Big Garlic, Michigan, US

Goldmine Rd to Cty 550 (4 miles)

River Description

Quick Facts:

Location: 13 miles NW of Marquette.
Shuttle Length: 4.7 miles. (See details in "Directions" Tab.)
Character: Northwoods bobble, with chunks of gradient in ledges and slides.

Put-in is approximately 964' elevation.
Take-out is approximately 648' elevation.
Thus total elevation change is approximately 316'.

This tiny river tends to take its gradient in big chunks. There are four sections of elevated gradient, each dropping 50-60' fairly quickly. The not so steep portions of the run are essentially a pleasant bobble through the woods, and are fairly clear of wood for a stream this small. Unfortunately, logs gather in quantity in some of the drops, rendering them unrunnable in part or whole. Additionally, the lower portion of the first good gradient sequence is essentially unrunnable due to an overhanging rock at the bottom of a tight, steep slot/flume. (Can you say 'high speed cranial impact'?) The final big drop could be seen by walking several hundred yards up from the 550 bridge but keep in mind that here, like along much of this run, the property is privately held.

Bottom line? We did it once. It was interesting to explore, but it's doubtful it will make anyone's 'must do again' list.