Boardman River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
River History
Before European settlement the river was known in Ojibwe as "adaawewiziibi," roughly "river of trade," and later as the Ottaway River — named for the first people who lived along it. In 1847 Captain Horace Boardman of Naperville, Illinois, purchased land at the head of Grand Traverse Bay on the river then known as the Ottaway; with the arrival of the Hannah-Lay company in the 1850s, the river was colloquially, and later officially, renamed the Boardman River. A modern movement seeks to restore the name, in whole or part, to the Boardman–Ottaway River.
The logging era clearcut the watershed's old-growth white and red pine, beech, sugar maple and hemlock, and the river was dammed for power: Union Street Dam (1867, rebuilt 1885), Boardman Dam (1894, rebuilt and relocated 1931), Sabin Dam (1906, rebuilt 1930), Keystone Dam (1909, failed in 1961 and never replaced) and Brown Bridge Dam (1922). When Traverse City Light and Power found the aging hydro dams uneconomic in 2005, a 15-year, roughly $25-million restoration began — Brown Bridge Dam was removed in January 2013, Boardman Dam in 2017, Sabin Dam in 2018, and the Union Street Dam in 2025, with the FishPass weir and fish ladder expected to finish in 2027. DNR staff have described it as the most comprehensive dam removal and watershed restoration project in Michigan's history. The river is now a Blue Ribbon trout stream with about 36 lineal miles of top-quality coldwater habitat — and its native Arctic grayling are long gone, a reminder of what was lost in the logging era.
Interactive River Map
Tap a pin for details. Pinch or use the + / – buttons to zoom.
- Launch / take-out
- Former dam / construction zone
- USGS gage
- Camping
Pins marked (approx.) are approximate — confirm exact launch spots before a club trip.
River Overview
Headwaters
The Boardman rises in western Kalkaska County — the South Branch starts as trickles in Albright Swamp (Boardman Township) and runs through the Wellman Pond millpond at South Boardman, while the North Branch gathers its own headwater creeks. The two branches join at "the Forks" near Supply Road in Union Township, and from there the main river runs about 18 river miles north and west to downtown Traverse City. About 130 miles of river and tributaries drain the 295-square-mile watershed, which supplies roughly 30 percent of Grand Traverse Bay's surface water.
Major Tributaries
- North Branch (right)
- South Branch (left)
- Kids Creek, Beitner Creek, Swainston Creek, Carpenter Creek
Communities
- South Boardman
- Kingsley (nearby)
- Traverse City
Character by Section
- Upper (the Forks → former Brown Bridge): cold, clear, swift small river over sand and gravel, downed cedars, tea-colored water
- Middle (former dam reaches): re-naturalized channels through the old impoundments — still adjusting, with wood to read
- Lower (Boardman Lake → Traverse City): flatwater lake, then an urban river through downtown to the bay
Mouth
The west arm of Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan), in downtown Traverse City.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
Primary USGS Gage
- Station
- 04127200 — Boardman River at Beitner Rd near Traverse City, MI
- Location
- Beitner Road, near Traverse City, Grand Traverse County
- Record
- Discharge and gage height since 2016 — confirm current live status before the trip
- Character
- Coldwater trout stream; stable baseflow fed by sandy groundwater
Additional Gages
- 04126950 — South Branch Boardman River near South Boardman (field measurements, 1971–1986)
USGS Interactive Map
Explore every USGS stream gage on and near the river. Tap a site for available flow and gage-height data.
Flow Ranges (cfs)
No published paddling flow ranges were found for this river — use the descriptions below and with recent rainfall and a visual scout.
| Level | cfs | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Too Low | Verify locally | Bony riffles and scraping in the upper river; the lake reach stays fine. |
| Good | Verify locally | Steady, cold, clear flow — classic Boardman paddling conditions. |
| High | Verify locally | Swift water with more wood hazards in the re-naturalized reaches; stay off the bay end in wind. |
| Dangerous | Verify locally | Flood conditions or debris moving — stay off the river until levels drop. |
Typical Water Temperature
Coldwater trout stream — the water runs cold and clear all season, commonly in the 60s °F in summer. Confirm current temperatures before spring and fall trips.
