About Pere Marquette National Scenic River Watercraft Permits (Huron Manistee)
Overview:In 1978, sixty-six miles of the Pere Marquette were designated a National Scenic River. The Pere Marquette River is the longest unregulated (no dams or impoundments) river system in Michiganâ??s Lower Peninsula. The river is a nationally known, high-quality stream supporting large populations of resident trout, steelhead and salmon. The Pere Marquette River, within the Forestâ??s boundary, has been divided into three non-motorized watercraft segments: Segment 1 - Forks to Bowman Bridge; Segment 2 - Bowman Bridge to Upper Branch Bridge; and Segment 3 - Upper Branch Bridge to Indian Bridge. The riverâ??s characteristics and the setting vary by river segment. Someone wanting a recreation experience where there is a good chance of encountering others would enjoy Segment 1; those wanting the opportunity to experience more solitude would appreciate Segment 3. Camping within the river corridor on National Forest lands is allowed only at designated sites. Sites range from developed campgrounds to primitive, canoe-in only sites. Fees for camping and using river access sites are charged under the Recreation Fee Enhancement Act. Check the bulletin board at each site for fees and additional information.
How to Get There
From Baldwin access to the start of Segment 1, M-37 Landing, go south on Highway M-37 for 2 miles and the launch is on left or east side of M-37. From Baldwin access to the start of Segment 2, Bowman Bridge, turn west on 52nd Street for 5 miles turn right or north into access site. From Baldwin access to Segment 3, Upper Branch Bridge, travel west on 52nd Street for 8.5 miles, turn right and travel north on South Branch Road for 3 miles and access site is on left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Pere Marquette National Scenic River Watercraft Permits (Huron Manistee)
Heading to Pere Marquette National Scenic River Watercraft Permits (Huron Manistee)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Pere Marquette National Scenic River Watercraft Permits (Huron Manistee)?
No central reservation system listed for Pere Marquette National Scenic River Watercraft Permits (Huron Manistee). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/249987) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Pere Marquette National Scenic River Watercraft Permits (Huron Manistee)?
From Baldwin access to the start of Segment 1, M-37 Landing, go south on Highway M-37 for 2 miles and the launch is on left or east side of M-37. From Baldwin access to the start of Segment 2, Bowman Bridge, turn west on 52nd Street for 5 miles turn right or north into access site. From Baldwin access to Segment 3, Upper Branch Bridge, travel west on 52nd Street for 8.5 miles, turn right and trave…
How do I contact Pere Marquette National Scenic River Watercraft Permits (Huron Manistee)?
You can reach the park at email: r9_hmnf_website@fs.fed.us.
References & Official Resources
