Paw Paw River Kayaking Guide

The Paw Paw River winds through southwest Michigan's fruit country, flowing from the Paw Paw area westward through Van Buren and Berrien counties to Lake Michigan near Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. It is a river of striking contrasts: a long, well-developed designated water trail with easy family-friendly reaches on one hand, and wild, uncleared upstream sections that demand expert skills on the other. Knowing which Paw Paw you are paddling is the key to a great day.

For most paddlers, the Paw Paw means the middle and lower river. Below Maple Lake Dam, a long designated water-trail reach offers some of the most pleasant flatwater paddling in the region — gentle current, wooded banks, and abundant wildlife. An early documented trip runs about 2.6 miles from below Maple Lake Dam to CR-665, a perfect short outing. Farther down, the Benton Harbor reach opens into calm wetland paddling through broad marshes, suitable for a wide range of skill levels and a wonderful place for beginners to build confidence.

The river's wilder side shows upstream, where the Paw Paw keeps its rough edges. The stretch from 40th Street to 46th Street is explicitly advanced water: uncleared, choked with logjams, and with no take-out between the endpoints. That section is for expert paddlers only — everyone else should stick to the maintained water trail. A lower-river outfitter notes May through October as the prime season, which matches the river at its warm, friendly best.

Paddling the Paw Paw

Below Maple Lake Dam to CR-665 (about 2.6 miles)

This short, sweet 2.6-mile run below Maple Lake Dam is the ideal Paw Paw introduction: easy water, pretty banks, and a quick shuttle. It is a great choice for newer paddlers, families, and anyone short on time — you will be on and off the water in a couple of relaxed hours.

The Lower River Wetlands at Benton Harbor

Downstream around Benton Harbor, the river spreads into calm wetland paddling through broad marshes. The current eases, the birdlife multiplies, and the paddling becomes a peaceful nature tour suitable for broad skill levels. Accesses in this area include Riverside Kayak Park, Graham Avenue, and Coloma Water Access, plus Benton Harbor-area sites — plenty of options for put-ins and take-outs.

Upper Reaches: Experts Only

The upstream section from 40th Street to 46th Street is a different river entirely: advanced, uncleared, full of logjams, and with no take-out between the endpoints. Do not attempt this reach unless you are an experienced paddler prepared for mandatory portages and difficult conditions. When in doubt, stay on the designated water trail.

Hazards & Portages

Maple Lake Dam is the hard barrier at the top of the water trail — put in below it, never above without a portage plan. On the maintained reaches, hazards are modest: the occasional downed tree and the usual bridge pilings. On the uncleared upper river, logjams are frequent and serious — scout, portage, and never try to squeeze through a jam. Near Lake Michigan, wind can affect the lowest reaches on exposed days.

Access & Parking

Access is well developed along the water trail. Named sites include Lawrence River Park, Coloma Water Access, Graham Avenue, and Riverside Kayak Park (42.18609, -86.37439) in Benton Harbor, plus additional Benton Harbor-area launches. Riverside Kayak Park is a convenient, central option with parking. Most launches are carry-in with room for a handful of vehicles — arrive early on summer weekends.

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