Location: The Pine River originates near the towns of Tustin and Leroy.  It flows 60 miles merging into the Manistee River near Stronach Dam in Manistee County,

Access: There are four national Forest access sites, all which have toilets, water, picnic tables, grills and parking area.

Elm Flats: M55 16 miles west of Cadillac, or 5 miles east of M37: then 2 miles south on 13 Rd. then west 0.7 miles on 48 Rd, then 3 miles south on 11 1/4 mile rd, a vehicle pass is required for use of this site.

Dobson Bridge: Follow Elms Flats route, but go only one mile south on 11 1/4 mile rd, then then west 2 miles on 50 rd. from M37 take 48 1/2 miles rd 2 miles east. a vehicle pass is required to use this site.

Peterson Bridge: 1 mile south of M55 on M37. A vehicle pass is required to use this site.

Low Bridge: From the junction of M55 and M37 go 5 miles west to Low Bridge rd, then travel 1/2 mile to Low Bridge Water craft Landing.  A vehicle pass is required to use this site.

    Please contact the Ranger Station for complete details and costs concerning the vehicle pass.

The Michigan DNR has 3 landings up stream at Edgetts. Skookum Bridge, and Lincoln Bridge.

Considerations: please canoe between 9 am and 6 pm so that fishermen, and other users have an opportunity to enjoy the river.  To prevent overcrowding a permit is required for all water craft on the river from May 15 thru September 10.  Those using their must make reservations by calling the Baldwin Ranger Station at 231-745-4631.  There will be a $2.00 fee per water craft per day.

    Permit may be obtained by stopping at a Forest Service location in Baldwin, Cadillac or Manistee.  Please plan ahead as weekend usage on the Pine River is Heavy.  The Forest Service has adopted a voluntary 4 can beverage limit. Styrofoam coolers are prohibited. All Coolers and gear must be secured with rope in the canoe.

Regulations And Guidelines

Regulations
No Camping except at Peterson Bridge south campground.
Launch water craft only from the sites listed in the access section.
Do not leave the water craft unattended for more then 36 hours.
Using National Forest to enter or leave the river without a permit is prohibited.
STATE LAW Requires the use of floatation devices.

Permit signer is responsible for all violations committed by their party.

Guidelines

Do's	Do nots
1).  Bring Rope for tie downs. 2).  Bring a durable cooler. (NO STYROFOAM) 3).  Bring Sunglasses 4).  Bring suntan lotion. 5).  Abide by river hours ( 9 a.m.. - 6 p.m. ) 6).  Where Tennis Shoes. 7).  Where  a life jacket if you can't swim	1).  Bring styrofoam coolers. 2).  Bring Beer Kegs. 3).  Abuse river hours.  ( 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.. ) 4).  Camp on the river banks. 5).  Dispose of trash on the river.

Livery users should make reservation with one of the following liveries.
Click Here to vist some of our local Liverys

**  Please Note!!!!
1). The Pine River has short stretches of white waters & tight turns.  It is not recommended for the beginner.
2). Care should be taken to keep the area clean. Please carry out all that you take in.