For many years I had fished the Jordan River for Brook Trout. Met many interesting characters on the river. Learned how to fish for big Brown's! Hunted Whitetail Deer, snowmobiled, hiked and of course hunted the elusive morel mushroom. Small game hunting, I loved my weekends here and couldbn't wait to come back.. I spent so much time playing in and on the Jordan River it was cheaper to move here! I did. I still enjoy the Jordan River. 40 years this year. Come on up and visit. You will enjoy it and all it has to offer. Swiss Hideaway Canoe Livery for a beautiful river excursion!
We have vacationed in the East Jordan area for many years and I always wanted to try kayaking down the Jordan river. My life experience involves a little canoeing and kayaking and I have been on two white water rafting trips in other states.We used Jordan Valley Outfitters for this trip. When we got to their store, I was surprised that they had raft trips and since we had a larger group (six adults and 2 children aged 1 and 2) I thought rafting might be fun instead of kayaking. They told us that children younger than ours had made this trip and so we were led to believe that the experience would be a nice float down the river.What a mistake we made! The river was swift moving and loaded with logs and overhanging trees and branches. It was very difficult to maneuver a large raft through some tight spots so usually one side of the raft or the other was ducking their heads to keep from getting their eyes poked out from overhanging branches. Once we got the hang of how to handle the raft, we thought we could take a deep breath and relax, but that only lasted for a few minutes as soon another difficult passage would come up.It was even a fiasco trying to stop the raft at the pick up point because the river was moving so swiftly. One of us had to get in the water to bring the raft to shore. Okay, we all survived with only one minor scrape but the experience was not something I'd do again with two toddlers on board. We will always have a vacation memory that we can laugh at but I am surprised that the raft did not have holes poked in it from all of the tree debris in the river.If I ever do this river again, it will be in a single kayak. I can understand where the swift moving river is fun for older children and adults in kayaks or canoes but I would not go rafting or bring young children.I did like the way the Jordan Valley Outfitters had us take our car to the exit area and then took us on a bus to the start. They provided us with durable equipment since after that harrowing experience our raft did not have any punctures in it. Our trip lasted about one hour which is exactly what they told us it would be.
Had a great time on the Jordan River! It's fast and exciting. Yes, there are sharp turns and low branches, so understand that this trip not might be for the inexperienced or faint of heart. We've been kayaking/canoeing 4 times before. I probably would not take small kids on this trip unless you really know how to steer! We saw some other older kids having a blast the day we were out. **My best advice: Just know what you are getting into before you go.** We took a canoe out, were ready for an adventure, and it was really fun! We only hit a fallen tree once, did not tip, and were able to maneuver around it well. Was glad we put all of our things in dry sacks, just in case ;-) There are lots places to stop along the way. The Jordan River is beautiful and we saw lots of wildlife along the way. Would absolutely go again. Oh and thanks to Jordan River Outfitters for superb service!
Your trip down the Jordan River will be a trip to remember. It is absolutely beautiful, with many Kodak moments along the way. Slightly rapid, trees hanging over in some areas, not many, but if you have your kayak under control, you won't have a problem. Some areas are slow but steady, that's the time to appreciate the natural beauty you will experience.It's not to deep, but I think you have to wear a life jacket or at least have it with you, by law. Nothing is so extreme that it obstructs your pathway. Guaranteed; you will have a fun filled day with joy and laughter (lots of it). Take some snacks, beverages and you will see many places to stop along the way. I wouldn't suggest taking little ones under 5 yrs. down the river, but that is entirely up to the adults. The river is cold, but on an 80*day, it feels great. We have went with many friends (what a blast) and we have went just the two of us (romantic voyage). Whatever you decide, you will have no regrets. If you do one thing in Michigan this year, make this your destination trip! I'll bet you'll tell all your friends and their friends and you'll be making plans to do it again.
Hanging ice bells along the rivers edge . Deer were spotted gazing at our rubber raft , as we floated down the Jordan River . It is a view of the river that only a few are lucky enough to see . At the end of our float, we were treated to hot chocolate and cookies.
Lovely river, great way to spend a sunny summer day. I rented a kayak through JV Outfitters and after the reviews was a little intimidated, but as a novice kayaker the staff sent me down an easy stretch of the river. It was very straightforward. The next time I would go for more of a challenge. I would recommend JV Outfitters. They were helpful and knowledgeable.
Go during the week or better yet in the spring when the water is running full throttle or in the fall for beautiful color. Either time you may be the only one on the river. Just enough current and obstacles to make you pay attention and have a great time. Best in a canoe or kayak and a little experience.
Jordan Valley Outfitters provided a wonderful winter experience on the river! We had tried to do this last winter but it got too cold too fast and we had to cancel, so we were very excited to be able to do it Jan 3. In our group of 5 people only the 2 guys paddled with Dan, the guide, so we women were able to enjoy the view and take pictures along the way. It was quiet and a perfectly enjoyable float, gently down the stream, and we saw 3 deer giving us curious looks. This was a new perspective on the natural beauty of the river and another great reason to love living in Northern Michigan!
Canoe, tube or sit on the banks of this majestic river. The beauty will win your love. The locals consider a canoe trip down this river as right of passage into adult hood. Local canoe rentals make this a easy and enjoyable experience for young and old.
We kayaked from Graves Crossing to Webster Bridge Road. The river is mostly undeveloped, fast flowing and has a few tricks. It is fast enough with enough hazards that it is rare that you can be side-by-side and a challenge to even get a drink open. You almost always have to be paddling. Trip took us about two and a half hours. Highly recommend it for skilled to semi-skilled paddlers. Not one I would take a novice on.