Boyne River Detail

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All Boyne River

Essentially broken into three sections, beginning with somewhat challenging narrow riverbed and downed trees, then widens a bit requiring less maneuvering, then finally opens to wide slow water near the outskirts of Boyne City. The final stretch through the city is a medium speed current along reinforced banks, and outlets into Lake Charlevoix. Ending in Boyne City, there are plenty of options for food and supplies.

Go To Play Plan

Conditions

River Conditions: Gradually widens, deepens, and slows while progressing down the river.

  • Upper Third. Clear clear water. Quick with obstacles. Less than 25′ wide. 2′-4′ deep. Somewhat challenging. Plan on getting caught in branches or shallow spot.
  • Middle Third. Medium current with fewer obstacles. Able to avoid tangles. Nice section to enjoy the surroundings without much work. 25′-50′ wide. Less than 5′ deep.
  • Lower Third. Gradually widens to a large open ponded area, just before town. Westly winds often blow up the corridor, creating a headwind to paddle against. Virtually no current, until reaching edge of downtown at bridge. Then medium current with no obstacles, under 3 bridges, to Lake Charlevoix. Then open water to boat launch.

Bank Conditions:

  • Upper Third. Cedar forest, low land. Not swamp, but thick vegetation.
  • Middle Third. Cedar forest, low land. Not swamp, but thick vegetation.
  • Lower Third. Developed uplands.

Development:

  • Upper Third. Virtually non-existent.
  • Middle Third. Periodic homes & structures.
  • Lower Third. Downtown Boyne City.

Cautions:

  • May be windy and difficult to paddle into headwinds and waves in Lower Third. Lake Charlevoix could be very wavy & choppy.
  • Bridge under Lake Street, to Lake Charlevoix, may not have enough clearance to pass under due to high water.

Access Notes

  • Dam Rd. Medium difficulty. Road parking (10+/- spots). 200′ drag to river down path, then easy shallow entry.
  • Riverside Park. Undeveloped park area with easy access and adjacent parking.
  • Boyne City Boat Launch. Concrete municipal boatlaunch with pier, with plenty of parking.
  • Staging Distance. 4.7 mi.

Statistics

  • Length: 4.2 miles.
  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • Difficulty: [C] Beginner to Intermediate. Gradually gets easier, with the most difficult section at the beginning.
  • Current: Starts quick, graduals out in the middle section, opens to virtually no current, and ends with a medium speed through Boyne City.

River Play

River Break:

  • Middle Third has some shallow water areas with sandy bottom, allowing for a stop to cool your feet. Little to no access to land, due to thick vegetation.
  • Beginning of Lower Third, before wide open area, is good place for stop and walk in water. Shallow sandy areas
  • Nature: Abundant waterfowl in lower third.