Paddling the Manitowish River

by Maria Kopecky, Outdoor Recreation and Events Specialist

This week, I kayaked one of the most popular sections of the Manitowish River - from the Rest Lake Dam to Highway 47 in the town of Manitowish. This section of the river is easily navigable and offers both a variety and abundance of scenery. Once you enter the river just below the dam, the current takes you directly into Vance Lake, and then Sturgeon Lake.

Just past the Highway 51 bridge are the only rapids you will encounter, about 70 yards of a Class 1 pick-me-up. Easily traversable, especially in high water, these small rapids provide a little rush of excitement to the trip. After the rapids comes Benson Lake, where I saw eagles nesting overhead and witnessed a huge sturgeon jumping out of the water not far from my kayak.

Between Benson Lake and the Highway 51 wayside are two DNR campsites. Both these sites are ideal areas to take a relaxing break from paddling, with picnic tables shaded by towering red pines. Past the wayside, the Manitowish changes character, leaving the trees behind and meandering through marshy terrain until take-out at Highway 47.

This enjoyable trip is 10 miles in length and takes about 3 hours to complete. 
 All Photos by Maria Kopecky