Paddling Character
By Section
Upper (the Forks → former Brown Bridge): a small, cold, quick river bordered by high ridges of oak and pine, running clear over sand, gravel and downed cedars — the river's best moving water. Middle (former dam reaches): newly free-flowing channels through the old impoundment beds; habitat is recovering and wood is common — read the water carefully. Lower (Boardman Lake → Traverse City → bay): flat lake water, then an urban river through downtown Traverse City; the last stretch meets Grand Traverse Bay, where wind and waves end the trip.
Recommended Boats
Best Conditions
Steady flows and light wind. Check the bay forecast before any paddle that ends at Grand Traverse Bay.
Potential Hazards
Michigan Water Trails
No designated river water trail on the Boardman. The river is a Michigan state Natural River and a Blue Ribbon trout stream, not an official Michigan Water Trails route — but river and lake access points (including the Boardman River Boat Launch, river-to-lake) appear on the Michigan Water Trails live map.
Source: michiganwatertrails.org. Use its live map to find marked access points near the river.
Dams & Portages
No dams remain on the main stem — five were built between 1867 and 1922 and all are gone or under restoration. Give the FishPass construction zone a wide berth. Never run a dam.
| Dam (former) | River Mile | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Street Dam | 1.1 | Removed 2025 — FishPass weir + fish ladder under construction (expected 2027) | Final impoundment removed; construction zone — stay clear |
| Sabin Dam | 5.3 | Removed end of 2018 | Pedestrian bridge built in its place in 2025 |
| Boardman Dam | 6.1 | Removed 2017 | River realigned under the Robbins Bridge |
| Brown Bridge Dam | Verify locally | Removed January 2013 | Reestablished ~2.5 miles of river channel; the pond site is now the Brown Bridge Quiet Area |
| Keystone Dam | Verify locally | Washed out 1961, not replaced | — |
Public Kayak & Canoe Launches
The Forks-area and Shumsky Road sites are confirmed by the club's own August 2026 Boardman paddle. Confirm parking, fees, GPS and leg distances — Verify locally before the trip.
| Launch | River Mile | GPS | Parking | Restrooms | Fee / Pass | To Next Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forks Road State Forest Campground | Verify locally | Verify locally | Yes | Verify locally | Recreation Passport | Verify locally |
| Supply Road Bridge (the Forks) | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally |
| Brown Bridge Quiet Area | Verify locally | Verify locally | Yes | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally |
| Shumsky Road Boat Launch | Verify locally | Verify locally | Yes | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally |
| Beitner Road | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally | |
| Boardman Lake Boat Launch | Verify locally | Verify locally | Yes | Verify locally | Verify locally | Verify locally |
| Traverse City / Grand Traverse Bay | Verify locally | Verify locally | Yes | Verify locally | Verify locally | End of river |
Club reference: the Aug 30, 2026 club paddle ran Forks Road SFC → Shumsky Road Boat Launch, ~18 miles in about 4 hours.
Camping
Forks Road State Forest Campground
- Area
- Near the Forks, upper river
- Type
- Rustic state forest, first-come
- Water Access
- Riverside
Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park
- Area
- East Grand Traverse Bay, ~2 mi from downtown
- Type
- Developed, open year-round, heated restrooms
- Water Access
- Bay beach (not the river)
Dispersed Camping Rules
Much of the upper watershed is state forest land where dispersed camping is generally allowed under DNR rules (setbacks, fire restrictions). Confirm current dispersed-camping rules with the Michigan DNR before the trip . The Brown Bridge Quiet Area is a city-owned quiet area — confirm whether overnight stays are allowed before planning around it .
Permits & Reservations
State forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served; reserve state park sites ahead of season. Vehicles need a Recreation Passport at state sites. Respect the Natural River corridor: leave banks and vegetation undisturbed.
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife Commonly Seen
- Rare Sighting
- The massasauga rattlesnake is very rare in the valley wetlands — give any snake space
- Best Wildlife Viewing
- Upper river wetlands and the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, early morning
Fishing
- Seasons & Regulations
- One of Michigan's top-10 trout streams with self-sustaining wild brown, brook and rainbow trout and about 36 lineal miles of Blue Ribbon water. Migratory fish reach the lower river below the former dam sites. Check the current Michigan DNR fishing guide for seasons and gear rules.
