Rainbow Rapids

Rainbow Rapids is a day-use boat ramp located on Wingleton Road, approximately 8 miles west of Baldwin on Michigan's Pere Marquette National Scenic River. The access features a parking area at the top of the hill with the boat launch situated down the slope, making it convenient for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. A $5 day-use fee is required. This site serves as a popular midpoint rest stop for paddlers navigating the scenic corridor, making it ideal for multi-day canoe trips or as a turnaround point for day outings.

The Pere Marquette is known for excellent fishing opportunities—anglers pursue brown trout, salmon, steelhead, and rainbow trout—and the river offers beautiful scenery perfect for paddling and wildlife viewing. For trip planning and additional information about facilities, amenities, and current conditions, contact the managing facility at 231-745-8760 or visit Recreation.gov. The nearby Bowman Bridge Campground provides overnight lodging and watercraft rentals for those planning extended river trips.

Overview
Bowman Bridge Campground is perfect for true nature immersion. Campers come here for easy access to the Pere Marquette National Scenic River and for the delightful views of the great outdoors.Recreation
The top three activities for campers at Bowman Bridge are canoeing, fishing and hiking. Anglers cast for brown trout, salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout.

Watercraft rentals are...

Overview
Bowman Bridge Campground is perfect for true nature immersion. Campers come here for easy access to the Pere Marquette National Scenic River and for the delightful views of the great outdoors.Recreation
The top three activities for campers at Bowman Bridge are canoeing, fishing and hiking. Anglers cast for brown trout, salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout.

Watercraft rentals are available at two nearby liveries in Baldwin. A permit is required to float the river from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend. Watercraft hours during the permit season are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hikers can head up the campground's connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail. This "north country" trail weaves through many scenic, historic and cultural areas across seven states, measuring 4,600 miles end-to-end.Facilities
Campsites are in a wooded setting, but due to a tornado that passed through in 2005, tall trees and shade are less dense than in neighboring campgrounds.

The campground has a single loop 16 paved family campsites. There are also 4 walk-in family campsites and 4 tent-only group sites that can accommodate up to 20 people each.Natural Features
The campground is situated along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, a 66-mile stretch of clear, unspoiled waters within the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Michigan. Large blocks of public land offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, photography, and hunting can be found in the surrounding area.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy exploring the extent of the Pere Marquette National Scenic River. Other nearby attractions include the Bowman Lake Foot Travel Area and the historic community of Idlewild.

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