The Road to the Tower / Overlanding Manistee National Forest

Join us as we overland in our Jeeps to Udell Fire Tower located in the Manistee National Forest.

[@forestdog]

I was just at the fire tower the other day. 😎 Great video!

[@TrailExpedition]

Thanks! It’s definitely a cool spot!

[@bigscottmi]

"They must have paid their dues" haha! Looks like a great trip, wish I hadn't been working

[@TrailExpedition]

Yeah man we had a great time! Nothing your Jeep couldn’t handle. You need to join us next time!

[@gvsukids]

looks like you could use a shorter antenna. nice trip, hopefully more snow this weekend

[@TrailExpedition]

Yeah some of those trails are a little overgrown. I usually wheel my TJ but trying to keep it out of all the salt.

[@gvsukids]

@@TrailExpedition good to see a stock Jeep can go there.

[@TrailExpedition]

Well it does have a 2.5” suspension lift and slightly larger than stock tires. But she does well. Trutracs and 35”s are on the short list of things to get.

[@mericanfreedom8347]

I don’t know man, I think the Ol’ TJ would have made it through those ruts😂 Just messing with you haha! Great video man!

[@TrailExpedition]

With enough skinny pedal she would! When in doubt, gas ‘er out LOL

[@mericanfreedom8347]

@@TrailExpedition yeah bro!!😂

[@TheMonkdad]

Being high centered is a bigger deal when your alone without a winch. It requires serious creativity.

[@TrailExpedition]

Fact. Been there myself and was stuck for hours.

[@danielkearns1665]

What exhaust is on the red Jeep? Sounds good.

[@TrailExpedition]

I believe at that time he had a Pypes exhaust kit but he has switched it up since then.

[@matpars]

Great video! Do you remember what site number this was?

[@TrailExpedition]

Not sure the site. The campsite is right next to Tippy Dam.

[@ForeverJeep]

You head south on upper river road off of Coates Hwy and you drive past government landing. There are many self serve first come sites on the tippy dam pond. After passing government landing there are two turn offs to the left. Take the second left turn off of upper river road and continue straight down that two track until you reach this campsite. There are multiple other sites there and it gets really busy in summer on weekends. Great place if you get a site.

[@TrailExpedition]

Yeah, what he said 😆

[@dustinmccance3663]

Do you remember where the tower was at? Best way to get to it?

[@TrailExpedition]

Honestly couldn’t tell ya. Followed a friend who had been there before. You could probably find it by doing a quick google search.

[@ForeverJeep]

Udell fire tower. It is off M55 headed west towards manistee from M37. The tower can no longer be climbed as they have gated off and removed stairs long ago.

[@TrailExpedition]

Well there ya go!