Misery River flows 24.2 miles across the Keweenaw Peninsula before emptying into Lake Superior at Misery Bay. The river is part of the Lake Superior watershed and drains a remote, forested section of Ontonagon County.
The river is a small stream that freezes in winter but offers little for ice fishing. Lake Superior does not freeze reliably along this stretch of the Keweenaw coast — do not venture onto Superior ice here.
Is Misery River actually a lake?
Where is the Misery River boat launch?
What kind of boats can I launch at Misery River?
Are there beaches near Misery River?
Can you find agates at Misery Bay?
Is there ice fishing on Misery River?
Are there campgrounds near Misery River?
Misery River isn't a lake — it's a 24.2-mile river on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Ontonagon County that empties into Lake Superior at Misery Bay. The single launch here provides access to the river mouth and the Superior shoreline, which is rugged, remote, and about as far from civilization as you can get in Michigan. The Keweenaw's north coast is famous for agate hunting, and several agate beaches sit nearby. This is expedition-grade water — Lake Superior conditions can turn dangerous fast, and the river itself is a small, shallow stream better suited to kayaks and canoes than powered boats.
The name fits the character. The shoreline is rocky and exposed, the water is cold year-round, and facilities are essentially nonexistent. The single launch has a 1-star Google rating, and the lone review isn't encouraging. Come here for solitude, Superior access, and agate beaches — not for amenities or ease of use.