West Michigan Kayaking Club · River Guide
Indian River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
The Indian River is the short connector between Burt Lake and Mullett Lake, at the heart of the Inland Waterway. Native Americans and later fur trappers used this chain of rivers and lakes to cross northern Michigan without paddling around the Straits of Mackinac, and the community of Indian River takes its name from the river.
Today the town of Indian River is a hub for boating and paddling on the Inland Waterway, the Sturgeon River and the surrounding lakes. The North Central State Trail crosses the river in town, so it is easy to combine a paddle with a bike ride.
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
Burt Lake, at about 594 feet above sea level.
Major Tributaries
- Sturgeon River (enters near Indian River) [V]
Communities
- Indian River
Sections
Burt Lake outlet: Wide channel through the town of Indian River.
To Mullett Lake: Short, slow river past homes and marinas into Mullett Lake.
Mouth
Mullett Lake, Cheboygan 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 | Little change. |
| Storms | Lakes get rough; stay off. |
Paddling Character
The Indian River is easy flatwater, but it is the busiest boat channel on the Inland Waterway. Paddle it early or late in the day, or as one leg of a multi-day Inland Waterway trip.
Recommended Boats
- Touring kayak
- Recreational kayak
- Canoe
Potential Hazards
- Heavy boat traffic
- Wakes
- Wind on Burt and Mullett lakes
Best Conditions
Early mornings or weekdays, outside peak boating hours.
Michigan Water Trails
Part of the Inland Waterway water trail, listed on michiganwatertrails.org as a 38.2-mile route from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron through the Crooked River, Burt Lake, Indian River, Mullett Lake and Cheboygan River.
Dams & Portages
No dams or locks on the Indian River. The Inland Waterway's locks are on the Crooked River at Alanson and the Cheboygan River in Cheboygan.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River public access | Town of Indian River | Verify | Verify | Verify | Verify | Several marinas and public sites in town |
| Burt Lake State Park | South end of Burt Lake | State park | Lot | Yes | Recreation Passport | Short paddle to the river outlet |
Local businesses in Indian River rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.
Camping
Burt Lake State Park
Aloha State Park
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
- Bald eagles
- Loons
- Mute swans
- Mergansers
- Herons
Fishing
- Walleye
- Smallmouth bass
- Northern pike
- Lake sturgeon (protected)
Safety
Required / Recommended Gear
- PFD worn at all times
- Paddle + spare
- Whistle
- Dry bag
- First-aid kit
- Bright colors for boat traffic
River-Specific Concerns
Stay to the edge of the channel and turn your bow into big wakes. Burt Lake and Mullett Lake are big lakes that build large waves in wind.
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 forecast for both lakes.
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 — Indian River (Mullett Lake)
- Indian River Chamber — Boating & Paddling
- Michigan Water Trails — Inland Waterway
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.