Paradise Pines Retreat

Paradise Pines Retreat is a genuine cedar log cabin set directly on the banks of the Muskegon River, tucked near the end of a quiet private road in Merritt, deep in Northern Michigan's forest-and-river country.

Inside, two full living levels — a bright main floor and a finished walk-out lower level — open onto panoramic views of the water, giving your group room to spread out and still come together. A wraparound Trex deck runs along the river, blurring the line between the cabin and the woods around it.

What sets this retreat apart is the water and the land: private wooded frontage on the Muskegon River, with fishing, paddling, and tubing steps from the door, plus direct access to more than 300 acres of adjoining state land and forest trails.

Secluded yet within easy reach of Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, and Cadillac, it's built for family gatherings, fishing trips, and anyone chasing the quiet of the north woods.

Book your Northern Michigan river escape today!

★THE RIVER★

The Muskegon River is the heart of this property — private, wooded frontage on one of Michigan's premier paddling and fishing rivers, right off your own deck. Launch a kayak or canoe from the bank, drift the gentle summer current on a tube, or cast for smallmouth bass, trout, and seasonal steelhead without leaving the yard. A canoe and kayak livery sits just up the river for convenient rentals and transportation.

★WHAT WE LOVE★

→ Private Muskegon River frontage — fish, paddle, and tube from your own wooded bank
→ Wraparound Trex deck over the water for slow mornings and long evenings by the river
→ Two full living levels with panoramic river views and room for the whole group to spread out
→ National Forest and Public Land with forest and ORV trails right outside the door
→ Authentic cedar log home with warm, rustic north-woods character
→ Secluded setting at the end of a private road, yet 25 minutes to Houghton Lake
→ Room for up to 16 guests, made for family reunions and fishing getaways

⭐️5 STAR HOSTS ⭐️

Forest & Flow Retreats focuses on unique homes and experiences so our guests can build memories for years to come. Over 15% of our bookings come from repeat guests, something we are very proud of. As you may have guessed from our name, we target natural properties with water or forest features that create a calm, peaceful and tranquil environment far removed from the hustle of day to day life.

We are avid outdoor enthusiasts and believe in protecting public lands through conservation efforts and the associated funds raised through hunting, fishing, and orv licenses.

We believe our homes and public lands should be a safe space for people from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, gender or ethnicity.

Each year, we donate a portion of our earnings to public land trusts and / or conservation efforts so that our waters and land can be protected for years to come.

We have hosted tens of thousands of guests over the years across our properties, helping family and friends have a memorable experience!

★KEY FEATURES★

🏠 Entire Private Home
🛌 Premium Beds, Pillows & Linens
🔥 Fireplace + Outdoor Firepit
🍖 BBQ Propane Grill
🔓 Contactless & Keyless Entry
🛜 Highspeed Internet & WiFi
📺 Netflix & Disney+ / Streaming
🛶 Outdoor Activities
🐶 Dog Friendly

✨ Starlight Nights
🌲 Nearby State Parks & National Forest

🌸 Spring Blossoms
☀️ Summer Sun
🍁 Fall Foliage
❄️ Winter Wonderland

★NATURAL ATTRACTIONS★

Set on the Muskegon River amid Northern Michigan's forests and famous inland lakes, the natural beauty begins at your door:
🚤 Lakes – Houghton Lake (≈25 min), Higgins Lake (≈35 min), Lake Cadillac & Lake Mitchell (≈40 min)
🏖️ Beaches – Houghton Lake public beaches (≈25 min), North & South Higgins Lake State Park (≈35 min)
🌲 Public Lands – Thousands of acres of adjoining public and national forests (on-site), plus the Pere Marquette & Au Sable State Forests
🏃‍♀️ Hiking Trails – Wooded trails into the neighboring public lands (on-site) and nearby state-forest pathways

★OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES★

From riverbank mornings to backwoods trails, the area delivers year-round recreation for every kind of traveler:
✔ Water Sports – Kayak, canoe, and tube the Muskegon, or cast for smallmouth bass and trout from your own frontage
✔ Golf – Play The Quest (≈12 mi), Pineview Highlands (≈15 mi), or White Deer Country Club (≈18 mi)
✔ Trail Riding – Ride hundreds of miles of ATV/ORV and snowmobile routes through the surrounding state land
✔ Hunting & Hiking – Roam thousands of acres of adjacent public land, then hike the forest trails from the door. Houghton Lake State Wildlife Research Area, Roscommon's Au Sable State Forest, and the Huron-Manistee National Forests can all be accessed via ORV from the home.
✔ Winter Fun – Snowshoe, cross-country ski, snowmobile, and ice-fish the nearby lakes

