The Sturgeon River is the fastest in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with an average descent of 14 feet per mile. As a result of the river’s speed, this crystal-clear spring-fed stream doesn’t freeze, and winter rafting is possible. The average depth is three to four feet deep. However, deeper pools can reach five to eight feet, usually around outside bends.

 

Big Bear Adventures offers guided winter rafting trips on the Sturgeon River throughout the winter. Imagine floating down the clear Sturgeon River amidst the snow-covered evergreens. Experience winter’s breathtaking beauty and solitude while floating under a canopy of cedars and pines covered with newly fallen snow.

Since 2001, Big Bear Adventures’ knowledgeable staff has guided rafts down the Sturgeon River on a fun and narrated one-and-a-half-hour trip. This experience offers an excellent chance to watch wildlife in their natural habitat.

Most importantly, they don’t tip over. In the winter, Big Bear Adventures only offers guided raft trips to ensure the highest safety standards. All equipment is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and safety-inspected. All participants must wear Type III Lifejackets.

They can accommodate groups of up to eight people in their spacious, relaxing rafts. The winter raft trips are a great team-building activity. Anyone can enjoy a winter rafting trip as the adventure doesn’t require any experience. But you will need to participate, as successfully paddling a raft involves teamwork. A genuinely unique trip with memories that will last a lifetime!

Rates

Rates include all equipment, guide, and shuttle service. No experience is necessary, just warm clothes and a camera! Big Bear Adventures requires reservations so that they are sure to have a knowledgeable guide available when you arrive. They offer three departure times daily, typically at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. However, departure times vary slightly as daylight lengthens. You can take a rafting trip any day of the week throughout the winter. Please call for reservations and more information.

Rates are per person. Groups of one or two rafters can merge with other small groups, with a maximum of eight adults per raft and 14 adults at a time. Occasionally, they can take groups of more than 14 people if they have their third rafting guide on duty.

If you have more than 14 people in your group, you could easily split the group into two groups, with half rafting and the other half snowshoeing; everyone meets for lunch and then switches activities. Also available for rent at Big Bear Adventures are snowshoes and cross-country skis.

Winter Rafting Packages

You can combine two or more winter sporting activities and get discounts. The more you do, the more the savings. For example, reserve your spot for a one-and-a-half-hour guided winter raft trip and rent your cross-country skis or snowshoes. Then, for only $10 more, add on a four-hour rental within 24 hours before or after your rafting trip.

Wildlife

See the breathtaking beauty of nature with the snow-covered cedars and ice formations along the riverbanks as you travel along the Sturgeon River Valley. Winter rafting is one of the few winter activities where you can creep closely up to animals in their native habitat. Stay on the lookout for deer, turkey, beaver, bald eagles, mink, muskrat, fox, and coyote.

What to Wear while Winter Rafting

Layers. Layers. Layers. That’s key to staying warm during your winter rafting adventure. Your bottom and feet are the most susceptible to getting chilly. So, remember to wear your long underwear layered with fleece or polypropylene. In addition, they highly recommend a final layer of an outdoor shell or windbreaker on top of your pants. Then, warm socks and winter boots to cover your feet are necessary.

Under your warm winter jacket, layer a T-shirt, then perhaps a flannel button-down. Finally, add wool or fleece hats, gloves, scarves, and neck gators. Big Bear Adventures has a general store where you can add last-minute hand and foot warmer packets, mittens, hats, and scarves. And if you want to take pictures, don’t forget a dry bag lanyard for your cellphone.