West Michigan Kayaking Club · River Guide
Clinton River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
French explorers called it the Nottawasippee, and British fur traders called it the Huron River of St. Clair. In 1824 the Michigan Territorial Council renamed it for New York governor DeWitt Clinton to avoid confusion with the other Huron River. The ambitious Clinton–Kalamazoo Canal was planned to run 216 miles from Lake St. Clair to Lake Michigan, but it was abandoned after only 13 miles were built.
Urban growth and pollution led to the lower river being named a Great Lakes Area of Concern in 1987, expanded to the whole watershed in 1995. Decades of cleanup followed, and in 2020 the DNR designated 72 miles of the Clinton as a state water trail, the ninth in Michigan, after a decade of work led by the Clinton River Watershed Council and local communities.
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
Wetlands and cold-water tributaries in Independence, Brandon and Springfield townships, Oakland County.
Major Tributaries
- North Branch
- Middle Branch
- Paint Creek
- Stony Creek
- Galloway Creek [V]
Communities
- Pontiac
- Auburn Hills
- Rochester Hills
- Utica
- Sterling Heights
- Mount Clemens
- Harrison Township
Sections
Headwater lakes (Waterford area): Placid chain of lakes with several dams; some portages are not possible because of private shoreline.
Pontiac: The river goes underground past Crystal Lake; no public access to Auburn Hills.
Auburn Hills to Rochester (Heart of the Clinton): Advanced: steep gradients, hairpin turns and logjams; the most intense section can reach Class III at high water.
Yates Cider Mill to Utica: Intermediate; mandatory Yates Dam portage on the right.
Utica to Lake St. Clair: Slow lower river with logjams and shallows in places, two weir portages, then scenic water to the lake.
Mouth
Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
Primary USGS Gage
Check gages before every trip. Avoid high, fast water and stay off the river during spikes or after rain.
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 Rochester reach becomes nearly unnavigable. |
| Normal | Intermediate water through Rochester; easy lower river. |
| High | Rochester reach can reach Class III; logjams deadly. |
| Flood | Stay off; sewage overflows possible. |
Paddling Character
The Clinton changes character along its length. The headwater lakes are placid, the reach from Auburn Hills through Rochester is the most technical moving water in Metro Detroit, and the lower river from Utica to Lake St. Clair is slow, with logjams and shallows in places. Most of the shoreline is private, so exit only at public access points.
Recommended Boats
- Recreational kayak
- Canoe
- River kayak (Rochester reach)
Potential Hazards
- Logjams
- Yates Dam
- Weir structures (lower river)
- Urban debris
- Sewage overflows after rain
- Waves entering Lake St. Clair
Best Conditions
Normal summer flow with gages checked; save the Rochester reach for experienced paddlers.
Michigan Water Trails
State-designated Clinton River Water Trail. In 2020 the DNR designated 72 of the river's 81.5 miles, making it Michigan's ninth state water trail. The Clinton River Watershed Council publishes a waterproof map set with river miles, access sites and safety markers.
Dams & Portages
Several dams and weirs require portages. Some headwater dams cannot be portaged because of private shoreline.
| Structure | Type | Portage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Norman Lake dam | Dam under Dixie Hwy | Required | Headwaters; narrow railroad culvert nearby |
| Lake Oakland dam (Donzi Cove) | Dam at south end of Lake Oakland | Not possible (private) | Major obstacle |
| Dam below Dodge #4 State Park | Dam | Over Cass Lake Rd. | Strong current near left bank |
| Sylvan Lake dam (Telegraph Rd.) | Dam | Mandatory | River goes underground below |
| Yates Dam | Historic mill dam | Mandatory, right bank | At Yates Cider Mill |
| Weir near Shadyside Park | Dam structure with weir | Mandatory; steer left | Do not enter |
| Weir near MacArthur Park | Dam structure with weir | Mandatory; steer left | Do not enter |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Park | Auburn Hills | Park access | Lot | Verify | None known | Advanced reach below |
| CRWC Office / Eagles Landing | Rochester Hills | Access | Lot | Verify | None known | Start of the most intense section |
| Rochester Landing | Rochester | Access | Lot | Verify | None known | 3.1 mi to Yates |
| Yates Cider Mill | Rochester Hills | Access | Lot | Verify | None known | Portage the dam on the right |
| River Bends Park | Shelby Twp. (Ryan Rd.) | Park access | Lot | Yes | None known | Intermediate stretch to Utica |
| Heritage Park | Utica | Park access | Lot | Yes | None known | End of Yates–Heritage route |
| Clinton River Park North / Rotary Park | Sterling Heights | Park access | Lot | Yes | None known | Lower river |
| MacArthur Park | Mount Clemens | Park access | Lot | Yes | None known | Weir portage nearby |
| Harley Ensign (DNR) | Harrison Twp. | DNR boating access | Lot | Verify | Recreation Passport | Mouth at Lake St. Clair |
Waterproof maps and safety markers along the bank help you report your location in an emergency.
Camping
No riverside camping
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
- Great blue herons
- Bald eagles
- Kingfishers
- Turtles
- Deer
- Waterfowl
Fishing
- Smallmouth bass
- Steelhead (stocked) [V]
- Brown trout (Paint Creek area) [V]
- Northern pike
- Panfish
Safety
Required / Recommended Gear
- PFD worn at all times
- Paddle + spare
- Whistle
- Dry bag
- First-aid kit
- Helmet for the Rochester reach
- River footwear
- Dry clothes in a dry bag
River-Specific Concerns
Never climb on logjams, which can hide deep water and strong current. Do not swim or wade in the river. Use the numbered safety markers to report your location, and dial 911 in an emergency. Waves can swamp boats entering Lake St. Clair.
Best Time & Access
Best Time to Paddle
Access & Regulations
Trip Planning
What to Pack
- Everything in the Safety gear list, plus drinking water.
- The CRWC waterproof map for your segment.
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(II)
American Whitewater rates the W. Avon Road to Yates Dam run Class I(II), 5 miles at about 16 feet per mile. The local water trail guide notes the Rochester reach can reach Class III at high water.
Ratings rise at high water. Check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
Sources & Current Information
- Clinton River Watershed Council — Clinton River Water Trail paddling guide
- Planet Detroit — Clinton River named state water trail (2020)
- Wikipedia — Clinton River
- American Whitewater — Clinton River
- USGS 04164000 — Clinton River at Sterling Heights
- 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.
Come paddle with us
Sign the member agreement, then pick your first trip.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.