Michigan whitewater, Otter River - West Branch Houghton county, Pike Lake Road to Hazel Swamp Road section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II(IV)     6.2 miles   The average Michigan whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be easier to run than those in other states, so better not forget that a lot of the rivers in this state are suitable for beginners. The nature scenery of Houghton County and the water flowing gracefully down Otter River - West Branch are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. This stretch of Otter River - West Branch in Michigan is 6.2 miles long and is according     to American Whitewater a class II(IV) section of whitewater. The Pike Lake Road to Hazel Swamp Road section is one of a few paddling sections in this river system. This stretch has has enough mileage, it's perfect for a one day trip. If you're coming from Houghton it's not a long drive at all to the starting location, as you can see on the road map further down. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. Since you're on this site you are probably into whitewater rafting or kayaking, either way this area has a large number of paddling   spots. A bit of exercise and spending some quality time in nature are sure to keep you coming back for more. Briefly about the general area: When you're here at Otter River - West Branch it's always fun to explore Twin Lakes State Park, and there are plenty of people from Pelkie here. Otter Falls is always fun to check out, and the Pelkie Creek Hunter Walking Trails is a great hiking trail close by. This river has it all. For the duration of the summertime highs here at Otter River - West Branch reach the 80's. Through the dark hours of summer temperatures descend down into the 50's. Otter River - West Branch, Pike Lake Road to Hazel Swamp Road 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 Otter River - West Branch.   Whitewater Near Otter River - West Branch: Otter River - West Branch, Houghton County, 3 miles away       Class II(IV) - 6.2 miles long (Pike Lake Road to Hazel Swamp Road) Sturgeon River - West Branch, Houghton County, 6 miles away       Class I-IV - 4.4 miles long (Newberry Road to S Laird Road) Sturgeon River, Houghton County, 9 miles away       Class II-III - 4 miles long (Sturgeon Falls to road before Prickett Lk) Perch River, Baraga County, 15 miles away       Class II(III) - 6.8 miles long (Highway 28 to Sturgeon River) Sturgeon River, Baraga County, 16 miles away       Class I-IV - 6.8 miles long (Plains Road to Sturgeon Gorge Road) Sturgeon River, Baraga County, 21 miles away       Class IV-V - 1.3 miles long (Highway 41 to Upper Falls) Falls River, Baraga County, 22 miles away       Class III-IV+ - 2 miles long (Mead Road to Lake Superior) Ontonagon River East Branch, Ontonagon County, 23 miles away       Class II-III - 7.5 miles long (East Branch Road to Highway 45) Rock River, Baraga County, 23 miles away       Class II-III+ - 5 miles long (Worm Lake outlet to Sturgeon River) Silver River, Baraga County, 28 miles away       Class III-IV+(V) - 4.2 miles long (Arvon Road to Silver Falls Park)   Ski Areas Near Otter River - West Branch: Ski Brule, Michigan , 37 miles away, 500 foot drop, 11 lifts, 17 runs Porcupine Mountain, Michigan , 62 miles away, 641 foot drop, 4 lifts, 15 runs Norway Mountain, Michigan , 78 miles away, 500 foot drop, 6 lifts, 17 runs Loch Lomond, Ontario , 81 miles away, 750 foot drop, 3 lifts, 14 runs Indianhead, Michigan , 85 miles away, 638 foot drop, 9 lifts, 23 runs Blackjack, Michigan , 87 miles away, 465 foot drop, 6 lifts, 20 runs Marquette, Michigan , 93 miles away, 600 foot drop, 4 lifts, 25 runs Big Powderhorn Mountain, Michigan , 94 miles away, 600 foot drop, 10 lifts, 33 runs   Marinas Near Otter River - West Branch: Best Western Baraga Lakeside Inn, Baraga , 18 miles away Ojibwa Marina, Baraga , 18 miles away Markham's Marina, Houghton , 20 miles away   Beaches Near Otter River - West Branch: Agate Beach, Ontonagon , 16 miles away Santa Monica Beach, Ontonagon , 17 miles away   Hotels Near Otter River - West Branch: Holiday Inn Express HOUGHTON-KEWEENAW, Houghton , 18 miles away Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Houghton, MI, Houghton , 18 miles away Ramada Hancock Waterfront, Hancock , 19 miles away Quality Inn & Suites Houghton, Houghton , 19 miles away Super 8 Houghton, Houghton , 20 miles away   Campgrounds Near Otter River - West Branch: Emily Lake State Forest Campground, Toivola, 7 miles away Twin Lakes State Park, Toivola, 8 miles away Bob Lake Campground and Picnic Area, Houghton County, 13 miles away   Trails Near Otter River - West Branch: Pelkie Creek Hunter Walking Trails, Baraga , 8 miles away   Public Lands Near Otter River - West Branch: Isle Royale National Park, Houghton - MI , 20 miles away Twin Lakes State Park, Michigan , 8 miles away Baraga State Park, Michigan , 18 miles away F. J. McLain State Park, Michigan , 23 miles away   Golf Courses Near Otter River - West Branch: Wyandotte Hills Golf Club, Toivola , 9 miles away Portage Lake Golf Course, Houghton , 20 miles away   Lakes Near Otter River - West Branch Courtney Lake, Ontonagon , 13 miles away Huron Lake, Houghton , 18 miles away