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Walton River

Menominee County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchFree launch available
Walton River Access Map 1 launch
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Boat Launches on Walton River
Walton River - North Lake Boat Launch
Escanaba Customer Service Center (WLD) · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
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Connected Waterways

The Walton River is a 12.2-mile tributary that flows into the Cedar River at the village of Cedar River, joining it less than half a mile from where the Cedar empties into Lake Michigan's Green Bay. This makes it part of the Cedar River watershed and effectively connected to the Great Lakes system.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Walton River?
The Walton River is in Menominee County on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It flows into the Cedar River at the village of Cedar River, which sits on Green Bay (Lake Michigan). The river is about 12.2 miles long.
What fish are in the Walton River?
As a tributary of the Cedar River near its Lake Michigan mouth, the Walton River likely holds resident warm-water species like smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. The proximity to Green Bay means migratory species may move into the lower Cedar River system seasonally.
Is there a boat launch on the Walton River?
Yes, there is one launch on the Walton River. Given the river's size, it's best suited for canoes, kayaks, and small boats rather than anything requiring deep water.
Are there campgrounds near the Walton River?
Several options are close by. Cedar River North State Forest Campground is the nearest rustic option. J.W. Wells State Park offers developed camping right on Lake Michigan with a beach. Kleinke County Park also has camping and beach access.
Can I get to Lake Michigan from the Walton River?
Yes — the Walton River joins the Cedar River less than half a mile from the Cedar's mouth at Green Bay. From the launch, you can paddle downstream to the Cedar and out to Lake Michigan, though conditions on the big lake vary significantly.
Is there a marina near the Walton River?
Cedar River State Harbor is nearby in the village of Cedar River, right where the Cedar River meets Green Bay. It serves boaters heading out into Lake Michigan.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

The Walton River is a 12.2-mile tributary of the Cedar River in Menominee County's Upper Peninsula, joining the Cedar River at the village of Cedar River — less than half a mile from where the Cedar empties into Lake Michigan. This isn't a lake in the traditional sense but rather a small river with launch access, putting you in a quiet stream corridor that connects to Green Bay via the Cedar River's mouth. The single launch here is your gateway to both upstream river fishing and a quick paddle downstream to big water.

The proximity to Lake Michigan means the Walton and lower Cedar River can see runs of migratory fish depending on season and conditions. The village of Cedar River is tiny but has the Cedar River State Harbor for those heading out into Green Bay. J.W. Wells State Park is just down the shoreline on Lake Michigan, offering camping, a beach, and one of the nicest stretches of U.P. coastline in the area. Cedar River North State Forest Campground and Kleinke County Park provide additional camping and beach access nearby.

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