Home › Michigan › Alger County

Laughing Whitefish River

Alger County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport required
Laughing Whitefish River Access Map 1 launch
Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Laughing Whitefish River
Laughing Whitefish River John H. Hammer Boat Launch
Van Riper State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 6 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

The Laughing Whitefish River rises in eastern Marquette County and flows 19.4 miles east and north through Alger County before emptying into Lake Superior near Deerton. The watershed is compact at 36 square miles, making it a small but scenic Lake Superior tributary.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Laughing Whitefish River actually a lake?
No — it's a 19.4-mile river that flows from eastern Marquette County through Alger County to Lake Superior. The launch listed here provides access to the river, not a lake. It's primarily a paddling and stream fishing waterway.
Where is the Laughing Whitefish River?
The river flows through Alger County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, emptying into Lake Superior a few miles north of Deerton. It's roughly 30 miles southeast of Marquette.
Can you kayak or canoe the Laughing Whitefish River?
The river is narrow and relatively short at 19.4 miles, so it's suited to small craft like kayaks and canoes. Conditions vary with water levels and season — expect a wild, undeveloped paddle with limited access points.
What fish are in the Laughing Whitefish River?
As a cold-water U.P. stream flowing into Lake Superior, the river likely supports brook trout and potentially seasonal runs of steelhead or other salmonids near its mouth. The small watershed (36 square miles) keeps flows modest, so this is small-stream fishing.
Is there a boat launch on the Laughing Whitefish River?
There is one launch site. Given the river's size, it's best suited for kayaks, canoes, or small cartop boats — don't expect a developed concrete ramp for trailered boats.
What is Laughing Whitefish Falls?
Laughing Whitefish Falls is a roughly 100-foot waterfall on the river, located at a state scenic site upstream. It's one of the more impressive falls in the U.P. and a popular short hike. The area near Deerton provides easy access to both the falls and the river.
Are there things to do near the Laughing Whitefish River?
Lake Superior beaches are close by, including Deer Lake Roadside Park and Sunset Scenic View. The area has extensive snowmobile and ATV trail networks, and Laughing Whitefish Falls is a must-see nearby. Marquette is about a 30-minute drive for supplies and services.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

The Laughing Whitefish River isn't a lake — it's a 19.4-mile Upper Peninsula stream that rises in eastern Marquette County, flows east and north through Alger County, and empties into Lake Superior a few miles north of Deerton. The total watershed covers just 36 square miles, so this is a small, intimate river system rather than a big-water destination. The single launch here provides access to the river's lower reaches near its Lake Superior mouth.

The river is best known regionally for Laughing Whitefish Falls, a dramatic 100-foot cascade located upstream in a state scenic site. The area around Deerton is deep U.P. backcountry — snowmobile and ATV trails run right through, and Lake Superior beaches are minutes away. Don't come expecting a lake fishery; this is river paddling and stream fishing territory with a wild, remote feel that's hard to match even by Upper Peninsula standards.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment

Know this lake?

Share fishing tips, seasonal patterns, or hazards to help other anglers.

Share Lake Intel →