Kayak Trips
A Popular Paddle
Starting at $42 Single / $66 Double
Kayak the Lower Platte River for a leisurely trip, or accept the challenge of the Upper Platte River for Michigan’s version of white water rafting. Explore the beauty of northern Michigan from atop the water.
Go kayaking with Riverside Canoes on the beautiful Platte River, located in Honor, Michigan in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There are two trip options for kayakers: a two hour family-friendly float down the lower Platte River that ends at Lake Michigan, or the faster water upper river trip, which is approximately a three to four hour float. Riverside Canoes offers single or double kayak rentals.
The average kayak trip takes 2 hours to paddle from Riverside Canoes to the trip end at Lake Michigan. Kayak trip fees include your rental items, personal flotation devices and shuttle service from Lake Michigan.
Tips for Planning a Riverside Kayak Trip
- To avoid congestion on the Lower Platte River during peak season plan your trip before 11am or after 3pm.
- The last kayak trips on the Lower Platte will leave 3 hours before closing, and 5 hours before closing on the Upper Platte. Please be advised we close earlier in the spring and after Labor Day.
- Small children can ride with one adult in a double kayak or get pulled in a tube behind any kayak. Rope will be provided for towing.
- The Upper Platte River is much easier to navigate in a kayak than in a canoe.
- Kayaks offer easier maneuverability and less tippiness than canoes. They are easy enough for kids 10 and up.
- Pets are allowed in kayaks, but please follow National Park rules as they apply to the beach access for pets. Please consider the size of your pet before selecting a kayak.
Kayak Trips on the Lower Platte River
Lower Platte River Kayaking
Our Lower Platte trips travel down a friendly river with a gentle current ideal for the whole family! Enjoy the warm clear waters and a mostly sandy riverbed. The average river depth is 2 to 3 feet deep. The Lower Platte river flows through Loon Lake and eventually ends at Lake Michigan. Enjoy the beautiful sugar sand beaches and amazing scenery of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Upper Platte River Kayaking
Looking for something faster and more exciting? The Upper Platte river trip is not white water, but close to it! This stretch of river is clean, spring-fed and boasts a faster current with an average depth of 2–3 feet. A good part of this trip features narrow, quick turns and overhanging branches. The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours and is for those high-spirited, more experienced boaters eager for a new challenge. The Upper Platte River trips run on a specific schedule that varies seasonally.
Note: There is a 50% tip over rate on our Upper Platte trips, so plan on getting wet. We do have age restrictions on the Upper Platte trip. Please call for details.
Safety Tips for Platte River Kayaking
- Follow the shoreline in Loon Lake, and avoid swimming in the deep.
- Never standup in a kayak.
- Please drink responsibly.
- If you are a non-swimmer wear your life jacket at all times.
Kayak Rental Equipment
- We now have Single Sit on Top Kayaks, with a weight capacity of 240 pounds.
- We also offer 1-and 2-man “sit-in” kayaks, mostly Old Town equipment.
- Loon 111 Kayaks with some adjustable seats, removable foot pegs.
- Double Kayaks are Twin Otter or Twin Heron.
- Single Kayaks 9 ½’ Otter or Heron, weight capacity up to 200 lbs.
- Single Kayaks 11’ Loon up to 240 lbs.
- For riders above 240 lbs a double kayak is recommended.
- We offer 1-and 2-man “sitin” kayaks, mostly Old Town equipment.
- Loon 111 Kayaks with some adjustable seats, removable foot pegs.
- Double Kayaks are Twin Otter or Twin Heron.
- Single Kayaks 9 ½’ Otter or Heron, weight capacity up to 200 lbs.
- Single Kayaks 11’ Loon up to 240 lbs.
- For riders above 240 lbs a double kayak is recommended.