Clyde Outside

Last Sunday, I set out for a quiet adventure on the Au Train River, tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Kayaking Journey Begins

My journey began at the public put-in beneath the Cameron Crossing Bridge. After dropping off my kayak and gear, I drove back to the take out where I left my car. I planned to walk the mile back from the take-out to start my trip. But, in true U.P. fashion, a friendly local named Jake stopped his truck and offered me a lift. On the short ride, he shared a local’s insight into the river’s features, setting the stage for my paddle.

Clear Water

The Au Train River is known for its clear, spring-fed water and gentle, meandering flow. Perfect for beginners and relaxing for experienced paddlers, this stretch of river carries you past pine forests, sandy banks, and quiet wetlands. Along the way, I passed a few friendly groups, but for the most part, I had the river all to myself. It was a rare kind of solitude that makes paddling here special.

Au Train’s Geologic History

But the river is more than just today’s calm current. Its story stretches back thousands of years. During the last Ice Age, massive glaciers carved out the basins and left behind sandy outwash plains that still shape the landscape today. The Au Train River flows through those glacial deposits and sandstone formations, giving it its shallow gradient and slow, winding nature.

Au Train’s Human History

The name “Au Train” comes from French voyageurs who traveled this region in the 1700s. Translated, it means “at the pace” or “in the current.” I found that a perfect description for the steady rhythm of the river. Later, in the 1800s, this waterway became part of the Upper Peninsula’s logging history. Timber was floated downstream, then processed and shipped across Lake Superior.

Today’s Au Train

Today, the Au Train River has traded saw logs for kayaks, canoes, and fishing rods. It’s a place where history, geology, and recreation all meet in the steady pace of flowing water. In this video, I’ll take you along for my paddle, share some of the river’s background, and show you why Au Train deserves a spot on your U.P. adventure list.

If you enjoy this kind of trip report in Clyde Outside style of mixing paddling, geology, and history, then be sure to like, subscribe, and share the journey. More adventures are always on the way!