The main branch of the Whitefish River is formed by the confluence of the east and west branches. The east branch rises out of Trout Lake in southwest Alger County. The west branch rises in southeast Marquette County.

The river is 45 miles long

East Branch
Access 1 - One half mile west of Co. Road 509 on Co. Road 00-3 at Trout Lake.
Access 2 - One half mile west of Co. Road 509 on FR-2236.
Access 3 - Public boat launch at Rapid River

Access 1 to Access 2 - Trout Lake to FR-2236
Length: 11 miles. Float time: 8 hours. Canoe along Trout Lake the first 1 1/2 miles. Below the lake, the route is partly obstructed with brush and leaning cedars. This remote section can be dangerous in high water conditions. There are no intermediate access points. Generally, the river channel is clear, wide and paved with limestone bedrock with few boulders. After you reach the bridge at FR-2236, you will encounter several rapids. There are many suitable spots for primitive camping.

Access 2 to Access 3 - FR-2236 to Public Boat Launch
Length: 18 miles. Float time: 8 hours. This stretch can be canoed through summer and fall, though several shallow areas will require towing. This is a mixture of federal and private lands with no public access points. Private roads should be used only as emergency exits to County Road 509. The final 3-4 miles require strenuous paddling as the current slows considerably. If the winds are from the south, add an hour or so to your trip time because the last 3 miles will be against wind.

West Branch
Access 1a - 3 miles east of U.S. 41 on Co. Road 444
Access 2a - 4 1/2 miles east of U.S. 41 at FR-2236
Access 3 - Public boat launch at Rapid River.

Access 1a to 2a- Co. Road 444 to FR-2236
Length : 3 miles. Float time: 1 1/2 hours. There is plenty of white water in a normal year between April 1 and May 15, but is exciting until June 1st. The first mile is deep and slow moving, after this point there is a succession of rapids with constant scraping, wading, and dragging after June 1st. Private lands last half mile

Access 2a to 3 - FR-2236 to Public Boat Launch at Rapid River
Length: 18 miles. Float time: 8 hours. This stretch of the canoe trail meets the East Branch approximately 3 1/2 miles south of FR-2236. There is no intermediate access at this point. They then continue together to the public launch at Rapid Rive

Location