March 28, 2024

A wild river excursion Up North

Dec. 6, 2009
A Wild River Excursion Up North
By Kristi Kates
You may already know that the Jordan River is Michigan’s first
waterway to be officially designated as a “Wild and Scenic River,”
with much of the additional area having been proposed as an old growth
forest area. You might also know that it’s part of the famed North
Country Scenic Trail - the 4,000-mile pathway that was recently
completed, extending from New York through Michigan to North Dakota.
But perhaps you didn’t know that the Jordan River is also the site of
one of Northern Michigan’s newest and most unique winter activities;
step aside, skiing, skating, and sledding - it’s time for a little
winter rafting.

WINTER JAUNT
   Boyne USA’s Sean Handler has worked with Boyne Mountain’s Solace
Spa to put a rafting event together on Dec. 12, and it’s a winter
jaunt far unlike anything most locals or visitors have experienced
before.
“This North Woods experience is great fun,” Handler explains. “You
immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Jordan River Valley,
sensing the peacefulness as you travel down the river in a guided
raft. We travel via the river current on water - not ice, as you might
expect. The edges of the river and trees are covered in beautiful
layers of ice.”
Handler says the Jordan River flows much slower in the winter than
during the peak summer season, allowing for a more scenic pace - so
bring your weather-safe cameras - and a setting of tranquility and
solitude.
Departing at 9 a.m., the rafting expedition includes the river ride
plus a whole lot more to delight any nature lover.
“We bring snowshoes with us in the rafts,” Handler explains, “then,
halfway down our river travels, we stop in the middle of nature and
dock our boats adjacent to the river bank.  It is here that we spend
at least 30 minutes snowshoeing through a spectacular setting -
beautiful scenery is a common sight along the Jordan River.”

SNOWSHOES AND COCOA
The snowshoes are provided as are a hot beverage and a snack, enjoyed
in the middle of a Northern Michigan river forest, to make for a total
outdoor experience of nearly three hours.
Handler says that those interested should arrive prepared, as while
beautiful, a Northern Michigan outdoor winter activity such as this
can also be quite intense as far as the cold temperatures are
concerned.
“Guests should wear layered clothing to remain comfortable in the
outdoors, such as a winter coat, snow pants, scarf, hat, mittens, long
underwear, and boots,” he says, “most guests warm up significantly
once snowshoeing, and remove a few layers. Bring a camera if you’d
like - preferably in a waterproof container so you can protect it from
the elements - smile, and be prepared for a great day.”

SPA RECOVERY
Included in the Winter Rafting and Snowshoe Excursion is each
participant’s choice of a 50-minute Solace Spa treatment at Boyne
Mountain, to warm up and relax the muscles after this outdoor voyage.
The basic package is $175 per person (including rafting, snowshoeing,
beverage, snack, and spa treatment), while an expanded version of the
excursion includes one night’s lodging at Boyne’s Mountain Grand Lodge
and Spa plus breakfast for $233 per person; booking at least several
days prior to the event is recommended.
“Be the first among your friends to say ‘I went river rafting in Michigan!’”
Handler says.

To get more details on this package or
to book your reservation, telephone 1-800-GO-BOYNE, and use package code RAFT.

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