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Michigan whitewater, Ford River

Delta county, Highway 2 to Highway 35 section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.

 

CLASS II-III     7.75 miles
 
I have done the Ford River both this year and last. Last year we went with 1 canoe and 4 kayaks in mid-summer. Even being a wet summer the river was low, and we spent most of our time walking. This year, however, we had the trip of our lives in mid-spring. With only 6 kayaks and at least 2 feet more water this trip took us about 3 hours, even with stopping before most sets of rapids and tracking down a lost kayak. Highly recommend for and
    intermediate or better kayaker. Says Valerie

If anyone is planning on taking the Ford River from Hyde to the mouth in Escanaba you should be aware that the river is very low. I spent more time on the rocks pulling
through my kayak than in the water. Not a pleasant trip. Says Ann Mayrand

The put-in location is a short drive from Escanaba, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. The wonderful Delta County scenery and the playfulness of the water attract people from near and far. This stretch of Ford River in Delta County is 7.75 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class II-III section. This section
 
is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, it's good length for a morning trip. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. The average Michigan whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit easier to master than those in other states, so better not forget that a large number of rivers in this state are quite easy. The Highway 2 to Highway 35 stretch is one of a few paddling stretches in this river system. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, in this general area you won't find many other paddling spots. A bit of exercise and spending some quality time in nature are great attractions for lots of people.

Ford River, Highway 2 to Highway 35 road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.

   

Map
map
Detailed Map


Stats
map
Stats for this river stretch


Weather
weather
Local weather forecast


OUTDOORS
These outdoors activities are available near Ford River.
 Whitewater Near Ford River:
Ford River, Delta County, 2 miles away
      Class II-III - 7.75 miles long (Highway 2 to Highway 35)
Escanaba River, Delta County, 15 miles away
      Class II(III) - 17 miles long (Boney Falls Dam to CR420)
Escanaba River, Marquette County, 22 miles away
      Class I-II - 10 miles long (Highway Camp Ground to Boney Falls Basin)
 Ski Areas Near Ford River:
Gladstone Ski Park, Michigan , 13 miles away, 200 foot drop, 5 lifts, 6 runs
Marquette, Michigan , 42 miles away, 600 foot drop, 4 lifts, 25 runs
Norway Mountain, Michigan , 49 miles away, 500 foot drop, 6 lifts, 17 runs
Hidden Valley, Wisconsin , 81 miles away, 200 foot drop, 3 lifts, 7 runs
Homestead, Michigan , 92 miles away, 320 foot drop, 5 lifts, 15 runs
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Michigan , 99 miles away, 375 foot drop, 9 lifts, 45 runs
 Marinas Near Ford River:
Gladston City Harbor, Gladstone , 12 miles away
 Hotels Near Ford River:
Comfort Suites Escanaba, Escanaba , 5 miles away
Magnuson Grand Pioneer Inn And, Escanaba , 6 miles away
Country Hearth Inn Escanaba, Escanaba , 7 miles away
Econo Lodge Escanaba, Escanaba , 7 miles away
Super 8 Escanaba, Escanaba , 7 miles away
 Campgrounds Near Ford River:
Camp Seven Lake Campground - Hiawatha National Forest, Escanaba, 5 miles away
Carp River Campground - Hiawatha National Forest, Escanaba, 5 miles away
Colwell Lake Campground - Hiawatha National Forest, Escanaba, 5 miles away
 Public Lands Near Ford River:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising - MI , 51 miles away
J. W. Wells State Park, Michigan , 20 miles away
Newport State Park, Wisconsin , 25 miles away
Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin , 27 miles away
 Golf Courses Near Ford River:
Woody's Run, Escanaba , 4 miles away
Highland Golf Club, Escanaba , 6 miles away
Escanaba Country Club, Escanaba , 7 miles away
 Lakes Near Ford River
Lake Minnewasca, Delta , 12 miles away

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Some content, including Reach Name, Class, Coordinates, and Length, comes from American Whitewater with permission.