Pine National Scenic River
The lower 26-miles of the Pine River was designated a National Scenic River in 1992. The Pine River provides a unique recreation experience for lower Michigan, supporting quality opportunities for a diversity of recreation activities in a relatively undeveloped setting. Canoeing and kayaking are the primary activities on this river, with much of the appeal being the fast water and light rapids. It is a designated "Blue Ribbon" cold-water trout stream, with fishing being the second most popular activity on the river. The Pine River has the fastest average flow of any river in lower Michigan.
Scenery is one of the most outstanding attributes of the river. The designated portion of the river contains a unique riparian landform with its deeply incised river channel and high, exposed sand banks. Diverse vegetation contributes to the overall "scenic" feel of the river. Tree species vary from cedar-hemlock, ash, elm, sugar and red maple, and basswood in the lowland portions to mixed oak, pine and aspen in the upland areas. There are small openings scattered throughout the corridor that provide habitat diversity for many species of wildlife.
General Information
Location - Pere Marquette State Forest to junction with Manistee River
Setting - Primitive
County - Lake, Manistee, Wexford
Seasonal and Other Information -
- Peterson Bridge Campground is gated when closed.
- River access sites are not gated when closed.
- River access sites are not maintained in winter:
- Access roads and/or parking lots are not plowed,
- no water and/or toilet facilities are available.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
Watercraft Permit
- Required Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.
Special Use Permit
- No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
- Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
The following rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03
- Pine National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-12
Highlights - Camping is prohibited, except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Watercraft Permits
- Reservations are required. Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information.
Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Day Use
- Dobson Bridge
- Elm Flats
- Low Bridge
- Peterson Bridge North
Concessionaire Fee - Camping -
- Peterson Bridge South Campground
Day Use -
- Peterson Bridge South Campground
Watercraft Rentals
- Wellston
- Pine River Paddlesport Center
- Horina's Canoe and Kayak
- Sportsman's Port
- Bosman's Canoe Rental
Address: 1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689
Phone: (231) 848-7090
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
