Big Iron, W.Br., Michigan, US

Forest Hwy.360 to White Pine (3.9 - 17 miles)

River Description

Quick Facts:
Location:Western Upper Peninsula, approximately 11 miles NW from Bergland.
Shuttle Length: up to 16.5 miles. (See details in "Directions" Tab.)
Character: Fine northwoods float.
Drainage area at uppermost listed possible put-in: approximately 13 square miles.

Uppermost put-in elevation is approximately 350 meters or 1148'.
Take-out elevation (after confluence with Big Iron) is approximately 760'.
Thus total elevation change is approximately 388'.

Information (lat, lng, elev, total drop, run length, shuttle length) adjusted and/or verified from best manual extrapolation of online data (via maps.google.com, distance measuring tool, and other resources). 2009.01.30

We are aware of some runs on some segment of the West Branch of the Big Iron River. We have no specific knowledge of put-in and take-out which have been used. The best gradient (not that any of it is that steep) is on the final stretch of the West Branch, before merging with the main Big Iron. Thus, that is the 'primary' stretch detailed here. The listed rating of class I-II(III) is highly tentative, based only upon gradient and what is observable from a 'virtual walk' via Google.

In case anyone cares or dares to explore further, we will list details and provide logistics for what seem likely upstream access points. It is unknown how possible either upper access is. Both of these upper stretches appear as though they would be potentially scenic floats, as they appear to be in a bit of a gorge or steep valley. Again, the final ('primary') segment (as detailed in this listing) is the higher gradient reach, and has readily apparent ledge/drops.

The resolution on Google Maps for this area is excellent. Therefore, we highly recommended going to the 'Map' tab, clicking 'Satellite', zooming in to the maximum resolution available (without losing image), and doing a 'virtual walk' of this reach!