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Rainbow Bend River Access

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has a sturgeon rearing station on their property along the entrance road with bulletin boards interpreting the activities.

This site is busiest during the Salmon run in early September until the end of October and the spring Steelhead run from February until April.

General Information

Nearby Recreation Areas -

County - Manistee

Year-round; plowed in winter.

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors.  Rules specific to the Huron-Manistee National Forest are available 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; R904-18-02

Information about when a Special Use Permit is required can be found on the Permits page.

Day Use:
$5 vehicle per day
$15 per seven day

Daily and 7-day passes can be purchased on-site with cash or check, or purchased on recreation.gov.  Daily, 7-day and annual passes can be purchased at Huron-Manistee National Forest Offices. More information can be found on the Passes page.

Canoe Rentals -

  • Manistee
    • Manistee Paddlesport Adventures
  • Irons
    • Enchanted Acres

A Forest Service office painted red with a large wagon.

Address: 1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689
Phone: (231) 848-7090
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 44.29305556

Longitude: -86.15055556

Parking

20 vehicle capacity - with trailers

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault toilet(s)

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream

Recreation Groups

A rocky river bank.

The Manistee River between Tippy Dam and the M-55 Bridge was designated as a National Recreational River in 1996.

Last updated May 14, 2026