4 Mile Bend Boat Launch

There's no paved ramp here — it's a hard-packed gravel slope that's noticeably steep. Fine for kayaks, canoes, and small Jon boats, but don't try dragging a big walleye rig down there. Two-wheel drive trucks can handle it in dry conditions, but it gets sketchy when wet.

This spot lights up in September and October when the salmon are running up the Big Manistee. Shore anglers line the banks and the fishing dock gets busy. If you're coming for the salmon run on a weekend morning, show up early — those four trailer spots disappear fast.

Paddle upstream against the current in the morning, then float back in the afternoon. The river forks into two channels nearby that rejoin downstream, which makes for a fun choose-your-own-adventure stretch. Great 2.5 to 4 hour float depending on how many times you pull off to fish or eat.

You're in a dead zone out here — zero phone signal. Plan your shuttle logistics and meetup times before you arrive. On the bright side, it keeps the crowds thinner than launches closer to Manistee or Traverse City.

It's a $5 fee, cash only, honor-system envelope at the lot. Bring exact change because there's nobody staffing it. Despite the listing showing 4 trailer spots, there's actually room for around 15 vehicles total if you count the non-trailer area — rarely an issue outside of peak salmon season.