| Difficulty | I-II(III) |
| Length | 8.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 20 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | February 27, 2015 |
River Description
The highlight of this run is Whitefish Falls, which is not really a falls but a fine stretch of bedrock ledge/drop rapids.
Boaters looking specifically for whitewater will prefer to do this (approximately) quarter-mile stretch as a park-and-play, since there is good access to it.
The listed take-out is on private property. Permission would need be sought to leave a vehicle and take-out here. Absent that, either use access points further upstream or further downstream.
River Features
Put In
Access PointDistance: 0 mi
Small ledge
OtherClass: IIDistance: 0.84 mi
There will be various, random, riffles and rips from the put-in. At this location, it appears there may be a small ledge. (It is entirely possible/likely that, at boatable flows, this will be a wave/hole, or (at moderate-to-higher flows) may even be not noticeable.
Johnson Road
OtherDistance: 1.03 mi
Very minor riffles and rips continue to (and beyond) this road bridge.
Third and Fourth small ledges
OtherClass: IIDistance: 1.44 mi
Two small ledges in close proximity. (Pretty much as above.) Downstream, minor riffles and rips continue.
Wave/Chute
OtherClass: IDistance: 1.8 mi
A minor ledge and squeeze is likely to create a fun little bit of a wave train. Not far downstream, look for a one-lane truck-trail bridge. (Unknown whether it allows adequate clearance at good boatable flows. Be alert!)
Head of better gradient
OtherClass: IDistance: 2.44 mi
At this point riffles and rips become continuous heading into the 'big event'.
Whitefish Falls, Upper ledge
OtherDistance: 2.72 mi
Whitefish Falls is really just a series of about three good ledges -- much more a rapids than a falls. The first ledge in the series appears here.
Whitefish Falls
PlayspotClass: II+Distance: 2.75 mi
A good description and photo-essay of this 'falls' is available at Michigan Waterfalls.
Island
OtherDistance: 2.86 mi
An island splits the flow (fairly evenly) -- pick a side and go. Riffles and rips continue, but peter-out as a second island is encountered.
Power lines
OtherDistance: 5.58 mi
From Diffin Road there will be virtually no rapids, riffles, or rips until ust a bit above this power line crossing. Minor riffles and rips will continue a good way downstream.
Saari Road
OtherDistance: 6.35 mi
This 'road' is really more of a driveway. Riffles and rips continue.
Confluence, Werners Creek
OtherClass: IDistance: 7.29 mi
Werners Creek enters from the right just above Hwy.41.
Confluence, Scott Creek
OtherDistance: 7.85 mi
Scott Creek enters from the left immediately before Old US 41/Trenary Avenue.
Dam
HazardDistance: 8.29 mi
It appears there is a dam/weir at this point. Be very cautious, and be prepared to portage.
Take Out
Access PointDistance: 8.86 mi
USGS sampling site
OtherDistance: 16.25 mi (approx.)
USGS lists a sampling site with drainage of 120 square miles.
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