Pine
Edgetts to Lincoln Bridge (16 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 13.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 3 fpm |
| Gauge | Pine River at High School Bridge Nr Hoxeyville, Mi |
| Flow Rate as of 25 minutes | 289 cfslow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | August 15, 2022 |
River Description
There are reportedly two areas where this section approaches a low Class II.
This section DOES NOT require permits.
This river can be very busy in the summer. But this section is not typically as busy as the lower sections in the National Park.
Camping at Sliver Creek State Park is good option for this section. It is just upstream of Lincoln Bridge.
This section is typically shallow fast current with many tight turns. The bottom is a mixture of sand and clay with an occasional small rock here and there. There are often piles of logs and stumps jammed into many of these tight turns which can be a hazard for paddlers with little experience in moving water.
The next reaches downstream (within the National Park; Elm Flats to Low Bridge) continue with fast Class 1 current, but do not contain any real 'whitewater', and are a designated 'National Wild and Scenic River.' During summer months (Friday of Memorial Weekend through Labor Day), all watercraft (even inner tubes!) require permits within the sections in the National Park. Permits must be reserved online at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/249990 prior to your desired dates. There is a cost for permits, and there are a limited amount for each date.
River Features
Take Out
Put In
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportIf you are looking for white water this isn't the river for you. What's nice about the Pine is that you can run it any time of the year and enjoy a day of some technical paddling, ripples and lots of great scenery.
This shot was taken about 5 minutes below Peterson Bridge in July of 2009.
At high water, this section has some decent standing waves. It is however, not very technical. It is manicured far too close to the banks in order to accommodate inexperienced canoers. For more technical and slightly faster flows, try the Little Manistee below 9 Mile Bridge or the Sturgeon in the Lower Penninsula.
One of the best rivers in the state. Now that the dam is gone the river has settled into a new groove. A good beginner to novice river unless there has been a good rain then it picks up the pace, watch out for the sweepers. For a good trip put in out from Tustin off of 122nd and Diamond road at dead end, there is state owned access sign unless the neighbor tore it down. Take out Low bridge, National Forest access.Two day trip well worth it. Plenty to see along the way and great fishing.No play boating available, not that kind of river.