Big Bear Adventures in Indian River, MI offers diverse raft, kayak, and tube trips through scenic northern waterways. Whether you want a challenging paddle or an easy float, their experienced team provides memorable water adventures year-round.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate to strong fitness and good upper body strength for paddling around obstacles.
Wildlife
History
Indian River and surrounding waterways have long been used for transportation and fishing, with Native American roots tied to the region's natural resources.
Conservation
Big Bear Adventures emphasizes responsible river use, promoting Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile river ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Big Bear Adventures
Big Bear Adventures in Indian River, MI offers diverse raft, kayak, and tube trips through scenic northern waterways. Whether you want a challenging paddle or an easy float, their experienced team provides memorable water adventures year-round.
Big Bear Adventures is based in Indian River, Michigan, offering a range of river and off-road experiences on the Sturgeon River and nearby lakes. The outfit provides guided and self-guided options that serve families, groups, and advanced paddlers.
Trip options include family raft trips in stable 5- or 7-person rafts that conclude at Burt Lake State Park; challenging “Mid-Section” kayak runs such as Rondo to N. White Road and Wolverine to N. White Road (the latter noted as a 3.5-hour option); traditional and steerable Kayak-Tube experiences with heavy-duty fins; and guided Side‑by‑Side off-roading tours through local trails. Rentals include haul-it-yourself single kayaks, sit-in and sit-on kayaks, and tubes with paddles and lifejackets provided when noted.
Shuttle and spotting services transport personal canoes and kayaks to recommended put-ins and are supported by local facilities and route knowledge. Big Bear Adventures emphasizes safe, accessible river access, teamwork-focused raft navigation, and a selection of trip difficulty levels from beginner-friendly tubing to advanced mid-section runs. Reservation details, exact start times, equipment lists, and booking policies are provided on The Adventure Collective listing. Big Bear Adventures offers multiple ways to explore Northern Michigan waterways and trails while relying on local shuttle support, a variety of rental gear, and clearly described route options for both families and experienced paddlers.
Location
Indian River, MI
Base for Sturgeon River trips
Tours Offered
10 unique trips
Rafting, kayaking, tubing, off-roading
Guided Options
Guided & Self‑Guided
Guides and haul-it-yourself rentals available
Trip Lengths
Variable (3.5 hrs noted)
Includes a 3.5-hour mid-section trip
Reserve raft trips, mid-section kayaks, tubes, rentals, or guided Side‑by‑Side tours in Indian River, Michigan — easy booking through The Adventure Collective.
Be prepared for natural obstacles
Sections include fallen trees and currents that require attentive paddling skills and safety awareness.
Check shuttle schedules in advance
Coordinate rides with Big Bear’s spotting and shuttle services to avoid long waits and assure smooth pickup/drop-off.
Wear appropriate footwear
Riverbeds can be rocky and uneven; sturdy water shoes or sandals with good grip are recommended.
Expect changing weather
Northern Michigan weather is variable; bring layers and rain gear to stay comfortable on the water.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Mandatory for safety on all raft and kayak trips.
Waterproof footwear
Protects feet on rocky riverbeds and in shallow water landings.
summer|spring|fall
Layered clothing
Keeps you warm and dry in variable Northern Michigan weather.
spring|fall|winter
Dry bag
Keeps personal items safe and dry during paddling.