Class I Indian River, MI

The Indian River, located on the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, provides beautiful and varied northwoods scenery. The river flows through a variety of settings, ranging from a series of connected lakes in the upper sections, to a meandering channel in an incised valley through the middle section, to a braided channel and an area of extensive wetland before flowing into Indian Lake.

Trout fishing is good, and there is spawning habitat for lake sturgeon and habitat for eagles and ospreys. The river offers excellent canoeing and kayaking for all skill levels throughout the year due to its steady flow. There are numerous dispersed campsites along the river, as well as Widewater Campground.

In this reach the river transitions from high forested banks to marshlands. The river breaks into numerous braided channels in the area called the Upper Spreads. Nature enthusiasts, anglers and photographers will delight in this environment.

rivers.gov/Indian River