West Michigan Kayaking Club · River Guide
Kawkawlin River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
The name Kawkawlin comes from an Ojibwe word meaning "place of pike," for the fish that were once abundant here. The North and South branches gather water from farm drains in Gladwin, Midland and Saginaw counties and join northwest of Bay City, about 4.7 miles from the mouth.
The river empties into Saginaw Bay about a mile west of the Saginaw River. Bay County now promotes the lower river as the Kawkawlin River Trail, part of the Saginaw Bay blueways, where paddlers pass riverside homes and then open, wild floodplain country.
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 North Branch rises at the southeast corner of Gladwin County where Hoffman and Watson drains meet; the South Branch rises where Dietline and Betzoid drains meet.
Major Tributaries
- North Branch
- South Branch
- Kawkawlin Creek
- Culver Creek
- Dingman Drain
Communities
- Kawkawlin
- Bay City (nearby)
Sections
Branches: Farm-country drains; generally not paddled.
Confluence to E. Wheeler Rd.: Main river below the branches.
E. Wheeler Rd. to Saginaw Bay: The 6.3-mile water trail: homes, then open floodplain to the bay.
Mouth
Saginaw Bay, about 1 mile west of the Saginaw River mouth.
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 | Slow and muddy near the mouth. |
| Normal | Easy floodplain paddling. |
| High | Floodplain fills; current picks up. |
| Flood | Stay off. |
Paddling Character
The Kawkawlin River Trail is a relaxed partial-day paddle. Expect developed banks first, then wilder floodplain, and a finish near Saginaw Bay with powerboat traffic.
Recommended Boats
- Recreational kayak
- Canoe
- Fishing kayak
Potential Hazards
- Boat traffic near the mouth
- Saginaw Bay waves
- Spring flooding
Best Conditions
Calm summer mornings at normal levels.
Michigan Water Trails
Kawkawlin River Trail, listed on michiganwatertrails.org under the Saginaw Bay blueways and managed by Bay County. The E. Wheeler Rd. to Saginaw Bay section is 6.3 miles.
Dams & Portages
No dams are documented on the water trail.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. Wheeler Rd. | Start of the water trail | Verify | Verify | Verify | Verify | 6.3 mi to the bay |
| Steih Park boat launch | Lower river | Boat launch | Lot | Verify | Verify | Confirm paddle access |
| Kawkawlin River mouth access | Saginaw Bay | Verify | Verify | Verify | Verify | Take-out near the bay |
Camping
Bay City State Park
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
- Great egrets
- Great blue herons
- Bald eagles
- Waterfowl
- Turtles
Fishing
- Northern pike
- Walleye (spring) [V]
- Yellow perch
- Channel catfish
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
Saginaw Bay is shallow and builds steep waves in wind. Stay near shore at the mouth and watch for boats coming in and out of the river.
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 Saginaw Bay.
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, slow water.
Ratings rise at high water. Check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
Sources & Current Information
- Wikipedia — Kawkawlin River
- Michigan Water Trails — Kawkawlin River Trail
- National Rivers Project — Kawkawlin River
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.