We are heading to the U.P. on Sunday morning, paddling with Angie and John in the Indian River that afternoon, and staying overnight in Newberry. The Two Hearted River is about 50 minutes north of town, and runs into Lake Superior. Our plan is to leave our motel in Newberry at 9 AM, run the shuttle at 10, and be on the river as soon as the drivers return. We plan to stop for a lunch break along the way, finishing before 4 PM.
According to reliable sources (our friend Doc Fletcher), the mosquito season is over, and the river is free of obstructions. By mid-August the black flies will likely be gone too. We have arranged for a shuttle service, so all our vehicles will be waiting for us when the trip is over.
We have been on the Two Hearted several times over the past few decades (using both canoes and kayaks), and it has always been a delightful experience. The water is clear, and the feeling of remoteness is wonderful. Paddling is easier than most of the rivers we encounter near TC. The Two Hearted is designated as a Michigan Wilderness River.
Here is the description of the river lifted from the book Paddling Michigan by Kevin and Laurie Hillstrom. The 12-mile stretch from the bridge to the rivermouth is a 4 to 5 hour paddle thorough a beautiful valley that alternates between grassy lowlands bursting with ferns and wildflowers and towering, sandy bluffs topped with forest. The river remains moderately narrow (40 to 60 feet) in this section, which might include tight bends and submerged logs. This stretch is suitable for family outings. Numerous sandy landing sites provide potential picnicking spots. The water is clean with a reddish tint, offering good views of the bottom of mixed gravel and sand. Water depth is mostly shallow(1-4 feet) with occasional deeper holes.
Jerry Dennis (Canoeing Michigan Rivers) adds this:
Dunes line the river near the end of this section. The Lake Superior surf can be heard long before the river reaches it.
After our trip down the river, we will probably stop at Tahquamenon Falls for a short hike and a brewpub dinner. Then we'll find a place to spend the night before heading back across the Mighty Mac to the Sturgeon River outing the following day.
Come join us on our trip UP NORTH! Contact me if you have any questions.