Crystal River Detail

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All Crystal River

Navigating Crystal River is very easy, a great trip for beginners, with the only challenges are to avoid grounding and the road portages. Right away, you will understand why the name is Crystal River – because of the crystal clear water. Start out this shallow float with pure clean steady moving water. Just after the first bend, you will reach the weir that sets the water level for Glen Lakes – i.e. the backwater elevation is approximately the elevation of the water level for Glen Lakes.

Conditions

• River Conditions: Initially, the river is barely 2′ deep, with sand & gravel bottom, and medium speed current. After the first road portage, the river gets a little deeper for a while (about 4’ deep), with little current and weedy bottom. Then back to shallow.
• Bank Conditions: The edges are lush with cedar, hemlock, tamarack, and white pine. Miles of uninhabited woodlands, owned primarily by the National Lakeshore.
• Development: None above 1st portage, after that, a handful of riverside cottages.
• Cautions: Multiple portages, with a couple over the road.

Access Notes

• Fisher Road. Easy access at beginning launch. Parking = 10+/- spots.
• Crystal View Road. A couple hundred feet downstream of second portage (first road crossing). Launch just after first road portage has 2-3 parking spots.
• M-22. On M-22, where river comes next to road and heads parallel to road away from Glen Arbor.
• Staging Distance: 2.3 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 4.4 miles.
• Duration: 3.5 hours total. To first road crossing = 1.5 to 2 hours. From 1st to 2nd road crossing = 1 hour. From second road crossing to just past livery = about ½ hour.
• Difficulty: [C] Beginner-Intermediate. Need to steer, few obstructions, easily avoid tangles. Portages create additional challenge.
• Current: [C]. A smooth consistent current, slowing some between the two portages.

Portages. One around small weir, and two over roadway.

• Crystal River Weir. First portage around dam/weir. Portage on the right, a 50’ drag along a dirt trail, easily accomplished.
• First Road Crossing. Med difficult. Need to pull boat up an asphalt slope, run it down about 150’ of road, then take it back down to the river using wide steps. (took photo) The part that makes it easy is you can step in the water easily, as it is shallow with a solid bottom.
• Second Road Crossing. Up and over.

River Play

• River Break: None. Lots of places to get out and stretch legs, with public land, riverside trail on right side, and generally stable edge. Just before the first bridge / road portage, about 500’ upstream, there is a small meadow on the right side – a great spot for lunch or let the slow movers catch up, before making the second portage.
• Nature: Watch for resident blue herons, as they fill the sky with their giant wingspan, and often times stop just downstream. Traverses through National Park land.
• Fishing: Salmon run in the Fall.

Victoria Creek Detail

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All Victoria Creek

Slow and peaceful water bisecting a large marshland, with easy continuous paddling, both down and back.

Conditions

• River Conditions: Murky marsh sediment bottom.
• Bank Conditions: Marshland on both sides.
• Development: None, until reaching Lake Leelanau.
• Cautions: Wind may create some paddling challenges.

Access Notes

• River Park. Boatlauch with trailer parking.
• Lake Park. Boatlaunch.
• Staging Distance. 4.0 miles.

Statistics

• Length: 4.7 miles.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Difficulty: [D] Beginner. Wide area, rare obstructions, gentle to flat current.
• Current: Starts with a slow current, and soon becomes flat water.

River Play

• River Break: None. All marshland.
• Nature: Excellent birding habitat.
• Fishing:

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.

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.

Boardman River Detail

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All Boardman River

The river evolves from crystal clear waters flanked by public natural areas, to downtown Traverse City with boardwalks. The upper section is narrow with a quick current within the State Forest and is a section of the Michigan Wild-Scenic Natural River with crystal clear water. The middle section remains quick, but straightens for easier maneuvering. Below Beitner Road is whitewater until the Boardman River Nature Center downstream of Cass Road. After Boardman Lake, the stretch though downtown is gentle with one portage.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Clean, fresh, shallow water in the upper half, to fast water in the middle, to Boardman Lake & slow current at the end. Generally, less than 30 feet wide and 6 feet deep in the river sections.
• Bank Conditions. Mostly wooded.
• Development. The majority of the river traverses public land.

