Michigan whitewater, Escanaba River - Middle Branch Marquette county, Cataract Basin Dam to powerhouse section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III-IV     0.9 miles   The Cataract Basin Dam to powerhouse stretch of Escanaba River - Middle Branch in Marquette County is 0.9 miles long and it is classified as a class III-IV section by American Whitewater. The scenic beauty of Michigan and the cool fresh water make the trip here worthwhile. Whitewater rafting and kayaking spots in Michigan tend to be more forgiving than the national average, so don't forget that quite a few of the sections in this state are     pretty easy. There are so many sections to paddle in this river system, the Cataract Basin Dam to powerhouse section is just one of many. This is a very short stretch so better bring some good walking shoes. The starting location is a reasonable drive from Marquette, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. The campgrounds here at Escanaba River - Middle Branch are pretty good. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with plenty of places for that. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. Briefly   about the general area: You'll meet a lot of people from Gwinn here, and the slopes of Marquette are so inviting noone can resist. Through the days of summer here at Escanaba River - Middle Branch, high temperatures generally get into the 70's, and all through the night it cools down to the 50's. Daytime highs through the winter are in the 20's with winter lows in the 0's overnight here at Escanaba River - Middle Branch. Escanaba River - Middle Branch gets a normal amount of rainfall. For the duration of September this area sees the most rain, and February is when it's the driest. Escanaba River - Middle Branch, Cataract Basin Dam to powerhouse road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Escanaba River - Middle Branch.   Whitewater Near Escanaba River - Middle Branch: Escanaba River - Middle Branch, Marquette County, 0 miles away       Class III-IV - 0.9 miles long (Cataract Basin Dam to powerhouse) Escanaba River, Marquette County, 4 miles away       Class I-II - 19 miles long (Gwinn to River Road) Escanaba River - East Branch, Marquette County, 4 miles away       Class I-II(III) - 2.25 miles long (Section 20 Bridge to O'Neal Creek confluence) Escanaba River - Middle Branch, Marquette County, 8 miles away       Class II-IV - 1.6 miles long (1.2 mile above CR565 to 0.4 mile below CR565) Carp River, Marquette County, 9 miles away       Class III-V(V+) - 2.5 miles long (Carp Lake dam to CR553) Carp River, Marquette County, 11 miles away       Class II-III - 2.3 miles long (CR553 to Highway 41) Dead River, Marquette County, 11 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 6.9 miles long (McClure Dam to Forestville Road) Escanaba River - Middle Branch, Marquette County, 15 miles away       Class II-IV+ - 9.3 miles long (White City Falls to 1 mile above CR565) Escanaba River, Marquette County, 16 miles away       Class I-II - 10 miles long (Highway Camp Ground to Boney Falls Basin) Dead River, Marquette County, 16 miles away       Class III-IV - 0.3 miles long (CR 550 Bridge)   Ski Areas Near Escanaba River - Middle Branch: Marquette, Michigan , 11 miles away, 600 foot drop, 4 lifts, 25 runs Norway Mountain, Michigan , 35 miles away, 500 foot drop, 6 lifts, 17 runs Gladstone Ski Park, Michigan , 39 miles away, 200 foot drop, 5 lifts, 6 runs Ski Brule, Michigan , 84 miles away, 500 foot drop, 11 lifts, 17 runs Hidden Valley, Wisconsin , 99 miles away, 200 foot drop, 3 lifts, 7 runs   Hotels Near Escanaba River - Middle Branch: Cedar Motor Inn, Marquette , 11 miles away Comfort Suites Marquette, Marquette , 12 miles away Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Marquette, MI, Marquette , 12 miles away Days Inn Marquette, Marquette , 12 miles away My Place Hotel-Marquette MI, Marquette , 12 miles away   Campgrounds Near Escanaba River - Middle Branch: Horseshoe Lake Campgrounds, Gwinn, 3 miles away Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground, Gwinn, 5 miles away Pike Lake State Forest Campground - Marquette, Gwinn, 5 miles away   Trails Near Escanaba River - Middle Branch: Holyoke Trail, Marquette , 15 miles away   Public Lands Near Escanaba River - Middle Branch: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising - MI , 61 miles away Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park, Michigan , 30 miles away Van Riper State Park, Michigan , 35 miles away   Golf Courses Near Escanaba River - Middle Branch: Red Fox Run Golf Course, Gwinn , 9 miles away Marquette Golf & Country Club, Marquette , 12 miles away Chocolay Downs Golf Course, Marquette , 13 miles away