Muskegon River

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Total streamflow across the Muskegon River was last observed at 4,000 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 7,934 acre-ft of water today; about 81% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 4,966 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-04-16 when daily discharge volume was observed at 25,400 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Muskegon River Near Croton reporting a streamflow rate of 2,170 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Muskegon River At Evart with a gauge stage of 8.47 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Muskegon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 997 ft, the Muskegon River At Evart.

The Muskegon River is a 227-mile-long river in western Michigan that flows from Houghton Lake to Lake Michigan.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-05-11
Discharge Volume 7,934 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 4,000.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -380.0 cfs (-8.68%)
Percent of Normal 80.55%
Maximum 25,400.0 cfs
2014-04-16
Seasonal Avg 4,966 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Muskegon River At Evart
USGS 04121500
1830 cfs 8.47 ft -2.14
Muskegon River Near Croton
USGS 04121970
2170 cfs 5.74 ft -13.55
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

Muskegon River is a river in the western portion of the lower peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. The river has its headwaters in Houghton Lake in Roscommon County, flowing out of the North Bay into neighboring Missaukee County. From there it flows mostly southwest to Muskegon, Michigan, where it empties into Muskegon Lake. Muskegon Lake is connected to Lake Michigan via a mile-long channel. The river has several major branches, such as the Hersey River, Cedar Creek and Little Muskegon River. The main stream is 216 miles (348 km) long and drains an area of 2,350 square miles (6,100 km2).
In September 2002 an often cited article, National Geographic raised concerns about a controversial deal made with Nestle Waters North America giving them permission "to bottle up to 210 million gallons (about 800 million liters) a year from an aquifer north of Grand Rapids, Michigan that recharges the Muskegon River."