Statistics

• Length: 25 miles?
• Duration: 14 hours?
• Difficulty: Starting out, the river is quite narrow with some navigation challenges. Mid section from Brown Bridge to Beitner Road is quick, but fairly easy to navigate. Below Beitner, rapids exists, with changing conditions based on recent dam removals. The current slows when approaching Boardman Lake, then a light easy float to Lake Michigan. Overall, one of the more challenging rivers in Northwest Michigan.
• Current: Initially a quick current, then gradually slows when approaching Traverse City, with no current crossing the lake. Overall, however, the current switches from fast to slow throughout the extents of the river.
• Portage. Portage are required at Traverse City dam between Cass & Union Streets.

River Play

• Nature: Songbirds, waterfowl, and wildlife are all abundant along the corridor, especially in the upper reaches.
• Fishing: The upper section above the former Brown Bridge Pond is good for brook and brown trout. Salmon run in the lower section in Traverse City during Fall spawning season.

The Forks to Brown Bridge

The upper section is broken down into two parts

• Fork’s Campground to Scheck’s Place Campground.
• Scheck’s Place Campground to Brown Bridge.

Fork’s Campground to Scheck’s Place Campground

Fairly narrow with moderately fast water in a wild and natural setting.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Moderate to quick current in winding alignment. Generally around 30 feet wide and less than 3 feet deep, with some 6 feet deep holes.
• Bank Conditions. Mixed hardwood and conifer forest, flanked with state forest property.
• Development. Virtually none, traversing through State Land.

Access Notes

• Forks Campground. Primitive sites are on the riverbank, with good access and parking.
• Scheck’s Place Campground. Access on right side, wood deck access adjacent to parking lot.

Statistics

• Length: 5 miles.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Difficulty: [B] Intermediate. Hard to navigate, many obstructions, quick current, caught in tangles.
• Current: [B] Quick current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Stops. Many places to stop on dry land. Ranch Rudolf for food, drinks & provisions.
• Nature: Wild and natural.

Scheck’s Place Campground to Brown Bridge

Moderate speed current down a winding corridor, flanked by State Forest lands then opens to redevelopment of the river channel in the former Brown Bridge Pond.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Average width of around 30′, generally less than 3′ deep, with some holes up to 6 feet, and sand & gravel bottom.
• Bank Conditions. The upper reaches present State Forest upland valley with a mix of evergreens, hardwoods, and periodic cedar stands. Approaching the former Brown Bridge pond, the corridor transitions to banks carved in the bottom lands. A nice color float in fall.
• Development. Virtually none, traversing mostly through State Land.

Access Notes

• Scheck’s Place Campground. Easy access with good parking.
• Brown Bridge. Easy access with a deck, and parking lot.

Statistics

• Length: 4.9 miles.
• Duration: 2.5 hours.
• Difficulty: [C] Beginner-Intermediate. Need to steer, few obstructions, easily avoid tangles.
• Current: [B] Quick current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Break: Frequent areas for stopping.
• Nature: State Forest wild.
• Fishing: Designated Trout Stream.

Brown Bridge to Beitner Park

Broken down into two sections

• Brown Bridge to Shumsky Road.
• Shumsky Road to Beitner Road.

Brown Bridge to Shumsky Road

The current picks up and the alignment straightens, continuing through wooded landscape with occasional riverfront cottages. A good fall color float.

Conditions

• River Conditions. The current is swift, with less meander, and clean clear water. Average width is about 40′, and generally 3′-6′ deep with sand & gravel bottom, and occasional large rocks and submerged logs and stumps.
• Bank Conditions. Hardwoods and periodic lowlands, with occasional farmland and meadow areas.
• Development. Mostly private land with periodic cottages.
• Caution. Watch for low foot bridges.

Access Notes

• Brown Bridge. Easy access with a deck, and parking lot.
• Garfield Road.
• Shumsky Rd. Easy access on right side of river with parking lot.

Statistics

• Length: 7.3 miles. Brown Bridge to River Road: 3.6 mi. River Road to Shumsky: 3.7 mi.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Difficulty: [C] Beginner-Intermediate. Need to steer, few obstructions, easily avoid tangles.
• Current: [B] Quick current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Break: The river is fast and direct, making river stops challenging.
• Nature: Riverside becomes more developed and less of a wild natural setting.

Shumsky Road to Beitner Road

The current picks up and the alignment straightens, becoming quite a bit quicker than upstream.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Gravel bottom with quick current.
• Bank Conditions. Mostly undeveloped hardwood forest.
• Development. Periodic houses.
• Caution. Watch for low foot bridges.

