Upper river
Remote forest
Small, remote water through state forest. Scout before paddling.
Upper Peninsula River Guide / Menominee County to Green Bay at Cedar River
Cedar River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
A long, winding river through the state forest of Menominee County to Green Bay at the village of Cedar River. The lower river is a relaxed flatwater paddle from Cedar River North State Forest Campground to the bay. Not to be confused with the Cedar Rivers in the Lower Peninsula.
RegionSouth-Central Upper Peninsula
CountiesMenominee
WatershedGreen Bay
Great Lake BasinLake Michigan
River LengthAbout 67 miles
PaddleableCedar River North campground to Green Bay, about 11 miles
Best SeasonMay to October
MouthGreen Bay at Cedar River
Before you launch: logjams and the bay
- Logjams: logjams on the lower river may need to be lifted over or portaged.
- Green Bay: the bay at the mouth can get rough in wind. Check the forecast.
- Remote state forest: the upper river runs through state forest with little development.
- Hunting seasons: the campground area is open to hunting. Wear bright colors in fall.
River History
The Cedar River country was logged in the late 1800s, and the village of Cedar River grew up at the mouth on Green Bay. Like much of the UP's Lake Michigan shore, it's now a quiet fishing and vacation area.
Today much of the river runs through state forest, with the Cedar River Pathway and the Cedar River North State Forest Campground offering trails, camping and a carry-in launch.
River Map
River Overview
The Cedar River rises in northern Menominee County and flows about 67 miles south and east to Green Bay at the community of Cedar River. Its tributaries include the Walton River, the West Branch Cedar River and many small creeks, and it passes Reed and Wheeler lakes.
Northern Menominee County headwaters
Small streams through forest.
Upper river
Remote state forest water.
County Road 366
Site of the live USGS gage.
Cedar River North State Forest Campground
Carry-in launch about 13 miles northwest of the village.
Lower river
Winding flatwater with logjams, about 11 miles to the bay.
Green Bay at Cedar River
The river ends at the village on the bay.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
The USGS gage at County Road 366 near Cedar River is on the lower river and is the one to check.
How to read it
Compare today's flow with the typical flow for the date shown on the USGS graph. Well above normal means faster current, debris coming downstream and fewer safe eddies. Well below normal means more dragging and more liftovers.
After heavy rain, check again the morning you launch. Small rivers rise and fall quickly.
Paddling Character
Lower river
Winding flatwater
Slow, winding water to the bay, with logjams to work around. About 4 to 5 hours from the state forest.
Michigan Water Trails
The Cedar River is not a designated Michigan Water Trail. The Lake Michigan Water Trail's Upper Peninsula routes follow the Green Bay shoreline nearby.
Check the official list for updates, since new trails are added over time.
Michigan Water TrailsDams & Portages
Menominee County
No dams on the lower river
We didn't find any dams on the paddling stretch.
Launches
Listed upstream to downstream. Confirm parking, fees and current conditions before you go.
Camping
State forest
Cedar River North State Forest Campground
18 rustic sites, including 6 equestrian sites, with a carry-in launch and the Cedar River Pathway. First come, first served.
Green Bay shore
J.W. Wells State Park
State park campground on Green Bay south of Cedar River. A Recreation Passport is required.
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
Deer, black bear, wolves, eagles and many songbirds live in the Cedar River state forest. The Green Bay shoreline draws waterfowl in migration.
Fishing
The Cedar has bass and trout. Green Bay off the mouth is known for walleye, perch and salmon.
Safety
Safety essentials
- Wear your PFD the whole time.
- Watch for logjams and plan liftovers.
- Check the forecast before paddling onto Green Bay.
- Wear bright colors in hunting season.
Rules, passes and private land
- A Recreation Passport is required at the state forest campground.
- A Michigan Recreation Passport is needed at state parks and many state-run launches.
- Much of the riverbank is private. Stop only on public land or where you have permission.
- Leave No Trace: pack out all trash.
What to pack
- Spare paddle, bilge pump, throw bag and whistle
- Dry bag with warm layers
- Map or GPS track with your take-out marked
- Folding saw for small deadfall
Best Time & Access
Spring
Higher, colder water and more debris.
Summer
The best season for the lower river.
Fall
Great color, but hunting seasons in the state forest.
Winter
Snow and ice. Not recommended.
From Grand Rapids, Cedar River is about five and a half hours north. Take US-131 and I-75 north to the Mackinac Bridge, then US-2 west to Escanaba and M-35 south along Green Bay.
Trip Planning
Day trip
Paddle about 11 miles from the state forest campground to the bay.
Shuttles
A local outfitter has offered rentals and shuttles from the state forest.
Camp and paddle
Stay at Cedar River North and launch from camp.
Check before you go
Look at the County Road 366 gage and the Green Bay forecast.
River Difficulty
We use the American Whitewater difficulty scale. The lower Cedar River is flatwater, rated Class I. Logjams are the main challenge.
Cedar River North to Green Bay
Winding flatwater with logjams.
Quick Reference
| Mouth | Green Bay at Cedar River |
|---|---|
| Length | About 67 miles |
| Main tributaries | Walton River, West Branch Cedar River |
| Launch | Cedar River North State Forest Campground |
| Key gage | USGS 04059750, County Road 366 |
| Best season | May to October |
| Difficulty | Class I |