Page 10 - Mid America Boating - January 2022 issue

Boat Smart

Discover and explore
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] 10
northern Michigan’s

Inland Waterway

By Capt. Fred Davis

Captain Fred Davis, who dedicated himself to decades of continously promoting boating safety
and traveling through the region by boat, wrote hundreds of boating columns for Mid-America
Boating and other publications that were published during his lifetime. Captain Fred passed
away in 2019, but many of his observations about boating safety and attractions remain time-
less. Here is one of his columns pertaining to discovering and exploring Midwest destinations.

Cheboygan is an Indian name, which means “through passage.” It refers to Mich-
igan’s longest navigable inland waterway comprised of four lakes with rivers that
run through them. Besides marking the beginning of a scenic inland waterway
route, Cheboygan provides quick access to nearby attraction destinations, Mack-
inac Island, the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Bois Blanc Island,
Les Cheneaux Islands and the North Channel are other desirable destinations.
The length of the inland passage is variable depending upon what graphic you
are viewing and how navigable the waterway is at the extreme inland point along
the Crooked River leading into Crooked and Pickerel Lakes. Most agree the route
is about 40 miles with the longest distance between fuel stops being 10 miles; it
is dredged to 5 feet with a width of 30 feet by the U.S. Corps of Engineers (subject
to shoaling). There are channel markers and all river entries are marked with
flashing lights. Ramps are available all along the route and currently boats up to Some of the bends are a little tight but the wildlife along the river; Swans, ducks, and geese distract you
65 feet can travel as far as the Crooked River than the size drops to 25 foot. There from any concern. Navigating with a fly bridge is a good choice because of the extended view of what lays
are two locks, a 12-foot gate lock in Cheboygan (fee) and 2-foot clam lock near ahead. Sophisticated electronics have improved navigating the rivers and inland lakes but there is still a need
Alanson (free). to maintain a constant lookout and carry current charts.
Current inland waterway flip charts should be carried aboard that list indicated Smaller craft can explore some of the shallower areas along the Crooked River. You will come to Alanson
depths of 5’ along most of the route. After one enters from Lake Huron, passage and enjoy a swinging bridge (which is still operating today.) There is also a clamshell locks with a drop of 2’ at
may be made all the way to Burt Lake in one day. Accommodations along the Oden which takes you right to the routes end in Conway. As you head back north, you will marvel at the fact
rivers could turn your passage into a leisurely trip that would take several days. the waterway actually runs north. Geologists find this fascinating as well.

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