Access Notes

• Shumsky Rd. Easy access on right side of river with parking lot.
• Beitner Park. Right side of river with deck access and adjacent to parking lot. Exit upstream of Beitner Road culverts.

Statistics

• Length: 4.6 miles.
• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Difficulty: [B] Intermediate. Challenging to navigate due to speed of current.
• Current: [B] Quick current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Break: fast current makes stopping difficult.
• Nature: Intermittent houses and natural areas.
• Fishing: Trout Stream.

Beitner Park to Hull Park

Broken down into two sections

• Beitner Road to Jack’s Landing (Cass Road).
• Jack’s Landing to Hull Park.

Beitner Road to Jack’s Landing (Cass Road)

Whitewater with boulders and standing waves, then gradually slows to standing water after the Boardman River Nature Center.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Boulders and fast current creating whitewater conditions.
• Bank Conditions. Changing conditions with the redevelopment of the river banks since the removal of Keystone & Sabin Dams.
• Development. Periodic houses, but mostly nature preserve land with adjacent trail system.
• Caution. Initial half-mile section of boulders, quick water, and standing waves. Consider walking the section before floating it, from the riverside trail and viewing platform.

Access Notes

• Beitner Park. Easy access on right side of river with parking lot. enter river at downstream of Beitner Road.
• Olesen Bridge Trailhead (not shown on map). Exit on right upstream of bridge, then 600’+ to parking.
• Lone Pine Trailhead (not shown on map). Exit on right, then 500’+ to parking.
• Jack’s Landing – Cass Road. Exit on right, upstream of Cass Road bridge. Gravel bank landing.

Statistics

• Length: 3.4 miles.
• Duration: 1 hour.
• Difficulty: [A] Advanced. Rapids, boulders, standing waves.
• Current: [A] Rapids or whitewater.

River Play

• River Break: Access trails are in many places along the river.
• Nature: Nature preserve flanking both sides of river, with redevelopment of the corridor since the removal of the dam.
• Fishing: Not sure…

Jack’s Landing (Cass Road) to Hull Park

Immediately after entering the river, rapids exist until after passing the Boardman River Nature Preserve (former Sabin Dam site). After that, easy & calm current and river width to Boardman Lake.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Initial stretch of whitewater, then easy wide current.
• Bank Conditions. Nature preserve mixed with industrial.
• Development. Industrial development, but mostly non visible from river.
• Caution. Boardman Lake can be challenging to cross when headwinds are strong.

Access Notes

• Jack’s Landing. Access at downriver-most point, to avoid log & boulder tangles at the launch area.
• YMCA. Left side of river with kayak launch on docks.
• Racquet Club Drive Launch. Left side of river, just downstream from YMCA.
• Medalie Park. South end of Boardman Lake, veer right at river mouth. Dock access on nearly standing water.
• Hull Park. North end of Boardman Lake to right (East) side of river continuation to Lake Michigan. Boatlaunch access with trailer parking.

Statistics

• Length: 3.4 miles. Sabin Dam to Medalie Park, South side of Boardman Lake: 2.1 mi. Boardman Lake: 1.3 mi.
• Duration: 1.5 hours. 1 hour on the river. 0.5 hour on the lake.
• Difficulty: [A] Advanced. Advanced for only first 20%, then wide gentle current after that.
• Current: Variable. Starts with standing water, boulders & rapids, then transitions to slow visible current on surface after the Nature Center, to flat water at ponded areas and lake.

River Play

• River Break: Random access points to the nature preserve.
• Nature: flanked by nature preserve property, embedded in TC industrial zone.
• Fishing: probably not much…
• Tubing. Nature Center to YMCA is wide & gentle current.

Hull Park to Clinch Park

The float initiates through a short section of industrial, then approaches park and residential after passing under the 8th Street bridge. The second half traverses through downtown Traverse City.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Moderate current below the dam with sand & weed bed mix bottom along developed banks through Traverse City.
• Bank Conditions. Developed bank with boardwalk for much of the way.
• Development. From Boardman Lake to Lake Michigan is fully residential and commercial developed.
• Caution. The weir, just below Front Street, is closed in the Fall during the salmon run. Other times, it can be low clearance to get underneath. East Bay may be challenging during high winds.

