Upper branches
Small farm streams
Too small and shallow to paddle most of the year.
Lower Peninsula River Guide / Arenac County to Saginaw Bay near Standish
Pine River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
A small Arenac County river whose branches meet near Standish and run east to Saginaw Bay. The lower river and its marshy mouth are an easy paddle from the state launch, and they connect to the Saginaw Bay Blueways. Not to be confused with the other Pine Rivers in our guide.
RegionSaginaw Bay
CountiesArenac
WatershedSaginaw Bay coastal streams
Great Lake BasinLake Huron (Saginaw Bay)
River LengthNorth, Middle and South branches to the bay
PaddleableLower river and mouth; upper river in high water
Best SeasonMay to October
MouthSaginaw Bay, east of Standish
Before you launch: low water and bay wind
- Low flows: the Pine runs very low in late summer and fall. The upper river can be too shallow to paddle.
- Saginaw Bay wind: the bay is shallow and gets rough fast. Check the marine forecast before leaving the river mouth.
- Wind changes the depth: strong wind can push the bay's water in or out of the river mouth.
- Hunting season: the coastal marshes are busy with waterfowl hunters in fall. Wear bright colors.
River History
The Pine River country around Standish was logged in the late 1800s, and Standish grew up as a lumber and railroad town. Like much of Arenac County, the land was then drained and farmed.
Today the river mouth is part of a string of coastal access points along the western shore of Saginaw Bay, between Au Gres and Pinconning, known for fishing, waterfowl hunting and birding.
River Map
River Overview
The Pine River's main branch forms northeast of Standish where the North and Middle branches meet. The South Branch joins just upstream of the mouth, and the river empties into Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron east of Standish.
North and Middle branches
Small streams that meet northeast of Standish.
Pine River Road
Site of the live USGS gage.
South Branch confluence
The South Branch joins near the mouth.
State boat launch
DNR launch on the lower river near the bay.
Saginaw Bay
The river ends in coastal marsh on the bay.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
The USGS gage at Pine River Road near Standish shows how much water is coming down. In dry spells, flows can drop to just a few cubic feet per second. Near the mouth, wind and Saginaw Bay levels matter more.
How to read it
When the gage is near its normal flow or higher, the lower river paddles well. When it's very low, stick to the mouth and the bay shoreline.
Watch the wind. Strong west winds can drain the river mouth and leave it shallow.
Paddling Character
Lower river
Slow and marshy
Slow water through wetlands near the bay. Good for birding.
Saginaw Bay
Open water
Shallow bay with marshes. Calm mornings are best.
Michigan Water Trails
The Pine River boat launch is an access point on the Saginaw Bay Blueways, the water trail along the western and southern shores of Saginaw Bay. Bay County's blueways map lists it alongside Whites Beach and Eagle Bay Marina.
The bay routes are open-water trips, so plan around the wind.
Saginaw Bay Water TrailsDams & Portages
Arenac County
No dams on the lower river
We didn't find any dams on the paddling stretch.
Launches
Listed upstream to downstream. Confirm parking, fees and current conditions before you go.
Lower river
Pine River boat launch
DNR boat ramp on the lower river near the bay, close to the USGS gage.
MapCamping
Saginaw Bay shore
Big Bend Campground and bay campgrounds
Several campgrounds line the bay shore between Standish and Au Gres.
Au Gres
City of Au Gres and Arenac County Park campgrounds
Bayfront campgrounds about 20 minutes north.
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
The marshes at the mouth draw egrets, herons, terns, eagles and huge flocks of ducks and geese in migration.
Fishing
Saginaw Bay is famous for walleye and perch. The river mouth draws pike, bass and panfish.
Safety
Safety essentials
- Wear your PFD the whole time.
- Check the marine forecast before heading onto the bay.
- Stay near shore and watch for shallows.
- Wear bright colors in hunting season.
Rules, passes and private land
- A Michigan Recreation Passport is needed at state parks and many state-run launches.
- Much of the riverbank is private. Stop only on public land or where you have permission.
- Leave No Trace: pack out all trash.
What to pack
- Spare paddle, bilge pump, throw bag and whistle
- Dry bag with warm layers
- Map or GPS track with your take-out marked
- Marine forecast checked before launch
Best Time & Access
Spring
Higher water on the river and great birding. Cold.
Summer
Good for the mouth and bay on calm mornings. The river runs low.
Fall
Great migrating birds, but hunters are out.
Winter
Ice. Not recommended.
From Grand Rapids, Standish is about two hours and 15 minutes northeast. Take US-131 and US-10 to I-75 north, then exit at Standish.
Trip Planning
Short trip
Launch at the state ramp and explore the lower river and marsh.
Bay paddle
On a calm day, follow the Saginaw Bay Blueways shoreline north or south.
Combine
Pair with the Rifle and Au Gres rivers a few minutes north.
Check before you go
Look at the Standish gage and the marine forecast.
River Difficulty
We use the American Whitewater difficulty scale. The Pine River is easy, slow water, so it's rated Class I. Wind on Saginaw Bay can make the mouth much harder.
Lower Pine River
Slow, easy water through marsh.
Saginaw Bay
Easy in calm weather. Wind builds waves fast.
Quick Reference
| Source | North and Middle branches, northeast of Standish |
|---|---|
| Mouth | Saginaw Bay |
| Main tributary | South Branch Pine River |
| Dams | None on the lower river |
| Nearest town | Standish |
| Key gage | USGS 04143220, Pine River Road near Standish |
| Water trail | Saginaw Bay Blueways access |
| Best season | May to October |
| Difficulty | Class I |