We'll unload boats & gear at Dobson by 9:30AM, ready to shuttle by 9:45. We will plan to be on the river for 4 hrs, from approx 10:30AM - 3:30PM, including a short lunch break. This is a challenging, 14-mile section of the Pine, with some of the fastest current in NW Lower MI, some tight bends & sweepers. It is slower upstream where narrower, so a little more time to react, though more downed trees block the river, and wider downstream where faster, so more room to manuever.
All paddlers are required to wear PFDs, should be dressed in appropriate clothes for the weather, have bow & stern lines, bailer, dry bag of warm clothes, snack for extra energy, and skills to manuever across river quickly, to avoid obstacles, including logjams & rocks. Kayakers must have a skirt for their boat to keep warm & dry in spring & fall. There are vault toilets at the Dobson Bridge put-in, midway at Peterson Bridge, and at the Low Bridge take-out. Parking permits are required, paid at the access, unless you have a National Forest annual or senior pass.
If cold rain or thunderstorms, this trip may be cancelled. If questionable, call me before you leave home.