YELLOW DOG RIVER (Marquette Co., 16 mi. northwest of Marquette)

LENGTH: 4 mi., CLASS: IV, GRADIENT:

SEASON: A week or two in early spring.

PUT-IN: Hwy. 510 Bridge across the river. An alternative put-in can be accessed from the north side of the river near Bob Lake and upstream of Pinnacle Falls.

TAKEOUT: Hwy. 550 Bridge across the river.

GAGE: visual

FUN FACT: A little out of the way but fun for a change of pace.

FIRST DESCENT:

SHUTTLE: From the takeout continue northwest on Hwy. 510 for 4.5 miles then turn west onto Hwy. 550. Follow this road for 6.5 miles to the river. To reach the upper put-in turn right into the dirt road off of Hwy. 550 approximately 2.5 mi. from the turnoff from Hwy. 510.

This is a challenging run that does not get boated as often as some of the others in the U.P. because it is a long haul for most paddlers. But it does have some fun drops (Obedience School).

See the story on this river in Silent Sports March 1998 if you think you are ready for the exploratory runs of the U.P. They're not for everyone.