Access Notes

• Hull Park. North end of Boardman Lake. Boatlaunch access with trailer parking.
• TC Dam. Access on left side.
• Boatlaunch. On left side, a couple hundred yards before Lake Michigan.
• Clinch Park. Boat launch with parking.
• Staging Distance. Drive: 2.1 mi. Walk: 1.5 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 2.6 miles. Hull Park to the Dam: 0.9 mi. Dam to Mouth: 1.2 mi. Mouth to Clinch Park, in East Bay: 0.5 mi.
• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Difficulty: [D] Beginner. Wide area, rare obstructions, gentle current.
• Current: [C] Slow current visible on surface.
• Portage. Portage on the left side of the dam, taking care at the dam outflow.

River Play

• River Break: Fully developed river banks, with boardwalks, docks, and parkland access points. Even a few pubs for a cold one.
• Nature: Birds and other urban creatures.
• Fishing: Fishing is decent the entire length. Salmon spawning in the fall from the weir to Lake Michigan.

Betsie River Detail

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All Betsie River

Conditions

• River Conditions. Moderate current over sand and gravel bottom, rarely deeper than six feet.
• Development. The majority of the river traverses the Pere Marquette State Forest with little developed land.

Statistics

• Length: 59 miles
• Duration: 22 hours
• Difficulty: Think of the entire river like a bell curve… Starts out easy, then gradually increases in difficulty through the middle section, then ends up easy.
• Current: The current is fairly consistent with the difficulty range. During low water, expect occasional bottom scraping .

Green Lake to Thompsonville

The upper third is broken down into three sections

• Green Lake to Grass Lake Campground.
• Grass Lake Campground to Wallin Road Bridge.
• Wallin Road Bridge to Thompsonville.

Green Lake to Grass Lake Campground

A leisurely float in Green Lake and along slow waters from the dam backwaters.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Slow and shallow, sprawling from dam backwaters.
• Bank Conditions. Low lands.
• Development. Virtually none, traversing through State Land.

Access Notes

• Green Lake. DNR boat launch about a half mile north of the mouth. Parking lot.
• Grass Lake Campground. Upstream most point of campground. Easy access on right side of river.
• Staging Distance: 9 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 5 miles.
• Duration: 2.5 hours.
• Difficulty: [E] Beginner. Wide area, no obstructions, little to no current.
• Current: [D] No current visible on surface.
• Portage: Grass Lake State Forest Campground Dam. Requires portage on the right, if continuing on.

River Play

• Nature: Bird watching and fishing.

Grass Lake Campground to Wallin Road Bridge

Shallow, clear water, moderate current and virtually inhabited.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Moderate current and very shallow. Very clean water with heavy weeds and vegetation. Approximately 50 feet wide, with sand & gravel bottom.
• Bank Conditions. Mature upland woods.
• Development. Virtually none, traversing mostly through State Land.
• Caution. During summer, especially when dry, can easily get stuck on the bottom due to shallow water. Also, plan for log jams.

Access Notes

• Grass Lake Campground. Upstream most point of campground. Easy access on right side of river.
• Wallin Road. Moderately steep with some roadside parking.
• Staging Distance: 3.7 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 4 miles.
• Duration: 2.5 hours.
• Difficulty: [C] Beginner-Intermediate. Need to steer, few obstructions, easily avoid tangles.
• Current: [B] Quick current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Break: Frequent shallow gravel areas for stopping.
• Nature: Bird watching.

Wallin Road Bridge to Thompsonville

Mature wooded landscape, with a few small tributaries feeding the river. Starting from Wallin Rd, the river may be shallow with frequent bottom scraping, especially until Long Road. After King Road, the current picks up a bit until reaching the site of the old washed out dam, at the Betsie Valley Trail crossing. The Little Betsie River joins the main river, adding to the flow and cooling the water temperature a bit.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Sand & gravel bottom, very shallow, 30-50 feet wide. Nearing Thompsonville, after King Road, the river quickens at the site of the old dam.
• Bank Conditions. Mature upland woods, with small tributaries feeding the river.
• Development. Periodic riverside residences.
• Caution. During summer, especially when dry, can easily get stuck on the bottom due to shallow water. Plan for log jams.

Access Notes

• Wallin Road. Moderately steep with some roadside parking.
• Long Road.
• Carmean Road Bridge.
• Thompsonville Road Bridge. Steep and fast moving traffic with poor roadside parking.
• King Road Bridge. Roadside parking.
• Wolf Road. Good access downstream of bridge. Right side short, but steep. Left side, about 50 yards below the bridge, easy pull but long. Pit toilet. Overnight parking is not allowed.
• Staging Distance: 6.1 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 7.4 miles.
• Duration: 3.5 hours.
• Difficulty: [C] Beginner-Intermediate. Need to steer, few obstructions, easily avoid tangles.
• Current: [B] Quick current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Break: Frequent shallow gravel areas for stopping.
• Nature: Some cottages, otherwise mature wooded area for habitat..

