• River Levels

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RAPID RIVER

River Levels • Streamflow • Hydrology

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Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Rapid River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Rapid River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .

The Rapid River is a 26-mile-long river located in western Maine. Historically, the river was used by Native American tribes for fishing and hunting. In the 1800s, the river was used for logging and transporting goods. Today, the river is primarily used for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. The Rapid River flows through several reservoirs, including Lower Richardson Lake, Middle Richardson Lake, and Upper Richardson Lake. There are also several dams along the river, including the Dam at Lower Dam Pond and the Dam at Lake Aziscohos. The river is known for its clear water and abundant population of brook and rainbow trout. The Rapid River is also important for agricultural uses, as it provides water for nearby farms and crops.

November 13, 2024

History of the River

Rapid River is an unincorporated community in Masonville Township, Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan.It is situated on the northern end of the Little Bay de Noc between the mouths of the Tacoosh and Rapid rivers with the mouth of the Whitefish River just to the east. U.S. Highway 2 passes through Rapid River and joins with U.S. Highway 41 just west of town; the two then run concurrently from Rapid River south to Escanaba. The Rapid River ZIP code is 49878 and also serves areas in the nearby townships in Delta County of Baldwin, Bay de Noc, Brampton, Ensign, Garden, Maple Ridge, Masonville, and Nahma. It also serves a small area in Mathias Township in Alger County

The community was first named Rapid Siding as a stop on the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad. The name was recorded as Rapid River when the community was platted in 1887. The community never incorporated as a village.
One scene from the 2001 film Escanaba in da Moonlight was shot in the Swallow Inn, a popular bar on Main Street.Rapid River is home to the Rapid River Public Schools, a class D school. Rapid River is well known for its 8-Man football team, the Rapid River Rockets, who won the State Championship in 2018.
Fire coverage is provided by the Masonville Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Emergency Medical Services are provided by the Masonville Township Volunteer EMS service which provide non-transport Basic Life Support services.
Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service between St. Ignace and Ironwood, Michigan.