Looking for the best things to do while visiting Michigan’s crystal clear Torch Lake? Torch Lake is considered by many to be the prettiest lake in Michigan! From how to rent a boat, to where to hike, eat and stay nearby, here are the best things to do while visiting Torch Lake:

why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I was born and raised in Michigan! When I first started adventuring in Michigan ten years ago, I felt like I could never find the type of information and resources I was looking for — so I made them myself. Today I work as an outdoor guide and freelance writer and Torch Lake and the Chain of Lakes is one of my favorite places to visit in Michigan! I’m stoked to show you around!

oh hey there! this article contains affiliate links. That means if you chose to make a purchase I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Best Things to do in Torch Lake, Michigan:

From the water to the trails, to cute cabin stays and more, here are the best things to do in Torch Lake, Michigan:

1) Rent a boat

One of the best ways to experience Torch Lake is by motor boat! Consider renting a pontoon and spending the day out on the water. From here, you can explore the larger and colder Torch Lake, head down the Torch River, or play on warmer Clam Lake. If you’re up for a longer trip, cruise the scenic Grass River to Lake Bellaire.

Keep in mind that currents can be challenging at rivers and Torch Lake is large and can be challenging to boat on windy days.

Why is Torch Lake so clear and blue?

Torch Lake is Michigan’s second-largest inland lake, and it reaches depths of 300ft! Once upon a time, Torch Lake was actually connected to Lake Michigan at it’s northern-most end. Eventually, the northern outflow filled and became a sandbar, then fully forest and the Torch Lake now reaches Lake Michigan through the Chain of Lakes and a southern flow.

Torch Lake get’s it’s beautiful blue color due to a combination of the water being extremely clear in this region and spring fed, and the lake having been carved by glaciers leaving bottom sediments of rock and sand and limestone sediment, which together create a very blue water color. The blue water color here has given Torch Lake the nickname “Caribbean of the North”.

One thing to keep in mind when visiting Torch Lake is that while Torch might be the draw, the surrounding lakes and rivers are just as beautiful and likely to see less crowds and more secluded nature.

2) Visit Alden

Alden, Michigan is an adorable small town with a mini-lighthouse on Torch Lake! This is a great place to grab an ice-cream and watch a sunset, or wander the small main street and do some light shopping.

READ: Ultimate Michigan Bucket-List

3) Swim the Sandbar

The most popular part of Torch Lake is the sandbar at its south end near the Torch River. The sandbar pretty much can only be accessed by boat and it is often very crowded on summer weekends, and I would avoid it completely on holiday weekends.

The sandbar is a shallow-water and fun place to swim! You can get out there with a motorized boat or a kayak or SUP and swim.

4) Kayak the Grass River

A great adventure for anyone looking to connect with nature on some beautiful water is to kayak the Grass River. The Grass River has a gentle current, clear water, and a sandy bottom and is a really great place to spot wildlife.

This is best done as an out and back, and keep in mind if you launch from Lake Bellaire you’ll be returning against the current! Keep your eyes peeled for swans, kingfisher birds, eagles, and river otter.

5) Kayak the Torch River

Another beautiful place to kayak is the Torch River. The Torch River is located near the Torch Lake sandbar and is also crystal clear.

6) Stay at Retreat North tiny cabins

If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay near Torch Lake, check out Retreat North for one-room cabins in the woods. these tiny cabins have gorgeous valley views, a private hot tub, kitchenette, a communal sauna and more.

Retreat North is about 15 minutes north of Bellaire making it a really great basecamp for people looking to visit Torch Lake for a day, and then spend more time in nature, hiking, paddling and perhaps head up to Charlevoix or Petoskey.

7) Hike the Jordan River Pathway

The Jordan River Pathway is a nearly 20-mile loop along the Jordan River and the North Country Trail often done as a one-night backpacking trip.

If you don’t want to tackle this hike as an overnight, head out on a shorter day hike instead. Check out options and maps linked here.

READ: Best Hiking Trails in Michigan

8) Visit Landslide Overlook

Just a quick walk from the trailhead, Landslide Overlook is also along the Jordan Valley Pathway. This scenic view of the valley below is a great picnic spot, or even a good spot to begin a longer out and back hike.

Landslide overlook is less popular than it’s sister Deadman’s Hill just up the road — a larger overlook of the Jordan Valley below.

