Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
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Located in Chassell in Michigan's Houghton County, the Portage River Harbor of Refuge provides convenient boat access to the scenic Portage River and gateway to the Keweenaw Waterway. This ramp offers 21 parking spaces and serves kayakers, canoeists, and small craft looking to explore the waterway system in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Note that when parking is full, the ramp closes per DNR policy—arriving early during peak season is recommended.
The site provides an excellent launching point for paddlers interested in exploring the upper and lower entrances of the Keweenaw Waterway Project. The Portage River area offers access to both local paddling and connections to the broader Keweenaw waterway system, with opportunities to experience the natural and historical character of this iconic Michigan peninsula. Nearby recreation areas, including the Keweenaw National Historical Park, add cultural exploration opportunities for visitors interested in the region's 7,000-year heritage of human activity and copper mining history.