Thompsonville to Beulah

The middle third is broken down into two sections

• Thompsonville to County Line Road Bridge.
• County Line Road Bridge to Homestead Dam.

Thompsonville to County Line Road Bridge

The river slightly quickens after Thompsonville, then slows down some and widens below Kurick Road, with frequent river bends.

Conditions

• River Conditions. The current flows at a moderate pace, with sand and gravel bottom, and occasional large rocks. Below Kurick Road, the river slows, with occasional quick gravel riffle sections, with predominant sand holes at the bends and more turbidity in the water.
• Bank Conditions. Thick wooded lowlands.
• Development. Periodic farmland properties.
• Caution. Periodic logs and snags can be encountered just under the surface, as well as unexpected fallen trees.

Access Notes

• Wolf Road. Good access downstream of bridge. Right side short, but steep. Left side, about 50 yards below the bridge, easy pull but long. Pit toilet. Overnight parking is not allowed.
• Lindy Rd. No access.
• M-115. No access.
• Kurick Road Bridge. Fair access.
• Psutka Road. Fair access.
• North County Line Rd Bridge. Exit upstream of bridge on right side. Small dirt access road. Road crossing is two small tubes, but passable. Parking along road.

Statistics

• Length: 13.3 miles. Wolf Road to Kurick Road: 5.5 mi. Kurick Rd to County Line Road: 7.8 mi.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Difficulty: [C] Beginner-Intermediate. Need to steer, few obstructions, easily avoid tangles.
• Current: [B] Quick current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Break: Very few stops exist.
• Nature: Bird watching.

County Line Road Bridge to Homestead Dam

The river gradually transitions from moderate rate to the slower moving backwaters of the Homestead Dam.

Conditions

• River Conditions. Transition from moderate current to slowing while approaching the Homestead Dam, with sand and gravel bottom, and generally less than 6 feet deep.
• Bank Conditions. Transitioning landscape with hardwood forested ridges to wet cedar stands. At the lower end, the banks are the low land regrowth of the former Homestead Dam, which has been replaced with a low-head dam.
• Development. Periodic farmland properties.

Access Notes

• North County Line Rd Bridge. Exit upstream of bridge on right side. Small dirt access road. Road crossing is two small tubes, but passable. Parking along road.
• Old King Road.
• M-115. No access.
• Homestead Dam. Access the river from the North by vehicle. Parking 40+/-, pit toilet. Take-out & Put-in on right. Easy ramp for take-out. Put-in requires 300’+/- pull along chipped stone path.

Statistics

• Length: 14 miles. County Line Road to M-115: 7.5 mi. M-115 to Homestead Dam: 5.5 mi.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Difficulty: [D] Beginner. Wide area, rare obstructions, gentle current.
• Current: [C] Slow current visible on surface.
• Portage: Homestead Dam. Requires portage on the right, if continuing on. Approximately 300′ boat dragging on chipped stone path. Medium difficulty.

River Play

• Fishing.

Beulah to Frankfort

Gradually slowing and widening while approaching Betsie Lake, starting around the West River Road crossing. The scenery begins generally low and wet with some heavily wooded and hilly relief banks, then widening to a large open wetland just upstream of the lake. The lower section is good for 2-person kayak to allow breaks from paddling.

Section Notes. Float from the East River Road access to the West River Road access to avoid flat water and exit challenges in Betsie Lake. Take about 1-1/2 hours. Plan for 2 hours and paddling required between the West River Road access and Betsie Lake exit.

Conditions

• River Conditions. The river is a darkened water color and begins to slow to a moderate current approaching Betsie Lake, at a width 30-50 feet to the West River Road access, then widens to about 100 feet with slower current. Depth generally 3′-5′, but cannot see holes.
• Bank Conditions. Mostly low, wet, and flat, but some hills and generally all mature woods, widening out to a big wetland area near Betsie Lake. The wet condition of the woods creates an abundant habitat for biting bugs.
• Development. Periodic houses, but mostly remote and natural.
• Caution. Slow current, gradually reducing to flat water. Strong winds may require strenuous paddling, while approaching Betsie Lake. Heavily fished during Steelhead and Salmon spawning, especially around the Homestead Dam.

