West Michigan Kayaking Club · River Guide
Cedar River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
The Cedar River forms in Hamilton Township, Clare County, where Cranberry Creek meets the West Branch, and runs about 29 miles through high cedar banks, meadows and swamps to the Tobacco River at Beaverton. Its North, Middle and West branches drain the country around Meredith, and Wiggins Lake (Chappel Pond) sits on the river above Gladwin.
The river was once a popular paddling stream, but over the years downed trees, debris and eroding banks made a long stretch impassable. Community grants and volunteers cleared it, and it reopened to paddlers for the first time in 20 or more years. Gladwin County now celebrates the river with the River Race of Two Cities, a 12.5-mile canoe and kayak marathon from Gladwin to Beaverton first run on Memorial Day weekend 2025.
Interactive River Map
Pinch or use the + / – buttons to zoom.
Use the launch table below for exact access points, and confirm them before a club trip.
River Overview
Headwaters
The junction of Cranberry Creek (from Arnold and Cranberry lakes near Harrison) and the West Branch Cedar River, Hamilton Township, Clare County.
Major Tributaries
- North Branch
- Middle Branch
- West Branch
- Cranberry Creek
- Silver Creek
- Smith Creek
Communities
- Gladwin
- Beaverton
- Meredith (nearby)
- Harrison (nearby)
Sections
Townline Lake Rd. to Hoover Rd.: Harder upper run that needs plenty of water.
Hoover Rd. to Wiggins Lake: Clear, slightly tinted trout water with deadfalls and beaver dams to portage.
Wiggins Lake to Gladwin City Park: About 3 miles; family-friendly below the dam.
Gladwin to Beaverton: The cleared, 12.5-mile race course to Ross Lake Park.
Mouth
The Tobacco River at Beaverton.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
Primary USGS Gage
USGS Interactive Map
Explore every USGS stream gage on and near the river. Tap a site for live flow and gage height.
Water-Level Considerations
| Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Low | The upper river is too shallow; scraping below Gladwin. |
| Normal | Clear, easy current; good family water below Wiggins Lake. |
| High | Faster water into wood; the upper river becomes runnable but tricky. |
| Flood | Stay off. |
Paddling Character
The Cedar mixes high cedar banks, low meadows, farmland, swamp and one lake. Above Wiggins Lake it is a tighter, woodier trout stream for experienced members. Below the dam it opens up, and the Gladwin to Beaverton stretch is a good family paddle at normal levels.
Recommended Boats
- Recreational kayak
- Canoe
- Short kayak (upper river)
Potential Hazards
- Wiggins Lake dam
- Deadfalls and beaver dams above Wiggins Lake
- New wood after storms
- Ross Lake dam at Beaverton [V]
Best Conditions
Late spring and summer at normal levels; the upper river needs higher water.
Michigan Water Trails
Not a designated state water trail. The Gladwin County Conservation District and community partners maintain the cleared Gladwin to Beaverton course.
Dams & Portages
Portage every dam.
| Structure | Type | Portage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiggins Lake dam (Chappel Dam) | Medium-sized dam | Required, on the left | Above Gladwin |
| Ross Lake dam, Beaverton | Dam on the Tobacco River impoundment | Take out at Ross Lake Park | End of the Cedar River trip |
Never paddle near a dam face or spillway. Take out well upstream and confirm portage access before the trip.
Public Kayak & Canoe Launches
| Launch | Area | Type | Parking | Restrooms | Fee / Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoover Rd. | Upper river | Road crossing | Roadside | None | None known | Smoother upper start |
| Gladwin City Park | Gladwin | City park | Lot | Yes | Verify | Campground overlooks the river; race start |
| Ross Lake Park | Beaverton | City park | Lot | Yes | None known | Picnic area; race finish |
Camping
Gladwin City Park campground
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
- Beavers
- Great blue herons
- Deer
- Turtles
- Kingfishers
- Wood ducks
Fishing
- Brown trout
- Brook trout (upper) [V]
- Smallmouth bass
- Northern pike (lakes)
Safety
Required / Recommended Gear
- PFD worn at all times
- Paddle + spare
- Whistle
- Dry bag
- First-aid kit
- Folding saw (trip leaders)
- Water shoes for lift-overs
River-Specific Concerns
Wood is the main hazard, and new deadfalls appear after every storm even on the cleared stretch. Portage the Wiggins Lake dam on the left and finish above the Ross Lake dam in Beaverton.
Best Time & Access
Best Time to Paddle
Access & Regulations
Trip Planning
What to Pack
- Everything in the Safety gear list, plus drinking water.
- A shuttle plan between Gladwin and Beaverton.
Leave No Trace: pack out everything you bring. Clean, Drain, Dry all boats and gear between rivers to stop invasive species.
River Difficulty
Class I
Not listed by American Whitewater. Easy moving water with wood.
Ratings rise at high water. Check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
Sources & Current Information
- Wikipedia — Cedar River (Gladwin County, Michigan)
- Paddling.com — Cedar River in Michigan
- Rural Innovation Exchange — Gladwin County River Race
- USGS — Gladwin County monitoring locations
- Michigan Water Trails
Last updated: October 2026. Water levels, hazards, launches, camping rules and closures change. Verify current USGS flow, weather, river conditions, access and regulations immediately before launching.
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Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.