West Branch Boat Launch

There's no actual boat ramp here — zero lanes, no concrete, no trailer parking. You're carrying or dragging your canoe or kayak down a steep bank to the water. Don't even think about trailering a boat to this spot.

That steep bank drop to the river is real. Wet conditions make it slick enough to lose your footing fast, especially with a loaded canoe. A rope tied to a tree helps a lot for the climb back up.

This is a put-in for paddlers exploring a gorgeous, slow-meandering stretch of the West Branch Manistique. The river winds through wetland for miles — quiet water, wildlife everywhere, and almost zero boat traffic. Perfect for a float trip if you set up a shuttle.

The wetland corridor means mosquitoes and black flies can be absolutely brutal from late May through July. A head net and long sleeves aren't optional — they're survival gear. Early mornings and evenings are the worst.

This is deep in Shingleton Forestry territory on rustic roads shared with ORV traffic. Signage is minimal at best. Pull up GPS coordinates before you leave cell service, because you will lose signal well before you arrive.