West Michigan Kayaking Club · River Guide
Grass River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
The Grass River is the short link between Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake on the Elk River Chain of Lakes. Ojibwa people lived in the region before settlers arrived to farm in the mid-1800s. From the 1880s, lumber companies cut the white pine forests and drove logs down the chain to sawmills, and the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad built a line through the area that later became a rail-trail.
Since 1969 the nonprofit Grass River Natural Area has protected about 1,500 acres of wetlands along the river, with boardwalks, observation platforms and about 7.5 miles of trails. It is one of the best places in northern Michigan to see a protected river wetland up close, and the GRNA has offered organized paddles and kayak rentals since 2021.
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
Lake Bellaire, Antrim County.
Major Tributaries
- Finch Creek [V]
- Cold Creek [V]
- Shanty Creek [V]
Communities
- Bellaire
- Alden (nearby)
Sections
Lake Bellaire outlet: Wide, slow channel leaving the lake.
Grass River Natural Area: Marsh and cedar wetlands protected on both banks.
Clam Lake: The river ends in Clam Lake, which drains through the Clam River into Torch Lake.
Mouth
Clam Lake, Antrim County.
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 | Rare; lake-controlled. |
| Normal | Slow, easy paddling. |
| High | Slightly faster current. |
| Storms | Lakes get rough; stay off. |
Paddling Character
The Grass River is a gentle, wildlife-rich paddle through protected marsh. It works as a stand-alone out-and-back or as part of a longer Chain of Lakes route between Lake Bellaire and Torch Lake.
Recommended Boats
- Recreational kayak
- Canoe
- SUP
- Touring kayak
Potential Hazards
- Powerboat traffic in the channel
- Wind on Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake
- Cold water in spring and fall
Best Conditions
Calm mornings and evenings for wildlife viewing.
Michigan Water Trails
Part of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, a state-designated water trail of more than 100 miles across 12 lakes and connecting rivers in Antrim County, hosted by Paddle Antrim. A dam in Bellaire splits the Upper Chain from the Lower Chain.
Dams & Portages
No dams on the Grass River. The Bellaire dam is upstream on the Intermediate River.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Bellaire public access | Lake Bellaire | Verify | Verify | Verify | Verify | Paddle across the lake to the outlet |
| Grass River Natural Area | Along the river | Nature preserve | Lot | Yes (center) | Verify | Organized paddles and rentals offered; confirm launch rules |
| Clam Lake access | Clam Lake | Verify | Verify | Verify | Verify | End of the river |
Camping
Area campgrounds
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
- Bald eagles
- Ospreys
- Sandhill cranes
- Otters
- Beavers
- Turtles
- Loons (lakes)
Fishing
- Northern pike
- Smallmouth bass
- Panfish
- Walleye [V]
Safety
Required / Recommended Gear
- PFD worn at all times
- Paddle + spare
- Whistle
- Dry bag
- First-aid kit
- Bright colors for boat traffic
- Binoculars
River-Specific Concerns
The river is easy, but the lakes on both ends can get rough. Stay to the edges of the channel where powerboats pass.
Best Time & Access
Best Time to Paddle
Access & Regulations
Trip Planning
What to Pack
- Everything in the Safety gear list, plus drinking water.
- A wind check for Lake Bellaire.
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. Flatwater.
Ratings rise at high water. Check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
Sources & Current Information
- Wikipedia — Grass River (Michigan)
- MyNorth — Paddle the Chain of Lakes Water Trail
- Michigan Water Trails — Chain of Lakes Water Trail
- Grass River Natural Area — Maps and 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.