Information and Rates
Canoe and kayak rentals and camping and fishing
outfitters for Sylvania Wilderness Area
and the UP of Michigan

There is no place quite like the Sylvania Wilderness Area, nor will there be. Within its 21,000 acres of virgin Northwoods are 36 pristine lakes and 19 ponds. Short portages connect most of them. The only transportation through the Sylvania Wilderness is by foot or canoe.  The magnetic allure of the Northwoods is reminiscent of the bygone days of the frontier when voyageurs traversed by canoe the endless lake chains of the area. Since the turn of the century, Sylvania was a private estate. Its early owners used the area in such a way that it retained its wilderness character. In 1966 it was purchased by the Federal government and is now part of the Ottawa National Forest.

Sylvania is famous for its Catch & Release Bass Fisheries, especially Smallmouth.

There are 21,000 acres of wilderness waiting for you to canoe and kayak the pristine water and to enjoy the camping, hiking, skijoring and cross country skiing! The only transportation through the Sylvania Wilderness is by foot or non-motorized watercraft. The average portage distance between lakes in Sylvania is ¼ mile. Light weight canoes will make your canoe trip more enjoyable. We have light weight canoes in aluminum, Royalex and Kevlar. Aluminum canoes have keels and are easier for beginners to steer. Royalex canoes are quieter, and more experienced canoeists have no problem keeping them on line.  There is much to explore and experience in the Sylvania Wilderness Area of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Sylvania Outfitters knows how to get you there...and back! This web site is designed to get you the information you need so that when you call or stop by you will have a good idea of the services we provide including a refined knowledge of the protocol and regulations required when visiting the Sylvania Wilderness area.

WATERCRAFT

RENTAL RATES

A RENTAL DAY - is a calendar day with this exception:
 Gear can be returned the following morning by 9 a.m. sharp.

SINGLE DAY TRIPS... through the SYLVANIA AREA and on the Ontonagon River.

The following information will help you plan a number of different single day trips in some truly beautiful surroundings. We will do everything we can to make your excursion through the local woods and waters a day you will always remember.

DAY CANOE TRIPS:  

SYLVANIA AREA DAY TRIPS

We rent kayaks for $26.00 per day and canoes for $28.00 to $40.00 per day for use in the Sylvania Tract.  Included in this fee are paddles, life vests, carrying yoke and foam car top carrier that fits almost any car.  We deliver and pick up canoes in Sylvania for $16.00.
 U. S. Forest Service park passes are $5.00 per car. We have 13, 15, 17 & 18 ft. canoe sizes.
  No styrofoam, cans or bottles are allowed!

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Trip #1. Clark Lake to Loon Lake

Paddle around this crystal clear and largest lake in the Tract. No motor boats are allowed! See eagles and loons! There are isolated beaches along the north, south and middle of Clark Lake. The whole north end of Loon Lake is beach. On these lakes all bass caught have to be returned to the water without injury.

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Trip #2. Crooked Lake to High Lake

Motor boats are allowed on this lake. Normal fishing rules apply. This is a very scenic and winding lake. Very short portages to beautiful clear blue High or Mountain Lakes.

ONTONAGON RIVER TRIPS

The Ontonagon River is part of the Wild and Scenic River System.   We rent canoes and kayaks for these trips down the Ontonagon River.  Single sit-on-top Kayaks rent for $15 per day and double sit-on-top Kayaks rent for $24 per day.  Canoes rent for $30 per day.  These are special plastic watercraft that slide down rocky rapids with ease.
Included with the rental are the paddles and vests.
Transportation for up to 7 passengers is $26.

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Trip #2. Watersmeet to Burned Dam

(Mex-i-mine Falls) This trip has five sets of rapids that require some skill.  Current is pretty good 2/3 of the way an then slows for 1 1/2  miles as the river widens out.  The river narrows and speeds up as Tamarack Creek enters. Your trip ends on the right above Mex-i-mine Falls at Burned Dam Campground and covers 10 miles. Minimum paddling time is 3 1/2 hours. Pickup is usually in 4 to 5 hours.

Trip #2T. Buck Lake Road to Tamarack Creek
NO RAPIDS.  Current will carry you along at a good clip for 3/5 of the way.   The river widens and the current slows for about 1 1/2 miles of paddling.   Tamarack Creek enters the river on your right at five miles.  You must turn and paddle up the creek to the bridge, about 100 yards, to the take out spot. 
Pick-up in 21/2 to 3 hours.

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Trip #3. Burned Dam to Interior

No cabins along this beautiful downhill stretch. At least 7 rapids, one of which is quite long. Minimum paddling time is two hours. Pickup in 2 ½ to 3 hours at the first bridge you come to. This spot is the old town site of Interior. Drop off and pickup for this popular trip is $26.00.

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Trip #4. Burned Dam to Bond Falls

Trip #3 is the first half of this trip. The current is still strong for quite a way down stream, then starts to slow down. Possibly pull over at a couple of tree trunks as you near Bond Falls Flowage. Big rocks appear suddenly. Pull off to the right side to scout this ledge rapids. Tricky. Consider portaging! Right after this is "Little Falls." Pull off on left to scout or Portage! Head Northwest across Bond Lake past 5 islands. Take out on right side of Main Dam. Below the dam is a small camp store with a telephone. Trip covers twelve miles, pickup is usually in 5 hours. For the more hardy! Spotting/pickup fee is $25.00

Commercial guiding services are not permitted within the Sylvania Wilderness.  For more information about these and other Canoe trips, please call Sylvania Outfitters!

"We are here not only to rent you the equipment, but to be your base of operation,
your troubleshooter and your link to the Northwoods." 
Bob Zelinski - President, Sylvania Outfitters

Home    Winter trails, gear and more    Prepacked meals for 2 or 4 Persons      The Big Map of the Sylvania Wilderness Area     Buy Sylvania Outfitters apparel and other unique item         We're on Facebook, too. Info and Reservations for Sylvania Wilderness or Ottawa National Forest is at ReserveAmerica.com.  You must use this national campsite reservation gateway to reserve your site.   Watch an excellent video of Sylvania Outfitters' customizable canoe selections and retail store items.  You'll feel as if you were on your way to another Sylvania Wilderness adventure!   Links to InformativeWebsites Sylvania Wilderness Cabins Watersmeet, MI Chamber of Commerce Hunt's Guide To The U P of Michigan Friends Of Sylvania All About Watersmeet Area