3 Mile Bend Boat Launch

There's no paved ramp here — it's a hard-packed gravel slope that's steeper than you'd expect. Fine for kayaks and smaller jon boats, but I wouldn't try dragging anything over 16 feet down it. Two-wheel drive trucks can struggle on the grade, especially when it's wet.

This spot absolutely lights up during the fall salmon run. The bank fishing access is solid and there are fishing docks, so you'll see families lined up shoulder to shoulder in late September and October. If you're launching a boat, get there early on fall weekends — that tiny 5-spot lot fills fast.

It's $5 to park and it's an honor box system, so bring cash — no card reader, no change machine. The lot technically holds maybe 15 vehicles if you're creative, but only about 5 legitimate trailer spots. Overflow just doesn't really exist out here.

This is deep Kalkaska County — no cell service, no nearby gas stations, no plan B if you forget something. That isolation is part of the charm. The outhouse is surprisingly well-maintained and the picnic area is solid, but pack everything you need before you leave town.

Paddlers love this launch. You can go upstream in the morning and float back in the afternoon, or use it as a put-in for a 2.5–5 hour downstream run depending on how many times you stop. The river forks into two channels nearby that reconnect — both are scenic and mellow enough for beginners.