Montreal

Here is a photo from a pit stop during the flow study.

Been paddling the Montreal Canyon for quite a few years now, I guess it would be considered my home run. It is a great whitewater resource for just about everyone and offers challenging yet manageable rapids. The scenery alone would make the trip worth it. Access is currently via a steep set of metal stairs behind what usually appears to be a locked gate. Many if not just about everyone who has ever paddled here is hoping for slightly more friendly access in the future. A barrier to more frequent use is the lack of dependable summer rain events to bring flows into boatable levels. Often the river won't see many days in the green between Memorial and Labor Day. I'm hoping that the relicensing of the dams immediately above and below this stretch of river can include recreational releases in summer. The current takeout at highway 122 is well-marked via a large sign on river left. Parking is pretty much pulling off the highway and can fit a few vehicles. There is an ideal grassy landing style takeout just downstream of the bridge on the right side of the river and it can accomodate many more vehicles. It is typically behind a locked gate, however the gate could move just a bit and it could stay locked while still providing improved takeout access. This is another aspect of access that I and others are hoping can be included in the reliscening and improved upon.

Paddled this river May 4, 2019 at 720 cfs per the recorded phone line, three fingers of Saxon Falls visible. Awesome run. Lots of great surf. Maybe a little boney in the ledgy section near the end. Very scenic. Highly recommended if in the Upper Peninsula. River is medium width, all boat scout able at this level. If you need a play fix, this is the run. Easy shuttle. Most of the harder rapids are wherever you see the tall cliff walls. Fun fact: Wisconsin is on river left, Michigan is on river right.

Reading was 868.5 on the visual gauge on the side of the power house.

Doug Mork in the Canyon @ 240 CFS

I ran this river twice with only one finger of the falls above the put in(around 200cfs). Very boney for someone who is 200lbs and above. My son at a soaking wet 145lbs had no problems.I have been told ideal is around 400cfs. Absolutly one of the best runs. Bring your camera. You will not believe you are on the Wisconsin-Michigan border. 200ft plus cliffs and Bald eagles. The put-in is very unique. 138 metal steps to the river around the chain link fence.

Members of the Hoofers Outing Club on a spring trip to the Montreal Canyon at 8.68' as read at the put-in and reported as 1100 cfs by USGS.