Outbound Collective logo

Paddle the Platte River

Honor, Michigan

2.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Description

Added by Thayer Morton

A great casual float or paddle down a beautiful, calm river - taking you right down to Lake Michigan! Easy kayak/canoe/tube rentals at the start, or bring your own.

Starting at Riverside Canoe Rentals (located near the intersection of M-22 and Lake Michigan Rd), or the small park across the river, this trip will take you roughly 3 hours to float, but shorter if you are paddling.  But beware, starting here will require you to cross a small lake - not very difficult, but certainly something you want to be aware of, especially if you're floating and don't have a paddle handy. There are two other starting points farther down Lake Michigan Rd if you're interested in a shorter trip a don't want to cross the lake. 

This is a great, relaxing trip for a beginner or experienced paddler looking for a casual trip. There are two nearby canoe liveries (Riverside Canoe Rentals & Honor Trading Post) that rent canoes, kayaks, small boats, and inner tubes that will also provide transportation from the end of the river. There is parking available at the put-in as well as the take-out but the lots will fill quickly on high-traffic weekends. 

It is beautiful and calm when it is not busy, but be sure to avoid it on Saturdays in July if you are looking to stay away from the crowds. If you enjoy having a few cold ones while on the river and want some camaraderie with strangers that like to as well, feel free to join the countless others who enjoy this wonderful stretch of waterway in one of the most beautiful areas in the state and country. 

If not going with an outiftter or rental company, be sure to arrange a shuttle vehicle for the end of your paddle. 

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Stand Up Paddle
Canoeing
Fishing
Kayaking
Swimming
Easy Parking
Lake
River
Scenic

Reviews

We did a float trip down the Platte. It was extremely crowded and the river flows very slow. Not really what we were looking for, but definitely a relaxing float if you're looking to tube with the family.

I have been on the Platte River in a Kayak, Canoe and Tube. All are great ways to go. The lower Platte is nice, slow and steady; great for families and a leisurely float. If you want a little more adventure try the upper Platte, a little faster and some challenging obstacles. There are places to camp near by if you are looking to spend more than a day.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at White Pine Campground

Hike Empire Bluff Trail

Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trail

Explore Point Betsie Lighthouse

Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook

Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive