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Let's hit the Pine river (Approx. 21.8 miles from Elm Flats to Dobston Bridge), and Manistee river (Hodenpyl Dam to Tippy Dam Pond, 16 miles) this summer on a kayak and camp out. We'll meet Friday, July 24th in the evening at Twin Oaks Campground in Wellston, MI. This campground is $14 per person/per night for the group site, including showers. On Saturday, July 25th, we'll spot cars and kayak the Manistee river from Hodenply Dam to the end of Tippy Dam Pond, approx. 16 miles. This section of the Manistee river runs next to the Manistee River Trail. After the paddle, we'll head back to Twin Oaks Campground for a dinner potluck, and camp again for the night.
On Sunday, July 26th, we'll spot cars and kayak 21.8 miles on the nearby Pine River, from Elm Flats to Low Bridge. (14 total miles if we start further down the river, TBD). There are great lunch spots and a huge sand dune that we can climb up. The Pine is a faster moving river, it has some small rapids and tight turns, and therefore some paddling experience is required. The Pine is also a national scenic river, which requires a permit to kayak on it between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and I've secured permits for our group. Expect a full day on the river, approx. 7 hours, if we do the longer route.
After the paddle, we'll head to Clam Lake Brewery in Cadillac for dinner, for those interested. Please have your own kayak and PFD, as rentals are limited in the area. Some in the group may have an extra kayak to use, please post in the event if you need a kayak or have one to offer. Bosman's in Wellston also offers kayak rentals, if you can transport it somehow. http://www.bosmancanoe.com/.
The total cost for camping both nights is $28. Please payal or venmo this and $2.75 for your Pine river kayak permit = $30.75 to confirm your spot on the trip. The max number of people is 16, due to permits and camping space. I'm looking forward to a great time with everyone on some of the best rivers around!
Map of Twin Oaks Campground, the meetup spot for Friday evening, July 24th: https://goo.gl/maps/BqyoTZo2yF3nvt8d8

Pine river information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hmnf/recarea/?recid=18646

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