River runs

Michigan river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Michigan with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in Michigan
20
Class range
I–V
Across the U.S.
331
Updated
May 31
Open the Michigan paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to Michigan.
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May
31
2026
River runs
Michigan is home to some fantastic whitewater rivers that offer thrilling experiences for kayaking enthusiasts. The Sturgeon River, located in the northern part of the state, is a popular destination known for its challenging rapids and beautiful scenery. The river features Class II-III rapids, making it suitable for intermediate paddlers looking for a fun adventure. Recommended streamflow levels for the Sturgeon River range from 300-800 cfs, ensuring an exciting ride without being too dangerous.

Another must-visit spot for whitewater kayaking in Michigan is the Menominee River, which flows along the border with Wisconsin's Upper Peninsula. The Menominee River offers a variety of runs, including the Piers Gorge section with Class III-IV rapids that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. With recommended streamflow levels of 1500-3000 cfs, paddlers can enjoy a challenging yet exhilarating experience on this scenic river. When exploring these rivers, it's important to always wear proper safety gear, check water levels before heading out, and be aware of any potential hazards along the way. So grab your kayak and get ready for an unforgettable whitewater adventure in Michigan!
Full directory

Michigan river runs

Every paddleable section in Michigan keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.

20 entries
River run Streamflow Class
Section 17, T48n, R17w (Boundary Of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Lands) To Mouth At Lake Superior 137 cfs II-III
Southern Boundary Of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore To Mouth At Lake Michigan 160 cfs II-III
County Road H 58 (Aka. Adams Trail/ Munising Van Meer Shingleton Rd.) To Mouth At Lake Superior 137 cfs ·
Southeastern Boundary Of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore To Northwetern Boundary Of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 160 cfs II-III
West Branch From Source In Sec 26, T46n, R23 W To Junction With County Road 444 137 cfs II-III
From Sixteen Mile Lake To North Line Of Sec 26, T43n, R19w 170 cfs IV
Origin At Confluence Of Outlets Of Frenchman Lake And Carp Lake (Sec 26, T44n, R6w) To West Section Line Of Sec 30, T43n, R5w 20 cfs II-III
Source In Sec 21, T47n, R12w To Mouth At Whitefish Bay 544 cfs III-IV
East Branch From Western Forest Boundary (Sec 19, T46n, R6w) To Confluence With Mainstem 544 cfs II-III
Kings Road Bridge (2 Miles West Of Town Of Luther In T19n, R12w To Slackwater Of The State Fish Weir In T21n, R16w 2,120 cfs III-II
North Branch From Its Confluence With South Branch In Sec 22, T13n, R16 W To Mclaren Lake In Sec 11, T14n, R15w 414 cfs I-III
Mainstem To Forest Boundary At North Section Line Of Sec 2, T13n, R15w (1.5 Miles West Of Herperia) 414 cfs II-III
South Branch From Forest Boundary East Of Hesperia At West Section Line Of Sec 22, T14n, R14w To Echo Drive In Sec 6, T13n, R12w 414 cfs II-III
Morley Dam In T13n, R10w To Croton Dam Pond In T12n, R11w 2,250 cfs I-III
Croton Dam In T12n, R11w To City Of Newaygo In T12n, R12w 2,250 cfs I-II
Minnewawa Falls To Lake Superior 66 cfs III
West Branch, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls 75 cfs ·
South Branch,Confluence Of Cisco Branch And Tenmile Creek To Confluence With West Branch 680 cfs III-III+
From Wagner Lake In Sec 13, T49n, R31w To Eastern Boundary Of The Ottawa Nf In Sec 12, T48n, R35@ 61 cfs II-III
Mainstem, Easternforest Boundary In Sec 1, T44n, R35w To City Of Crystal Falls 865 cfs II-III
River runs FAQ

About Michigan river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the Michigan streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each Michigan paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Michigan paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.