Pine River Info

The Pine River, formerly known as the South Branch Manistee River, is a 53.6-mile-long tributary of the Manistee River in Michigan. It flows from northwest Osceola County through Lake County and into Wexford County, emptying into Tippy Dam Pond. The watershed covers 265 square miles.

Flowing through the Huron–Manistee National Forest, the Pine River features campgrounds, scenic overlooks, and launch sites for non-motorized watercraft. It attracts tourists for canoeing and kayaking, especially during summer and fall. The river's cool, clear spring-fed waters support diverse wildlife, including black bears, white-tail deer, and bald eagles.

The river gradient offers the fastest average flow of any river in lower Michigan.

Designated a National Scenic River in 1992, the Pine River's lower 26 miles offer unique scenery with an incised river channel, high sand banks, and dense vegetation. It boasts the fastest average flow of any river in lower Michigan.

Watercraft permits are required from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend between Elm Flats and Low Bridge. Camping within the river corridor is prohibited except at Peterson Bridge Campground and CoolWaters on the Pine River.

Watercraft permits are required for all watercraft, including tubes, from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through the Monday of Labor Day Weekend. Permits are required for all watercraft on the Pine River between Elm Flats and Low Bridge.

To obtain a permit, call the Baldwin National Forest Ranger Station. 231-745-4631.

Check with these local canoe liveries for rental availability and river info:

Hoxeyville(877) 6-canoes

Horina Canoe Rental (231) 862-3470