Access Notes

High Water Note. If floating to Betsie Lake, check clearance under M-22 bridge and the Betsie Valley Trail Railroad Trestle Bridge. See specific notes below for exit options.

• Homestead Dam. Access the river from the North by vehicle. Parking 40+/-, pit toilet. Take-out & Put-in on right. Easy ramp for take-out. Put-in requires 300’+/- pull along chipped stone path.
• US-31. DNR launch site, just upstream of US-31 Bridge. Restroom and parking, with 100-yard carry to the river.
• Grace Road. DNR launch site just below Grace Road Bridge, with 100-yard carry to the river.
• River Road (East crossing). First River Road launch. Kayak rails and gradual slope with drop off at the launch. Access on right side, just upstream of the bridge. 3 parking spaces, with little room for a trailer. Once known as Smith Bridge.
• River Road (West crossing). Second River Road launch. Concrete launch big enough for small fishing boats, with gradual slope with drop off at the launch. On right side, just upstream of the bridge. 10+ parking spaces, with room for a trailer. Once known as Lewis Bridge.
• Betsie Valley Trail Railroad Trestle Bridge. No access.
• Betsie Lake- Upstream of M-22 Bridge. If you cannot get under M-22, seek landing to the left (West). The Betsie Valley Trailhead exists just South of M-22, West side of the river/lake, allowing a rugged exit.
• Penfold Park. If able to continue under M-22 bridge, take a hard left (West) to reach the park.

Statistics

• Length: 15.3 miles. Homestead Dam to River Road East: 4.6 mi. River Road East to River Road West: 3.8 mi. River Rd West to Betsie Valley Trail Bridge: 4.9 mi. Betsie Valley Trail Bridge to Lake Michigan: 2 mi.
• Duration: 5 hours.
• Difficulty: [D] River Road to River Road, some large obstacles require maneuvering, however current is slow to make it easy. [E] Downstream of West River Road access to Betsie Lake, wide and virtually no current.
• Current: [C] River Road to River Road, slow current visible on surface. [E] Downstream of West River Road access to Betsie Lake, virtually no current.

River Play

• River Break: Virtually no land stops, a few periodic sandbars, but many small lagoon type ponded areas to rest in the boat.
• Nature: Significant habitat for wildlife, and easy floating for watching. The wide marshland just upstream of Betsie Lake is a great birdwatching area. Spotted Blue Herons, racoon, deer, beaver, and numerous other birds.
• Fishing: Fishing in the Spring (March-April) for Steelhead and Fall (September-October) for Salmon. Other fish species in ponded areas around the Homestead Dam and Betsie Lake.

Staging

• Bicycle ride from Betsie Lake to East River Road access is half on the Betsie Valley Trail, and half on River Road. Low traffic with minimal shoulders, safe for intermediate bikers – not small children. Took 40 minutes at leisure pace.

Bear River Detail

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All Bear River

Conditions

• River Conditions. Generally less than 50′ wide, starting out as shallow sandy bottom, middle section of silty lowlands, and final stretch as rocky whitewater. Rarely more than 6′ deep.
• Bank Conditions. Swamp milkweed, swamp roses, water lily, blue flag irises, sweet gale.
• Development. The upper 2/3 of the river is virtually uninhabited, then housing relatively continuous in Petoskey.

Statistics

• Length: 16 miles.
• Duration: 6 hours.
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate in the upper stretches, Beginner in middle section, and Advanced at the end.
• Current: The current covers all ranges, with medium speed in the upper reaches, very slow current in the middle, and fast whitewater at the end.

River Play

• River Break: Very few locations to take a break, due to soft bottom and marsh lowland banks.
• Nature: Abundant birds and small critters.

Walloon Lake to Bear River Road

Conditions

• River Conditions. Width between 10′-30′ with sandy bottom and less than 3′ depth, until reaching the golf course. Width widens to 50′-100′ with more of a silty bottom after the golf course.
• Bank Conditions. Low lands.
• Development. Virtually uninhabited.
• Caution. Canoe won’t fit under US-131 bridge. Need to lie low in kayak… Recommend checking clearance before the float.

