Experience the beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula up close! Our kayak and canoe trips offer a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy.
Adventure with us with the unique opportunity of paddling the Crystal River. This river is located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a hidden gem in our National Parks system. During the 2-3 hour paddle you’ll float on clear waters and lush forest. If you are lucky you will get a glimpse of Northern Michigan’s true residents: white tail deer, blue heron, bald eagles, otters, turtles, frogs and endless amounts of fish.
You will end your paddle back at our shop where you can then plan the rest of your stay in The District – biking, shopping, wine & more!
You end your paddle directly back at our shop where you started. From there you can plan the rest of your day in The District- biking, shopping, wine & more!
- All Ages
- 2-3 Hours
Trip Experience
-
After checking in with us at our shop, you will be assigned into a van and shuttled to the head of the river (Crystal River Trailhead). The drive takes about five minutes. From the head of the river you will paddle back to the shop and finish right where you parked your car! The paddling typically takes anywhere from 2-3 hours.
-
We will always encourage paddlers to be prepared to get wet. We can never guarantee you will stay 100% dry. Water shoes, securely strapped sandals, dressing for the beach, sunscreen… these are all good things to prepare you for being in the water on your trip.
-
The Crystal River has a natural current but you will not encounter any “white water” style rapids and there are no waterfalls.
What to Bring & Wear
-
Snacks, water, waterproofed electronics, coolers (no glass containers), a great attitude, and an adventurous spirit!!
-
Dress like you’re going to the beach or the pool looking to swim. Pay attention to the day’s weather and adjust from there. It is highly recommended you wear something to protect your feet for those times you need to get out of your kayak or canoe. Water shoes, Crocs, Tevas, Chacos, or old sneakers are all great options. We sell water shoes at our shop for $13.95. Wear clothes that you are okay with getting wet. A swimsuit is not required but encouraged. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
History has taught us to encourage customers to avoid wearing cotton or denim of any kind, bringing large backpacks, bringing sentimental items, or wearing sandals without a strap on the back.
Reservations & Check-In
-
Reservations are always recommended and encouraged, but they are not required. Knowing you want to paddle with us allows us to be our best for you. Making a reservation online ensures we have all of your needs noted and gets you out on the river much quicker!
-
Crystal River Outfitters is located at 6249 W. River Road (also known as M22). Please arrive ten minutes before your reservation.
-
Communicate with us. Give us a call and let us know your expected arrival time. Our vans run on a need-to-go basis. In other words, our vans run on your time, so when you are ready, so is your van!
Equipment & Restrictions
-
Unfortunately, our contract with the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the National Park Service forbids us from sending paddleboards and/or tubes down the river.
-
We must provide Personal Floation Devices (PFDs) to all our paddlers. Paddlers 12 and under must wear them at all times. Those 13 and older just need to have them accessible in their boat. Paddlers aged 6 and under must wear a Type II PFD with the head flotation. Water wings of any kind are not permissible.
-
Yes. They must remain on a leash at our stores, in our vans, and must follow the rules established by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for being in the park.
Family & Age Guidelines
-
Our river is appropriate for all ages. Regarding younger children taking their own kayaks, you know your kids best. If you feel your child is old enough to benefit from some autonomy on the river we are happy to talk that through with you. After the conversation if we all feel comfortable we can provide that opportunity. We have child-sized single kayaks as well as tow-along ropes to clip to their kayaks.
River Etiquette
-
Garbage: Please clean up after yourselves. Leave No Trace principles apply.
Other Paddlers: Please be respectful, give distance between kayaks and canoes, and let people pass in appropriate sections of the river.
Portable speakers playing music: Most likely, people are not on the river to listen to your music. It’s a small river with lots of nice natural sounds and occasional silence. Noise travels far and will inevitably affect the experience of other paddlers, fishermen, and residents along the river.
Glass containers: Glass can break making the river unsafe for other paddlers and wildlife. Do not bring glass containers of any kind on the river.
Fishing Equipment: Have a valid fishing license, bring your equipment, and fish away. Be mindful of where other paddlers are when casting. If you lose a lure, do your best to find and recover it so hooks are not randomly in the river.