Highlights: The first part of this paddle floats through the Huron National Forest, where the modern world disappears, replaced with deep forest, sandbanks, and mostly shallow water offering a clear view into an aquatic world. Pockets of deeper water are scattered along the route, as well as sunken logs. On an early morning paddle, three herons joined us on our trip, one breaking the silence with a prehistoric-sounding cry, protesting a smaller bird’s aggression.

Distance: Bike: About 6.5 miles or optional route is closer to 9 miles. Paddle: About 10.5 miles.

Difficulty: Biking: Easy on paved roads and bike path. Kayaking: Easy on a wide river with few obstacles, but the sluggish current can make the paddle feel longer than it is.

Location: Drop boats off at the Foote Tailwater Boat Launch on Rea Road, about 9 miles west of Oscoda. Return to Rea Road and turn right (south). Take Rea to River Road and turn left. Continue to Riverbank Park in Oscoda. This is the takeout. Park here and bike back to the kayaks.

(Car shuttle: Using the directions above, park one car at the takeout and then drive the second car to the put-in.)

Route finding: Biking: You can ride back the way you drove (but be sure to take the bike path that parallels River Road, ending at the High School). Or the second option is: from Riverbank Park, turn right onto River Road and then left onto State Street. Veer left onto F41, skirting around the old Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Turn left onto Bissonette Road and then left onto Rea Road, continuing to the access site. Kayaking: Avoid this popular section on summer weekends and during the peak steelhead season in the spring and late fall.

Map: Click here for a PDF.