Access Notes

• Melrose Township Park. In the Village of Walloon Lake. Can drop off at river on shoulder of M-72 for easy put-in, or drag about 300 feet across the park lawn from the parking lot.
• Springvale Road. Medium difficulty access. Four areas for roadside parking. Steep banks to river.
• Bear River Road. Two road parking spaces.
• Staging Distance. 4.5 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 7.2 miles. Walloon Lake to Springvale Road: 2.9 mi. Springvale Road to Bear River Road: 4.3 mi.
• Duration: 2.5 hours. Walloon Lake to Springvale Road: 1 hr. Springvale Road to Bear River Road: 1.5 hr.
• Difficulty: [C] Beginner-Intermediate. Need to steer, few obstructions, easily avoid tangles.
• Current: [B] Quick current visible on surface. Current slows to barely visible near golf course.

River Play

• River Break: Standing in river only, shallow sand areas.
• Nature: Bird watching. Traverses through low lands, with water-loving plants along the banks.

Bear River Road to River Road Sports

Conditions

• River Conditions. The water color begins to turn stained, from the leaching of soils in the swamp adjacent to the river. Bottom is silty & soft.
• Bank Conditions. Low lands, with low-lying vegetation.
• Development. Virtually uninhabited.

Access Notes

• Bear River Road. Two road parking spaces.
• Evergreen Trail. Access upstream of bridge, left side, 2 road parking. Parking lot for trailers just East of river on North side of Evergreen Trail.
• Click Rd. No access.
• McDougal Rd. No access.
• River Road Sports Complex. Wood landing area with stairs, left side of river, 200′ flat pull, parking available.
• Staging Distance. 4.5 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 5.5 miles. Bear River Rd to Evergreen Trail: 2.9 mi. Evergreen Trail to River Road Sports: 2.6 mi.
• Duration: 2 hours. Bear River Rd to Evergreen Trail: 1 hr. Evergreen Trail to River Road Sports: 1 hr.
• Difficulty: [D] Beginner. Wide area, rare obstructions, gentle current.
• Current: [D] No current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Break: Periodic shallow sandy stretches to get out and play.
• Nature: Bird watching.

Evergreen Trail to Sheridan Road

Conditions

• River Conditions. Slow current, 4′ max depth, sand/muck mix.
• Bank Conditions. Low vegetation, wooded the entire length.
• Development. Periodic houses & structures.

Access Notes

• Evergreen Trail. Access upstream of bridge, left side, 2 road parking. Parking lot for trailers just East of river on North side of Evergreen Trail.
• Click Rd. No access.
• McDougal Rd. No access.
• River Road Sports Complex. Wood landing area with stairs, left side of river, 200′ flat pull, parking available.
• Standish Rd. No access?
• Sheridan St. Access on left side of river. Upstream of tubes is the easiest, but opposite side of road from parking lot. Downstream of tubes… Take center tube, go a bit wild, re-group, then work upstream to stairs. Both options have narrow stone stairs.
• Staging Distance. 4.1 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 4.9 miles. Evergreen Trail to River Road Sports: 2.6 mi. River Road Sports to Sheridan Road: 2.3 mi.
• Duration: 2 hours. Evergreen Trail to River Road Sports: 1 hr. River Road Sports to Sheridan Road: 1 hr.
• Difficulty: [C] Beginner-Intermediate. Virtually no tangles until near the end, mostly just steering.
• Current: [C] Slow current visible on surface.

River Play

• River Break: River Road Sports Complex. And about a dozen shallow sandy spots to get out and play.

Sheridan Road to Lake Michigan

Conditions

• River Conditions. Quick current with rapids for experienced level kayakers only.
• Bank Conditions. Through Bear River Park, trail on both sides, then rising hillsides to homes.
• Development. Houses & structures within the City of Petoskey.
• Caution. Very fast water with rapids. Helmet & expertise required. Also, stones placed within the river to create the rapids are still being “smoothed” by the water. Skin cover is recommended to prevent abrasions, in the event of overturn.

Access Notes

• Standish Rd. Access on left side of river. Upstream of tubes is the easiest, but opposite side of road from parking lot. Downstream of tubes… Take center tube, go a bit wild, re-group, then work upstream to stairs. Both options have narrow stone stairs.
• Mitchell St Bridge. Access on left side of river.
• Staging Distance. Driving: 1.4. Walking: 1.2 mi.

Statistics

• Length: 1.2 miles.
• Duration: really fast.
• Difficulty: [A] Advanced. Rapids, boulders, standing waves.
• Current: [A] Rapids or whitewater.

River Play

• River Break: The entire section is within the Bear River Recreation Area. But exiting the river midway, may be a bit of a challenge…