Spruce

Koskela Road to Michigamme River (up to 8.35 miles)

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DifficultyI-II
Length8.2 mi
Avg Gradient20 fpm
Reach Info Last UpdatedApril 30, 2015

River Description

This small tributary of the Michigamme won't excite the seasoned whitewater paddler, but should give beginners a nice taste of tame rapids almost throughout its length. Expect tough going in a few spots, as the river may become tough to follow in a few areas of braided channels. It is likely that some of the 'drops' (and portages) will be over beaverdams or logjams.

There are a few options for shorter trips. We are uncertain regarding access at listed put-in and take-out. It is possible permissions may need be sought for one or both, if property involved is private.

River Features

Put-in

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point

Drainage area ~8.4 square miles.

Distance: 0 mi
Other
Drainage area ~8.4 square miles.

Confluence, unnamed trib

Distance: 0.78 mi
Other
Confluence, unnamed trib

Fence River Road

Distance: 1.27 mi
Access Point
Fence River Road

Pipeline Clearing?

Distance: 4.6 mi
Other
Pipeline Clearing?

Powerline Crossing

Distance: 5.05 mi
Other
Powerline Crossing

Island

Distance: 5.77 mi
Other
Island

Braided Channel

Distance: 5.92 mi
Other
Braided Channel

Expect some difficult passages (likely portages) as the river splits into braided channels through trees. It appears that this is the beginning of nearly continuous good swifts, riffles and rips, maybe class I-II to and beyond the next powerline crossing.

Powerline Crossing

Distance: 6.74 mi
Other
Powerline Crossing

Fine rips continue

Confluence, Mill Creek

Distance: 6.8 mi
Other
Confluence, Mill Creek

Mill Creek enters from river-right, as riffles/rips/rapids continue.

Private footbridge

Distance: 6.88 mi
Other
Private footbridge

There is a private residence on river right which has a fllotbridge across the river. It is unknown how good the clearance may be (at boatable flows) nor whether it may have a penchant for accumulating deadfall. Approach with caution.

Flatwater begins

Distance: 7.04 mi
Other
Flatwater begins

Until this point, there has hardly been any slackwater (at least, nothing longer than a half-mile). At this point, gradient runs out, and the remainder of the run to the Escanaba is flat/flowing.

Possible egress

Distance: 7.43 mi
Other
Possible egress

Unknown whether this is gated/posted as private. If accessible, this would cut off the final stretch of flatwater.

Co.Rd.Lga

Distance: 7.75 mi
Other
Co.Rd.Lga

Property around the bridge is all privately held, with little evidence of good parking, making this an unlikely choice for access, especially with other locations looking more promising.

Boat Ramp

Distance: 8.18 mi
Other
Boat Ramp

It appears there is a boat ramp at this point (adjacent to the confluence and a campground) which is our listed take-out. Downstream from this point (on the Michigamme) is very popular for powerboats and fishing, thus much less advised for canoes and kayaks.

Take-out

Distance: 8.19 mi
Access Point

Campground

Distance: 8.3 mi
Other
Campground

We believe the campground at the confluence with the Michigamme is a Republic Township park, governed by rules as described by: Republic Michigan . com.

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