West Branch Sturgeon River Boat Launch

This is about as bare-bones as it gets — basically a rough clearing down to the river. No dock, no amenities, just you and the water. Perfect for kayaks and canoes, but don't even think about trailering anything bigger than a small jon boat.

With only two spots, you're either first or you're figuring something out. On a weekend morning during trout season, someone else might already be parked there. There's limited room to improvise along the access road.

The approach and ramp area can get muddy fast, especially in spring. The ground near the water doesn't drain well, so after any rain you might be spinning tires on the way back out. A little extra clearance goes a long way here.

What this spot lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in solitude. The West Branch of the Sturgeon is narrow and scenic — great wildlife viewing, barely any boat traffic. It's a completely different experience from the busier launches closer to Big Bay de Noc.