CANOEING
Ogemaw County is an ideal place to spend a day, a long weekend or an entire vacation. Everything you can imagine is here for your enjoyment. We offer many great scenic adventures that will make your stay seem like a fairy tale. The beauty of this region lies in the wide variety of hills, lakes and streams. Canoeing, trout fishing and swimming are just a few of the many recreational activities that you will find in this vast four season playground. Let your mind wander back to your childhood and remember the fun you had while enjoying the beauty of nature and the feeling of renewed life that comes with being outdoors.
FISHING AND CANOEING GUIDE WEST BRANCH / OGEMAW COUNTY
Great Lakes, Great Fishing Await You In Ogemaw County
Public canoe access to the Rifle River is good. Access sites are located in the Rifle River Recreation Area, the state forest campground, near Skidway Lake, Moffatt Bridge, and at Omer. In addition, there is a partially developed access site near the confluence of Klacking Creek with the Rifle.
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RIFLE RIVER RECREATION AREA
Approximate Size: 4449 Acres
The Rifle River Recreation Area covers 4,329 acres in Ogemaw County, and is the most predominant recreation facility in the watershed. The park offers 159 campsites, has several hiking trails and several lakes in its boundaries. From biking to fishing to relaxing to birdwatching, the Rifle River Recreation Area is the perfect setting to enjoy your visit to Ogemaw County.
RIFLE RIVER RECREATION AREA – CANOEING & BOATING
In terms of numbers of rental canoes available and combined with those of the Boy Scouts of America Camp, the Rifle River is one of the most popular rivers in Michigan. Its proximity to the population concentrations of the Saginaw Bay area, the river’s scenic beauty, the moderately fast water with numerous rapids, and the cold clear waters all add up to an extremely popular river for canoeists.
Through most of the year the entire Rifle River mainstream is floatable. During the low water period of mid-summer, the river can still be negotiated, although dragging of the canoe should be expected through the shallow areas.
There are numerous canoe liveries throughout the Rifle system. Many of these operators not only provide canoes, but for those wishing to take a trip more than one day, they offer overnight camping areas. The Detroit area Boy Scouts also have a camp located on the river, and provide overnight camping areas along the mainstream as well.
CANOE LIVERIES
TROLL LANDING CAMPGROUND AND CANOE LIVERY
2660 Rifle River Trail – West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (989) 345-7260
More Outdoor Recreation
Visit West Branch
Get help planning your trip
A visit to Ogemaw County is one that your family will remember for many years to come. Contact the West Branch Visitors Bureau and let us help you plan your perfect trip to Ogemaw County.
"Heart of Michigan Circle Tour"
OGEMAW COUNTY FEATURED
on Great Getaways (video /map / info / links)
golf
The West Branch Collection of Great Golf Courses – The Dream, Green Briar, Apply Valley, The Nightmare, and West Branch Country Club (all 18 hole golf courses) are just minutes from your hotel room.
fishing
Ogemaw County is home to many terrific trout streams, panfish lakes (be sure to ask for our Fishing and Canoeing Guide).
kayaks & canoes
Ogemaw County is home to many terrific trout streams, panfish lakes (be sure to ask for our Fishing and Canoeing Guide).
west branch disc golf course
Ogemaw Hills Recreation Complex | 2124 Dam Rd, West Branch
New course in West Branch. Plays through rolling park. Hole #4 has option of alternate tee.
hiking
A serene place to get away and just hike for a short while or for hours. The Ogemaw Hills Pathway and The Rifle River Recreation Area give you a great facility to be able to relax and be part of nature on your hike.
orvs
If you are looking to do some trail riding Ogemaw County is the place to go.
biking
Bike through the seasons in Ogemaw County. You can enjoy the change of scenery through our forests and even on our roads.
trail report
Want to know how much snow is covering the snowmobile trails or ski trails have been groomed? We have you covered with the Ogemaw County Trail Report
campgrounds and rv parks
There are many locations to set up camp in Ogemaw County.
rifle river recreation area
Approximate Size: 4449 Acres
The Rifle River Recreation Area covers 4,329 acres in Ogemaw County, and is the most predominant recreation facility in the watershed. The park offers 159 campsites, has several hiking trails and several lakes in its boundaries. From biking to fishing to relaxing to birdwatching, the Rifle River Recreation Area is the perfect setting to enjoy your visit to Ogemaw County.
Ogemaw hills pathway
The Ogemaw Hills Pathway is located at the corner of Clear Lake Road and Fairview Road. Take Exit 212 (West Branch Exit) following Business Loop 75 to Fairview Road (5 miles to Ogemaw Hills Pathway).
Trail Length: 13.6 Miles
Located in the hills north of West Branch, the trails of the Ogemaw Hills Pathway wind through approximately 15 miles of the AuSable State Forest providing trails for hiking and biking and groomed cross country trails for all skill levels.
winter fun
The Ogemaw Hills Pathway is located at the corner of Clear Lake Road and Fairview Road. Take Exit 212 (West Branch Exit) following Business Loop 75 to Fairview Road (5 miles to Ogemaw Hills Pathway).
Trail Length: 13.6 Miles
Located in the hills north of West Branch, the trails of the Ogemaw Hills Pathway wind through approximately 15 miles of the AuSable State Forest providing trails for hiking and biking and groomed cross country trails for all skill levels.
Visit West Branch
Get help planning your trip
A visit to Ogemaw County is one that your family will remember for many years to come. Contact the West Branch Visitors Bureau and let us help you plan your perfect trip to Ogemaw County.
"Heart of Michigan Circle Tour"
OGEMAW COUNTY FEATURED
on Great Getaways (video /map / info / links)