The Muskegon River leaves the north end of Houghton Lake and gives boaters a quieter change of scene from the open water. The useful stretch for visitors is the slow, scenic part near the lake, where a pontoon ride passes river homes and marshy edges before the channel gets too shallow and awkward.
Do not treat it as a long-distance boat route from town. For most travelers it is a short, pleasant detour after time on the lake.