- Fish Consumption
- Check the MDHHS Eat Safe Fish guide for current advisories on this river and Grand Traverse Bay
Safety
Required / Recommended Gear
River-Specific Concerns
The FishPass construction zone at the former Union Street Dam site is the biggest human-made hazard on the river — stay clear and confirm its status before any lower-river paddle. The re-naturalized reaches still carry wood and snags; read the water. The river is cold year-round, the lower miles run through an urban area with bridges and foot traffic, and the bay end can build waves in wind. Cell service is generally good near Traverse City and spottier in the upper watershed .
Nearest Hospital
Munson Medical Center, Traverse City — confirm the closest emergency facility for your stretch before launching.
911 Location Tips
Give dispatchers the nearest bridge, former dam site, or launch name plus GPS coordinates from your phone. Paddle with a buddy and leave a trip plan with someone on shore.
Best Time & Access
- Spring
- Cold water and strong flows; steelhead season draws anglers to the lower river.
- Summer
- Prime paddling season — warm days on a cold river. Urban stretches see heavy use.
- Fall
- Color season and the salmon run bring heavy angler traffic below the former dams. Fall hunting seasons apply on state land — check current DNR regulations.
- Winter
- Experienced, cold-water-equipped paddlers only.
- Best Months
- May – October
Access & Regulations
- Natural River Rules
- Michigan Natural River rules protect the corridor (DNR plan 1976, revised 2002); check current DNR regulations before you go
- Private Property
- Respect private land along the banks
- Parking Passes
- Recreation Passport required on vehicles at state sites
- Quiet Area Rules
- The Brown Bridge Quiet Area is city-owned — confirm trail and water-access rules before visiting
- Shuttle / Livery
- Traverse City outfitters run rentals and shuttles on the Boardman
Trip Planning
Suggested Stretches
- The Forks → Shumsky Road
- ~18 mi, about 4 hours — the club's own August 30, 2026 Boardman paddle (Forks Road SFC launch to Shumsky Road Boat Launch); the river's best moving water
- Shumsky Road → Traverse City
- Lower river through the former dam reaches to Boardman Lake
- Boardman Lake → Grand Traverse Bay
- Urban paddle through downtown to the bay — check wind and FishPass construction status
Overnights
Base at Forks Road State Forest Campground for an upper-river weekend, or combine a lower-river paddle with Traverse City State Park. Confirm camping rules before the trip .
What to Pack
Leave No Trace
Pack out everything, stay on durable surfaces, respect private land, and keep noise low in the Natural River corridor.
Clean Drain Dry
Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear between waterways to stop the spread of invasive species.
River Difficulty
American Whitewater: Class I–II
- 6 mi S. of Traverse City (5.3 mi) — Class I–II
Ratings rise at high water — check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
- River
- Boardman River (also called Ottaway / Boardman–Ottaway)
- Length
- ~28 mi
- Region
- Northwest Lower Michigan
- Headwaters
- North & South Branches, Kalkaska County
- Mouth
- Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan), downtown Traverse City
- Tributaries
- North & South Branches, Kids, Beitner, Swainston & Carpenter Creeks
- USGS Gage
- 04127200 at Beitner Rd near Traverse City
- Best Season
- May–October
- Difficulty
- American Whitewater: Class I–II
- Best Stretch
- The Forks → Shumsky Road
- Best Launch
- Forks Road State Forest Campground
- Best Camping
- Forks Road SFC; Traverse City State Park
- Top Hazard
- Wood in re-naturalized reaches; FishPass construction zone
- Dams/Portages
- None remain — 5 removed (1961–2025)
- Recommended Boat
- Recreational or touring kayak, canoe
- Water Trail
- No designated river water trail (state Natural River)
Sources
- USGS 04127200 — Boardman River at Beitner Rd near Traverse City, MI
- USGS 04126950 — South Branch Boardman River near South Boardman, MI
- USGS Interactive Water Data Map
- Boardman River — history, dams, name origin
- USACE — Boardman River Feasibility Study (dams, river miles, fisheries)
- Conservation Resource Alliance — The Boardman Report (restoration)
- Michigan Out-of-Doors — A River Reborn (dam removals)
- Michigan Blue Magazine — Restoring the Boardman
- Boardman Township Water Quality Action Plan (watershed data)
- Michigan Natural Rivers Program — designated rivers list
- Michigan Water Trails
Last updated: October 2026. Water levels, hazards, launches, camping rules, construction zones and closures change. Verify current USGS data, weather, river conditions, access and regulations immediately before launching.
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