the technical aspects of camping and camp equipment....he's taught me all I know!), and this past Spring, we did our favorite stretch of the Manistee for what had to have been the 3rd or 4th time. We do this stretch again and again because a) it is a great length and pace for a two-night paddle b) there are ample "ninja camping" opportunities since it is in the middle of state forest - just find a nice site along shore and set up camp! and c) we have a great relationship with Wilderness Canoe, who ferries gear and boats to our put-in point for a very reasonable price.

First and foremost, let me state that the Manistee is full of incredible paddling opportunity. The river is clear, has an awesome and easy flow, and there is lots of it! See for yourself!

Map courtesy of Wilderness Canoe's Website....if you're paddling the Manistee, use 'em, you won't be sorry!

Our usual trip starts at US-131 and ends at Wilderness Canoe, which is located immediately past M-37. As far as our pacing goes, we like to get on the river by late morning on the first day, enjoy a leisurely lunch and/or swim, and put in about 3-4 hours of paddling. We usually use Baxter Bridge as a reference point on that first day - once we get past the bridge, it's time to start considering campsites. And thus is the beauty of camping in USFS territory....when we find a nice, flat campsite without an unreasonable bank to scramble up, it's a good time to camp.

On day two, we prefer to camp somewhere before, but close to Harvey Bridge. There are gorgeous potential campsites just before Harvey Bridge, including what we fondly refer to as the "Mofo" site. Though its namesake suggests otherwise, the site's title does not come from our own frustrations or drawbacks from the campsite. This name comes from the simple, neon orange graffiti scrawled down a pine tree on the high bluff on which it sits. Why the tree is a mofo, I have no earthly idea. But what I do know is that the place is fantastic. A nice, high, flat campsite with easy access to the river, along with an abandoned pit toilet left by hunters makes it a personal favorite. And by pit toilet, I mean a wooden box with a hole cut out on top, complete with comfy toilet seat to sit upon. I enjoy jungle pooping as much as the next gal, but such luxury cannot go unnoticed! Unfortunately, on our Memorial Day weekend trip, this site is usually occupied by an RV or trailer, along with the usual local yahoos that we run into throughout the weekend.

Our third day is a leisurely 2-3 hour paddle past Harvey Bridge and back to the livery. This usually gives us the needed time for our livers to detox and our minds to prepare for the long drive home

I know the details are sparse on this trip, but stay tuned for a more detailed report on this Fall's latest trip on a stretch of the Manistee further upriver. If you want a sneak preview, zip on over to Hike and Paddle's blog (seriously...just do it) for his take on our latest adventure.

Keep paddling, and now that the Michigan winter is fast approaching, keep those hopes high until next spring!