Whitefish, W.Br.

Unnamed road to Niemi Road/Co.Hwy.102 (8.86 miles)

Reach banner
DifficultyI-II(III)
Length8.6 mi
Avg Gradient20 fpm
Reach Info Last UpdatedFebruary 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

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point

Small ledge

Class: IIDistance: 0.84 mi
Other
Small ledge

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

Distance: 1.03 mi
Other
Johnson Road

Very minor riffles and rips continue to (and beyond) this road bridge.

Second small ledge

Class: IIDistance: 1.15 mi
Other
Second small ledge

Pretty much same as above.

Third and Fourth small ledges

Class: IIDistance: 1.44 mi
Other
Third and Fourth small ledges

Two small ledges in close proximity. (Pretty much as above.) Downstream, minor riffles and rips continue.

Wave/Chute

Class: IDistance: 1.8 mi
Other
Wave/Chute

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

Class: IDistance: 2.44 mi
Other
Head of better gradient

At this point riffles and rips become continuous heading into the 'big event'.

Whitefish Falls, Upper ledge

Distance: 2.72 mi
Other
Whitefish Falls, Upper ledge

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

Class: II+Distance: 2.75 mi
Playspot
Whitefish Falls

A good description and photo-essay of this 'falls' is available at Michigan Waterfalls.

Island

Distance: 2.86 mi
Other
Island

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.

Diffin Road

Distance: 3.18 mi
Other
Diffin Road

Power lines

Distance: 5.58 mi
Other
Power lines

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

Distance: 6.35 mi
Other
Saari Road

This 'road' is really more of a driveway. Riffles and rips continue.

Confluence, Werners Creek

Class: IDistance: 7.29 mi
Other
Confluence, Werners Creek

Werners Creek enters from the right just above Hwy.41.

Confluence, Scott Creek

Distance: 7.85 mi
Other
Confluence, Scott Creek

Scott Creek enters from the left immediately before Old US 41/Trenary Avenue.

Dam

Distance: 8.29 mi
Hazard
Dam

It appears there is a dam/weir at this point. Be very cautious, and be prepared to portage.

Take Out

Distance: 8.86 mi
Access Point

USGS sampling site

Distance: 16.25 mi (approx.)
Other
USGS sampling site

USGS lists a sampling site with drainage of 120 square miles.

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