Whitewater Run MI Class II-III

C) 'Lower': CR553 (Marquette Mtn.) to Hwy.41 (2.0 miles)

Carp (Marquette)

Linked via: Proximity 96% confidence Synced 3mo ago

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Gauge Conditions
Middle Branch Escanaba River at Humboldt, MI Upstream Primary
Runnable: 120.0 – 420.0 CFS

Likely too low for reasonable whitewater run. (We need your input! Add a comment about gauge reading and corresponding runnability/difficulty of this run.)

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Run Map
Run Time Estimate
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Description
This is a wonderful, fairly continuous stretch. At low to moderate flows, it may be suitable for novice paddlers. At higher flows, it may be best reserved for aggressive intermediate-to-advanced paddlers (with appropriate caution and safety). There are no significant (named) drops which stand out, but the whole section is a rush if you catch it at high water! Due to fast current, narrow and winding stream, small to non-existent eddies, and high potential for strainers, the subjective rating of this section (at high water) is somewhat higher than the actual rapids would otherwise merit. (That is, the rapids still only rate class II-III, but you better have class III-IV skills and safety awareness.) From CR553, there is at least 1.5 miles of fairly consistent gradient at 114 FPM before things peter out for the flat-but-flowing paddle to the take-out. If the dirt road at the take-out is passable, it is possible to drive upstream to its cul-de-sac, thus cutting out most of the flatwater. At present there is a tree in the river and bright plastic tape tied around tree trunks at this point on the river, providing excellent markers for this spot. The parking is a short carry up a good path from the river. Many boaters will combine this reach with a run on the (more challenging) upper. See Upper Carp for description of that reach.
Difficulty
Class II-III
Length
1.7 mi
Gradient
82 ft/mi
max 149
Rapids
0
Access Points
Put-in
46.5091, -87.4192
Take-out
46.5131, -87.3859
Shuttle Info
While it is certainly possible to paddle all the way out to Lake Superior, most boaters will have their fill of the flatwater which follows the end of the gradient on this run, and will prefer to take out well before that point. Therefore, it is advised to park a good distance upstream on a dirt/sand road at the take-out (parking where you can conveniently allow traffic, unlikely though it would be, to get past you) thus cutting off up to a half mile or so of flat water. The following map shows and uses a 'road' which parallels the entire 'lower' run (on river left). It is _highly unlikely_ that you will be able (or would choose to attempt) to get between put-in and take-out on that route. It would be impassible with snow in the early season, and is likely to require high-clearance 4x4 virtually any other time the river is runnable. More likely, you will use major roads, (Hwy.28/41 and CR554). And (at least as much to the point), most boaters will combine the two sections as one full run, continuing on CR554 to the put-in for the 'upper' run (see the 'Directions' tab there for details on that part of the shuttle).
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater