Kalamazoo River
From Plainwell to Saugatuck | Celebrating 6,000 Miles Paddled.
From Plainwell to Saugatuck | Celebrating 6,000 Miles Paddled.
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At just past 7AM I launch onto the Kalamazoo River from Plainwell’s Fannie Pell Park, located across the river from the old Plainwell Paper Company building. It isn’t long before I run into thick, foggy, river conditions. At times the fog is so thick it’s difficult to see what lies just ahead and impossible to get a peak at what is around the next bend.
Today I have much of the Kalamazoo River all to myself. There is no other paddler other than someone from the DNR inspecting the underside of Bridge Road, leading into and from Allegan. The river is teaming with large birds. There are blue herons, geese, swans, and eagles soaring above or perched on a limb of a dead tree for a best view of the river below. On occasion I catch a glimpse of a lone deer running along the river’s edge or drinking from the river. With the trees in bloom I am unable to see deep into the woods to observe any unsuspecting wildlife. Above the riverbanks, in fields that I cannot see, I can hear sandhill cranes talking among themselves. It’s a magnificent chatter. On occasion, and along the river’s edge, I catch pairs of geese with their babies following close behind, trying to slip by unnoticed. The parents lower their necks close to the water, but their babies have not learned this stealth-like move and their tall profile gives them away. |
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The occasional trophy fish jumps out of the water and an otter suddenly jumps in, creating a large splashes and crashing sounds like a beaver. Every time takes me by surprise and momentarily shakes my nerves.
The Kalamazoo River is welcoming with only a few obstacles to paddle around. On occasion a large boulder or tree just below the river’s surface keeps me on the alert. The misplaced waves give me forewarning to avoid any incident. There are four dams along this section of river, each one increasing in difficulty. It is the last one which proves the most challenging. After taking out to the right just before the dam, I must portage at least 400-500 feet. This taxes my already tired arms and strained lower back.
The Kalamazoo River is welcoming with only a few obstacles to paddle around. On occasion a large boulder or tree just below the river’s surface keeps me on the alert. The misplaced waves give me forewarning to avoid any incident. There are four dams along this section of river, each one increasing in difficulty. It is the last one which proves the most challenging. After taking out to the right just before the dam, I must portage at least 400-500 feet. This taxes my already tired arms and strained lower back.
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After this last dam which makes Lake Allegan, the Kalamazoo River is at its best. This section is designated as wild and scenic under the Natural Rivers Act. Having it to myself, it is peaceful and quiet, and the eagles soaring above makes it all the more special. The river’s glass like conditions today, with overhead blue skies and billowing clouds, makes for even more incredible paddling experience.
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As I near Saugatuck I paddle into the shallow lowlands. At times I can only guess as to which tributary will take me all the way through. At one fork it’s a coin toss as to which is best, not knowing if either will take me all the way through.
Off to my left and out of sight, I again hear the prehistoric, guttural sounds of the sandhill crane. This same area is populated with trumpeter swans, many with their babies in tow and one hitching a ride on its mother’s back. |
Here the winds coming off Lake Michigan gain strength. At times they’re pushing over 20 mph. It makes the end of the paddle difficult and further taxes my tiring arms. When the gusts of winds peak I struggle to make any head way at all. With the wind churning up the lake and white caps forming, it’s difficult to tell which areas are shallow or deep. Often, I find myself paddling in only inches of water and stuck on the soft river bottom, having to work harder to set myself free.
All the boats have been put in at Saugatuck. They’re ready for the official start of summer this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. I notice a celebrity boat, Jacque Cousteau, from Miami Beach. I wonder, “What grand adventure may they be on?”
I finish my paddle at Saugatuck’s BARge restaurant. Spotted by several men, they comer over and offer to help as my kayak rests well below the wooden dock designed for boats much larger than mine. With their help I make the 3-foot ascent with ease. When they hear about the distance I just paddled they are eager to learn more. This naturally leads into discussion about my Great Lakes crossings.
Today’s paddle down the Kalamazoo River brings my total miles paddled to 6,006. To celebrate this milestone, we celebrate with drinks and dinner at the BARge.
All the boats have been put in at Saugatuck. They’re ready for the official start of summer this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. I notice a celebrity boat, Jacque Cousteau, from Miami Beach. I wonder, “What grand adventure may they be on?”
I finish my paddle at Saugatuck’s BARge restaurant. Spotted by several men, they comer over and offer to help as my kayak rests well below the wooden dock designed for boats much larger than mine. With their help I make the 3-foot ascent with ease. When they hear about the distance I just paddled they are eager to learn more. This naturally leads into discussion about my Great Lakes crossings.
Today’s paddle down the Kalamazoo River brings my total miles paddled to 6,006. To celebrate this milestone, we celebrate with drinks and dinner at the BARge.
Join me on my journey.
