Tamerac Outdoor Tours

Taking Tamarac Outside: Spring/Summer 2009

Tamarac Outdoor Tour

This year will bring exciting new adventures for all of our Tamarac outdoor enthusiasts. Each month will feature an excursion, led by Tamarac, on various rivers and trails in Newaygo County. We will be exploring new areas with every trip while learning about our environment and discovering outdoor treasures in West Michigan.

Hiking and Backpacking Basics - Tamarac: April 8^th

Join us as we prepare for our spring and summer hikes. This clinic is perfect for the first timer and individuals with backpacking experience. Discussion will include how to pack and fit your backpack, gear selection, trail nutrition, physical and mental preparation, safety, environmental awareness and much more! 

White River Wilderness Walk: April 11^th

Join us as we continue our quest to hike all sections of the North Country Trail that pass through Newaygo County. We will begin and end at the M-20 Trailhead and our journey will take us to the scenic White River.

Pines Point Paddle: May 16^th

Join us as we navigate a section of the White River that flows through Newaygo County. Our paddling trip will begin at Vida Weaver Park in Hesperia and conclude at Pines Point. 

Kayak Symposium: June 6^th- 7^th

Learn kayaking basics or improve your advanced skills on Brooks Lake. This is the A to Z on kayaking. Everything from paddling basics, to wet exits, and even rolling will be covered at this day long event. Representatives from Dagger, Perception, Wilderness Systems, Mad River, Hurricane, Heritage, and Native will be present to instruct you.

Summer Solstice Stroll: June 20^th

Join us as we celebrate the beginning of summer. Our hike will take us to the Manistee National Forest on a stretch of the North Country Trail that passes through northern Newaygo County. Our hike will begin and end at the Nichols Lake Trailhead.

River Renew Paddle: July 11^th

Join us as we refresh a section of the Muskegon River that flows through Newaygo County. Our eleven mile paddling trip will begin at the Pine Avenue State Access and conclude in the City of Newaygo. All participants will be encouraged to clean-up the river on this paddling trip. Prizes will be awarded to the teams that collect the most rubbish during their journey.

Newaygo Experimental Forest Exploration: August 29^th

Join us as we travel through the Newaygo Experimental Forest on a stretch of the North Country Trail. Our hike will begin and end at the Croton Dam Trailhead.

Fall Leaves and Trees Paddle: October 10^th

Join us as we explore a scenic section of the Muskegon River. Our paddling trip will begin in Newaygo and conclude at the Bridgeton Bridge (Warner Avenue). Let’s enjoy the fall colors and crisp air together on this lovely stretch of river.

In addition to the Tamarac trips, we are challenging community members to participate in local events that provide fun outdoor experiences for all ages and ability levels. Contact Jess at 231.924.1782 if you have any questions about the trip and event schedules. See you outside!

West Michigan Events

Spring Adventure Challenge - Newaygo: May 2^nd

This race features easy to moderate levels of difficulty and will serve as a great race for beginners or intermediate racers preparing for a longer race. This race will be true to classic AR tradition, which means teams will rely on navigating themselves through each stage of the race while making strategic decisions. This will not be an "off-road triathlon". Pre-marked topographical maps will be provided to the racers along with a passport that teams must use to verify the control point locations.

Stark Raving Mad Sprint Adventure Race - Muskegon: June 13^th

The Stark Raving Mad is an adventure race with the beginner in mind. No support crew is needed for the logistically simple sprint AR. Teams will be required to navigate each stage of the race using provided pre-marked trail and topographical maps. Navigation difficulty will vary by control point, but will be on the easy side for the majority of this event. Each team will be issued a passport that will be punched at designated control points along the way. Look for more information about the race as June draws near.

Fun Paddle and Power Paddle - Newaygo: July 4^th

The Fun Paddle is open to everyone, ages 5 to 85, who want a leisurely or slightly competitive paddle down the Muskegon River. This race begins at Henning County Park and finishes at Low Bridge. Kayaks and canoes race together, and compete to earn the top 10 spots, which all receive medals. The HardCore Race is for the more serious paddlers. This race begins at Henning County Park, continues downstream to Low Bridge, and finishes upstream at M-37. Always an exciting race to watch, the participants are battling it out for the three tops spots, which receive cash prizes and a trophy. All participants of the Fun Paddle and HardCore Race will receive a t-shirt.

I Tri 4 Fun West Michigan Triathlon - Fremont: August 8^th

This triathlon is an event for all ages and is aimed to be a fun and rewarding experience for all skill levels. The Fremont Police Department’s goal is to bring wellness, fitness, and fun to the community, offering new experiences in and around the Fremont area.

Equinox - Newaygo County: September 19^th

Celebrate the last official weekend of summer in West Michigan! Experience the North Country Trail, Muskegon River, and more in this non-competitive event for all ages. This day will be a great way to relax and reconnect with family, friends, and nature.

Fall Harvest Hike and Bike - Fremont: October 3^rd

Tamarac is proudly supporting the Fall Harvest Hike and Bike at Branstrom Park, Saturday, October 3, 2009. This event is FREE for all participants. Bring your families to the park for a nice hike or bike ride. Register early and receive a FREE t-shirt. Stick around after your walk or bike ride to enjoy refreshments, the toboggan hill pumpkin roll, and other fun games and activities.

For more information:

Sherri Russell- Hess Lake Rentals-Guest Services

Jessica Graf -Wellness Promotions Representative
Tamarac: The Center for Health and Well-Being
1401 West Main Street
Fremont, MI  49412
Phone: (231) 924-1782
Fax: (231) 924-1870