READ: Best Backpacking Trails in the Midwest

9) Day Trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes

Torch Lake is gorgeous and on a longer trip, it can make for an excellent basecamp for a day trip to the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes are a little over an hours drive from Torch Lake, and are a great place to spend a day exploring and swimming. In Sleeping Bear, you can find some of the prettiest beaches in the Midwest, crystal clear rivers, and great hiking.

READ: Best Things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

10) Hike the Grass River Natural Area

The Grass River flows between Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake, which eventually flows out to Torch Lake via the Clam River. Along the shores of the Grass River you can find the Grass River Natural Area, a Nature Center with a beautiful network of ADA-accessible hiking trails and boardwalks.

Personally, I find the Grass River to be one of the best places to hike near Torch Lake. The boardwalk is extremely scenic with bridges over crystal clear rivers and creeks, and an abundance of wildlife like river otter and birds.

11) Paddle board & find swimming holes

The region around Torch Lake is best known for it’s clear waters and is the absolute perfect place to explore by kayak or standup paddle board. Check out the Chain of Lakes water trail and pick up a rental at Paddle and Pedals in Bellaire, Michigan.

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12) Canoe the Jordan River

One of the best rivers to paddle near Torch Lake, Michigan is the Jordan River. The Jordan River flows north from the Jordan River Valley toward Lake Charlevoix, it’s outlet into Lake Michigan.

Michigan’s Jordan River is gin clear and fast moving, with the upper sections offering more challenging paddling and, at certain water levels, class II rapids. You can rent a canoe and a shuttle from Jordan Valley Outfitters.

13) Visit Short’s Brewery

One of the coolest places to visit near Torch Lake is Short’s Brewery! This classic Michigan brewery has live music on summer weekends, great food and a fun atmosphere to match.

While visiting Short’s Brewing, be sure to check out the rest of Downtown Bellaire for other cocktails and an adorable downtown district.

READ: Best Things to do in Bellaire, Michigan

Where to eat near Torch Lake:

Short’s brewery is one of the most popular places to eat near Torch Lake, but also check out…

• Dockside Torch Lake
• Bee Well Mead & Cider
• M88 Morning Grind
• Foundry Craft Grillery
• Torch Lake Cafe

Where to stay near Torch Lake:

There are so many great places to stay near Torch Lake, from hotels to B&Bs to cabin rentals! Check out:

• Retreat North, tiny secluded cabins in the woods with a view
• North of Nowhere, variety of wooded cabin rentals, some good for large groups
• Water Camp Stays, on Torch Lake
• Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast, downtown Bellaire
• Applesauce Inn Bed and Breakfast, I always drive past this and it’s really freaking cute
• Barnes Park Campground, on Lake Michigan

Public accesses near Torch Lake

One of the trickiest parts about visiting Torch Lake if you don’t have a boat is finding the public access points to launch a paddleboard or even just swim. Here are some quick, non-exhaustive, public access points linked as google maps locations:

• Maple St Access
• Alden Boat Launch
• Pinnell Road
• Family Day Park
• North Beach and Boat Ramp
• Torch River Access Site

What to pack for an adventure trip to Torch Lake, Michigan:

Summers on in Michigan can be somewhat cooler than you might expect depending on when you visit, and most especially by the lakeshore! Here’s what I recommend packing:

• Long pants: for women looking for a flattering fit and functionality try Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade
• Long sleeve wool baselayers : wool tops like this make a great hiking layer both for sun protection and for regulating body temperature 
• Shorts: I like a quick dry pair with a built-in belt  and a elastic waist, swim-friendly pair
• If paddling or swimming: a UPF sun hoodie and swimsuit (or several!)
• A down puffy jacket that packs down small: nights are a lot cooler than you might expect!
• Leggings with pockets!!! 
• A solid day hiking pack
• On rugged trails, trekking poles
• Hiking boots: I like Oboz Bridger Mids for best grip and ankle support, or alternately hiking/paddling sandals like Bedrocks (designed for paddling guides and paddling guide (me) approved)
• A solid raincoat
• If camping, a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
• For paddling, a Coast Guard approved life jacket
• An America the Beautiful Pass
• If backpacking, backpacking gear!

Love reading about visiting Torch Lake? Continue reading about the best things to do in Michigan:

• Check out the best hiking near Traverse City
• Plan a Michigan Road Trip with these nine Michigan Road Trip Ideas
• Looking for the best Great Lakes destinations? I’ve got you covered!

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