★FURTHER AWAY★

Paradise Pines Retreat makes an easy base for exploring Northern Michigan's best day trips:
→ Houghton Lake – 25 min: Michigan's largest inland lake, with boating, marinas, waterfront dining, and year-round water fun
→ Lake City – 30 min: Missaukee county seat with lakeside parks and small-town shops and eateries
→ Higgins Lake – 35 min: Famously clear water, two state-park beaches, and some of the state's best swimming
→ Cadillac – 40 min: Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell, waterfront dining, shopping, and winter trails
→ Grayling – 45 min: The legendary Au Sable River, canoeing, and fly-fishing history
→ Clare – 50 min: The "Gateway to the North" and home of the famous Cops & Doughnuts bakery
→ Traverse City – 1 hr: Wineries, Lake Michigan beaches, and Sleeping Bear Dunes
→ Mount Pleasant – 1 hr 5 min: Soaring Eagle casino resort and Central Michigan University

★SLEEP SPACES★

Paradise Pines Retreat comfortably hosts large groups and sleeps up to 16 guests across three bedrooms and two finished living levels, served by 1.5 bathrooms (one full, one half). Sleeping is split between the main-floor bedroom, the finished walk-out lower level, and the enclosed loft space giving families and larger groups room to settle in.

Main-Floor Bedroom

The main floor bedroom provide the primary sleeping quarters on the main living level, close to the river views and common areas with a premium queen mattress.

Finished Walk-Out Lower Level

The walk-out lower level adds a second private sleeping space with a premium queen mattress.

Enclosed Loft Bunkroom

The enclosed upper loft area has three built in twin beds along with an additional full bed and twin trundle.

Sleeping Summary:
→ Master Bedroom Queen Bed
→ Guest Bedroom Queen Bed
→ Loft Bunkroom Three Built in Twin Beds, 1 Full Bed, 1 Twin Trundle Bed
→ Air Mattresses: Available Upon Advanced Request

Bathrooms

One full bathroom and one half bathroom serve the home.

★COMMON AREAS ★

Main-Level Living Room

Two full living rooms and dining rooms on both floors create a large indoor entertaining space for multi-generation families.

The main living area frames panoramic views of the Muskegon River — an easy place for the whole group to gather after a day on the water.

Lower-Level Living Area

The finished walk-out basement adds a second full living space, giving kids and adults room to spread into their own zones.

Kitchen

A full kitchen equipped for cooking and family-style meals.

→ Full-size refrigerator and freezer
→ Stove, oven and microwave
→ Dual Keurig K-Cup and Drip Coffee Station
→ Cookware, dishware, and everyday basics

Laundry

In-home laundry helps keep river towels and trail clothes fresh through a longer stay.

★OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS★

Wraparound Riverside Deck
A wraparound Trex deck runs the length of the home along the river — the natural gathering spot for morning coffee, afternoon lounging, and evenings watching the water. A large outdoor seating area on the main deck with outdoor dining.

→ Low-maintenance Trex decking wrapping the home
→ Direct river and woodland views
→ Room to gather, dine, and relax outdoors

Outdoor Dining
There’s plenty of room for casual lunches on the deck or or candlelit dinners overlooking the river, where the sound of the river sets the perfect backdrop for conversation.

Private River Frontage
Below the deck, private wooded frontage meets the Muskegon River, with room to launch a kayak, drop a line, or wade in on a warm day.

→ Direct, private access to the Muskegon River
→ Fishing, paddling, and tubing from the bank

Wooded Grounds
The secluded, tree-lined lot opens straight into hundreds of acres of state land and forest trails.

Firepit & BBQ
Evenings are best spent gathered around one of two wood-burning firepits under the stars, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and feeling the lake breeze. A propane BBQ grill is ready for cookouts, so you can enjoy relaxed family-style meals outside.

Highlights:
→ Large deck with river views
→ Outdoor furniture for lounging and relaxing
→ Wood firepits for starlit nights
→ BBQ grill for family meals
→ Adirondack Chairs provided for guests

★LOCATION ACTIVITIES★

Though it feels tucked away, the cabin puts you within easy reach of Northern Michigan's most-loved outdoor destinations, spread across Missaukee, Roscommon, and Wexford counties.

River & Lake Recreation

The Muskegon River runs right past the property, prized for paddling and fishing, with a canoe and kayak livery just up the water for longer floats. Michigan's largest inland lake, Houghton Lake, is about 25 minutes east, while the famously clear waters of Higgins Lake and its two state-park beaches sit roughly 35 minutes away.

Small-Town Stops & Dining

Everyday essentials, casual restaurants, and local shops are a short drive off in Houghton Lake, Lake City, and Falmouth, with fuel and a bite at the Moddersville Store & Pizzeria closer to home. Cadillac, about 40 minutes west, rounds things out with waterfront dining and bigger-box shopping.

Trails & Four-Season Adventure

The surrounding state land opens onto hundreds of miles of ATV/ORV and snowmobile trails, hunting ground, and forest hiking. Summer brings paddling and swimming, fall lights up the treeline for color tours, and winter turns the area over to snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing on the nearby lakes.