3 Days Backpacking the MANISTEE RIVER LOOP

I spent three days in August backpacking one of my favorite trails -- the Manistee River Loop in Michigan. This was a fun, relaxing trip with a little surprise weather thrown in on night 2.
The loop can be done in 2 days but I decided to stretch it to 3 since I was getting a late start on the first day (and because, well...more time backpacking!).
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#backpacking
Filmed on a Google Pixel 2 with Edutige external mic
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Welcome to my random musings on all things backpacking. If you haven't already guessed, my name is Dan. I was bit by the backpacking bug in 2014 and since then haven't gone one day without thinking about my next adventure. I'm from Chicago, a great city but...not so much known for its bountiful backpacking opportunities. Nevertheless, I haven't let that stop me from enjoying the outdoors. Hope my videos leave you with one or two takeaways, or even better, inspire you to head out on the trail. Thanks for watching! Have fun out there!
- Dan

[@kentv999]

Great video! Looking forward to doing the Manistee Trail soon

[@SkitterComic]

That toilet was a great idea! I have the toilet seat you can add to a bucket, but I never woulda thought about a pool noodle. Comfy.

[@pamb.7753]

Thanks for this video. Big fan of Manistee and surrounding area. My Go To place. I need to check this loop out.

[@domenickdecocco3343]

Planning to do this loop for the first time in May. Looking forward to turning off my brain and just relax with Mother Nature.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Turning off my brain is what I'm best at 🤣

[@mysterious.hiker.x]

I have seen you kick yourself for bailing early on a 3 day trip and making it into just an overnighter, so it was really great to see you get to backpack for the entire 3 days. The Manistee River Loop is absolutely on my list of places I need to hike!

[@DanGoesHiking]

That part definitely felt good!

[@vincentdipaola2325]

Great vid👌😊

[@NREnger]

Hi @Dan Goes Hiking welcome to northern Michigan and the weather does this a lot here. Always be prepared for any weather.

[@SkitterComic]

LOL! Your "How was that?" moment cracked me up. Every time I watch a backpacking video with the obligatory walk-past-the-camera shot, I can't help but think... "That was fake. They now have to return to pick up the camera." Your edit between shots was excellent, tho.

[@TheFoundersofJoy]

Dope vid!! Inspiration for my next venture. Keep it up!

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

Great video. Hope to get up there in the next year. The trail is so therapeutic for me. I feel the urge and need to get in the backcountry when its been too long

[@ryantowers2313]

Never leave your rain coat at home when in Michigan lol, I also wear darn tough definitely love them they are the first wool socks I have tried, though about smart wool to give them a try

[@dabeev]

Bet the siren was one of the dams opening up

[@tomm1677]

It might just be a MI thing but the first Saturday of each month is a test of the disaster siren. Might of been that

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks! Yeah I looked it up later and it said they test the dam siren every Thursday around 9:30am, which lines up with when I heard it. Glad it was only a test!

[@pamb.7753]

Good to know. Love me some Manistee National Forest camping. @@DanGoesHiking

[@HanzgohFilms]

Hey there- enjoying your video. I am hiking that loop this spring or summer. I am curious where your 2nd site was on the map. Really nice camp site.

[@DanGoesHiking]

It was just north of the waterfall, so if you're hiking there loop clockwise and you hit the waterfall, turn around and go back down the hill and you'll see it. Have fun!

[@HanzgohFilms]

@@DanGoesHiking Thanks alot! Been looking to hike this loop for 2 years... finally pulling the trigger and getting there...

[@larasea741]

Dan do you remember the campsite numbers for your hike. I also love solitude while backpacking. Thanks

[@DanGoesHiking]

The first night wasn't an official campsite, but I believe it was on Arquilla Creek. The second night may have been 1B. It's the first site you get to after you descend from the waterfall (if hiking northbound).

[@drokoutdoors]

That toilet. Lol

[@pamb.7753]

In camping in the MNF I have seen plenty of "toilets". Sometimes they are a welcome sight.

[@duenge]

Dams may sound their siren prior to opening their gates. A warning that waters downstream may get a bit deeper or quicker...

[@SkitterComic]

first thing I thought was a weekly tornado siren. Never thought about a dam having a siren, tho. interesting.

[@D0ct0rM0nk3y]

Would you recommend trekking poles on the loop?

[@DanGoesHiking]

I recommend trekking poles everywhere! It's rugged enough where I think they could be helpful.

[@murphragous]

Nice video, i think you just gave me an idea. I am totally on the same page about being alone. Ive been keeping distance, not going out, not seeing buddies - i still just want to go away solo.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Then a solo trip sounds like it's in your future!

[@kevins5386]

Hey Dan ! What secluded campsites do you recommend off of your head? Thanks for the great content!!!

[@DanGoesHiking]

The two I stayed at on this trip we're actually my favorite. The first was very secluded, the second not as much but still pretty good. There's another site right before the waterfall that's pretty tucked away (although it's popular so good luck!). Happy camping!

[@AbbyK30]

Dan, I couldn't tell from your video what your actual route was. Where did you start and end and park, etc? Thanks.

[@DanGoesHiking]

I started and ended at the upper river road trailhead and hiked counterclockwise.

[@AbbyK30]

@@DanGoesHiking thanks!

[@AbbyK30]

@@DanGoesHiking Do you know of any way to shorten this loop? I'm planning to backpack the area in early June but I'm not sure my fellow backpackers can handle a full 20 miles. If not, do you know of another shorter loop in manistee? We have 3 days and 2 nights. I really appreciate your help!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Hmm, unfortunately I don't think there's a shortcut since the river gets in the way, unless you want to do an out-and-back on one section of the trail (or park multiple cars at different trailheads). I don't know of a shorter loop in the area, but the Fife Lake Loop is also close by. It's still about 20 miles, but almost the whole thing is quite flat so it's generally an easier hike than the Manistee River. Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip!

[@AbbyK30]

@@DanGoesHiking yeah. that's what I was afraid you were going to say. That's kind of what I had gathered from looking at maps. I was considering an out and back style. Do you think that one portion of the loop is more scenic vs. the other? Again, thanks for your responses.

[@nathanaelkolb4024]

Fife Loop is nice. Walking into town for a burger is a plus. You should also try the Jordan River Loop.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks! I haven't heard of the Jordan River Loop. I'll check it out!

[@JM17881]

Hey great vid! How hard is it to complete the loop within 2 days, assuming I'm an "intermediate hiker"?

[@DanGoesHiking]

I think it's perfect for an intermediate hiker, maybe even a beginner depending on fitness. As long as you can hike about 20 miles over two days you should be good. Elevation gain and loss isn't crazy. I'm always tired and sore afterward, but nothing like a backpacking trip in the mountains.

[@JM17881]

@@DanGoesHiking Thank you so much!!! I look forward to watching your future videos!

[@longwinters4304]

Hey Dan, where ya been lately?

[@Hi-gc2bv]

Can you give me a shout out