Avery Lake connects via canals to adjacent lakes, creating a small paddling network worth exploring. The lake is spring-fed, contributing to its notably clear water. It sits within the state forest watershed system of Montmorency County.
Avery Lake's spring-fed nature means portions of the lake may have inconsistent ice thickness, particularly near spring upwellings. Always check ice carefully before venturing out. The remote location means you're far from help if something goes wrong.
Where is Avery Lake?
Is there a boat launch on Avery Lake?
Is there camping at Avery Lake?
Can you swim in Avery Lake?
Is Avery Lake spring-fed?
Are there islands on Avery Lake?
Is Avery Lake good for kayaking or canoeing?
Are there trails near Avery Lake?
Avery Lake is a spring-fed lake tucked into the state forest in Montmorency County — remote enough that reviewers consistently call it "secluded" and "in the middle of nowhere." The lake features small islands to explore by boat (including the locally known Roark's Island) and canals connecting to adjacent lakes, giving it more character than a typical northern Michigan lake of its size. Loons and bald eagles are regularly spotted. The single launch serves a state forest campground with a 4.8 rating — rustic sites with outhouses, no bathhouse, and a genuine deep-woods feel that families have been returning to for generations.
Fishing reports are mixed — some anglers do well targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and panfish, while others come away empty-handed. The lake appears to be a no-wake or electric-motors-only body of water based on reviews mentioning "zero power" boating, which keeps it quiet and undeveloped. There's a small beach area and community swimming decks. This is a place people come for the atmosphere and solitude, not trophy fishing — the kind of spot where seven generations of the same family keep showing up.