Watercraft Rental Information

From Baldwin, MI to Lake Michigan (at Ludington, MI ) is nearly 30 miles as the crow flies.  Within that 30 miles, the Pere Marquette River twists and turns for approximately 100 river miles.  If you canoe, kayak, tube, or raft part of it, you will understand why the Pere Marquette River is federally designated a Wild & Scenic River.

In an effort to better serve our customers, Barothy Lodge has entered into an agreement with Baldwin Canoe Rental.  As a result, we can now offer:

• 1,2,3,4 hour trips and longer
• single and tandem kayaks
• river rafts (6 person)
• discounts for Barothy Guests

Feel free to contact Baldwin Canoe Rental directly at 1-800-272-3642.  If you prefer, you may direct questions to Barothy Lodge at 231-898-2340.

All watercraft must be off the river by 6:00 p.m. daily.

Summary of Float Trips

(Times are based on paddle times - no hurry but not lots of stopping)

Barothy Landing to the Walhalla Road Bridge – This is the shortest trip and takes approximately one hour.  OK for the novice in a canoe/kayak and excellent for tubing.

Lower Branch Bridge to Barothy Landing – This trip is 2 to 2.5 hours by canoe/kayak and approximately 3 hours by raft.  A rest stop called Log Mark is one hour downstream on the right hand side.  Outhouse available!  Duffy’s Landing is on the left hand side approximately 1 hour past Log Mark.  Lower Branch is just a small “put in” along the road.  It is OK for small parties, but not great for larger groups.  Customers will need to assist in carrying watercraft & equipment from vehicles to river.

Upper Branch to Barothy Landing – This trip is a 3.5 to 4 hour canoe/kayak trip and approximately 4.5 hours in a raft.  Approximately 1.25 hours into the trip you will pass under Lower Branch Bridge (emergency takeout, but no restroom facilities).  A rest stop called Log Mark is one hour downstream on the right hand side.  Outhouse available!  Duffy’s Landing is on the left hand side approximately 1 hour past Log Mark.  Upper branch landing is a very nice federal access site, large enough to accommodate groups of any size.

Su Lak Landing to Barothy Landing - This trip is a 4.5 to 5 hour canoe/kayak trip and too long for rafting.  Approximately 1hour into the trip you will pass under Upper Branch Bridge.  Outhouse available!  Approximately another 1.25 hours into the trip you will pass under Lower Branch Bridge (emergency takeout, but no restroom facilities).  A rest stop called Log Mark is one hour downstream on the right hand side.  Outhouse available!  Duffy’s Landing is on the left hand side approximately 1 hour past Log Mark. 

Tubes are available for rent at $5.00 each.  Signed Hold Harmless Agreements are required for tubing.  Children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket (by law).  Typically, guests start from either Elkhorn or Duffy’s and get out at the steps provided downriver.  Watch for the steps and/or the American/Marine Corps flags flying near the bend in the river.  That is your last takeout point before the Walhalla Road Bridge.  You may make the trip as many times as you wish, but ALL watercrafts, including tubes, must be off the river by 6:00 p.m.  Tubes must be returned to the office no later than 7:00 p.m.  There will be a $20.00 charge for lost or damaged (punctured) tubes.

Whether you plan to canoe, kayak, raft, or float the river in a tube, always take into consideration the fact that nature controls the weather, the temperature of the water, the condition of the river and will therefore have an impact on your trip.

• The water is COLD...
• The sun is HOT...
• It could STORM while you are on your float...

When planning your watercraft trip, be prepared!

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

Barothy Lodge does not recommend taking anyone on the river, child or adult, who is not able to look after their own safety while immersed in the water and wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device).  With continuous changes taking place in the river (for example: speed of current and depth of water due to rain, fallen trees and/or other submerged obstructions), unsafe conditions may exist for anyone who is not an experienced swimmer or who may not be able to safely depart the river without assistance.