Headwater lakes
Flatwater lakes
Small lakes and wetlands in the recreation area. The easiest and most rewarding paddling on the Portage system.
Lower Peninsula River Guide / Waterloo Recreation Area to the Grand River near Jackson
Portage River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
A short headwater stream of the Grand River that starts in the swamps and lakes of the Waterloo Recreation Area and ends just north of Jackson. Most of it is a small creek and farm drain, so it's more of an explorer's paddle than a destination river. Not to be confused with the Portage River at Three Rivers or the Portage River in Livingston County.
RegionSouth-Central Michigan
CountiesJackson; headwaters near the Washtenaw line
WatershedUpper Grand River
Great Lake BasinLake Michigan
River LengthAbout 15.5 miles
PaddleableLakes and short stretches, in high water
Best SeasonApril to June
MouthGrand River, north of Jackson
Before you launch: small water and no-launch signs
- Small, brushy creek: much of the river is too narrow and shallow to paddle, with downed trees and thick brush.
- Respect posted signs: some bridges have "No Boat Launching" signs and guardrails tight to the road. Don't launch there.
- Wind on the lakes: the open lakes at the headwaters can get rough in a quartering wind.
- No live gage: the old USGS gage on the river is no longer reporting. Use the Grand River at Jackson as a guide.
River History
The Portage River and the lakes at its source sit on an old travel route across southern Michigan. Native travelers and early fur traders could paddle up the Grand River toward Jackson, then cross low, marshy ground near the Portage Lakes to reach rivers that drain east toward Lake Erie. The name Portage comes from that carry between watersheds.
Today the headwaters lie inside the Waterloo State Recreation Area, the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula, and the river runs through farm country and the edge of Jackson's suburbs. Much of the lower river has been straightened and is maintained as a drain. Paddlers who try it report a creek that gets tighter and more drain-like as it heads downstream.
River Map
River Overview
The Portage River starts in the Portage Lake Swamp in the Waterloo State Recreation Area, in Waterloo Township. It flows about 15.5 miles northwest through a chain of small lakes and wetlands, forms the line between Henrietta and Leoni townships, and joins the Grand River in Blackman Township just north of Jackson. Its tributaries include Wildcat, Batteese, Orchard and Honey creeks.
Waterloo State Recreation Area
Headwater swamps and lakes, including the Portage Lake area. Good flatwater paddling on the lakes.
Outlet and upper river
A small, marshy creek below the lakes. Paddlers report having to carry around a lake embankment to reach the river.
Henrietta and Leoni townships
The river forms the township line. Narrow and brushy, and drain-like in places.
Mouth at the Grand River
Joins the Grand in Blackman Township, just north of Jackson.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
There's no live USGS gage on the Portage River right now. The Grand River at Jackson is the closest live gage and a good guide to whether the upper Grand watershed is up or down.
How to read it
If the Grand River at Jackson is well above its normal flow for the date, the Portage is likely high enough to paddle in its deeper stretches. If the Grand is low, expect the Portage to be too shallow.
Look at the river from a public crossing before you launch. On a stream this small, a few inches of water decides the trip.
Paddling Character
Upper river
Marshy creek
A narrow channel through wetland. Expect to carry around obstacles.
Lower river
Brushy drain
A small, straightened channel with deadfall. Paddleable only in high water.
Michigan Water Trails
The Portage River is not a designated Michigan Water Trail. The Upper Grand River Water Trail covers the Grand River nearby, and the Grand is the better choice for a longer trip in the Jackson area.
Check the official list for updates, since new trails are added over time.
Upper Grand River Water TrailDams & Portages
Headwater lakes
Lake embankments and outlet structures
Paddlers report an embankment at the outlet of the headwater lake that has to be walked around to reach the river. Don't paddle into culverts or control structures.
Plan ahead
Portage tips
On a river named Portage, plan to carry. Bring a cart or a light boat and check posted signs at each crossing.
Launches
There are few public launches on the river itself. The headwater lakes in the Waterloo State Recreation Area are the most reliable access. Look first and confirm access before you go.
Headwaters
Waterloo State Recreation Area lakes
State lake access in the recreation area. A Recreation Passport is required.
MapUpper river
Portage Lake Road area
Paddlers report "No Boat Launching" signs at the bridge. Don't launch where it's posted.
MapMouth
Grand River near Jackson
Upper Grand River Water Trail access sites near the Portage mouth are the easiest way to reach the lower river.
MapCamping
Headwaters
Waterloo State Recreation Area
Several campgrounds in the Lower Peninsula's largest state park, close to the Portage headwaters. A Recreation Passport is required.
Jackson County
County parks
Jackson County runs campgrounds at several of its lake parks. Check the county parks site for current options.
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
The Waterloo headwaters are some of the best wildlife habitat in southern Michigan, with sandhill cranes, herons, waterfowl, turtles, deer and beaver in the swamps and lakes.
Fishing
The headwater lakes hold bass, pike and panfish. The small river below has suckers, chubs and other stream fish.
Safety
Safety essentials
- Wear your PFD the whole time.
- Never launch where it's posted "No Boat Launching."
- Watch for downed trees and brush. Never try to slip under a log.
- Stay near shore on the lakes in wind.
Rules, passes and private land
- A Michigan Recreation Passport is required in the Waterloo State Recreation Area.
- 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
- Portage cart or a light boat
- Folding saw for small deadfall
Best Time & Access
Spring
The only reliable time for the river itself. Great birding at the headwaters.
Summer
Paddle the headwater lakes. The river is usually too low.
Fall
Color on the Waterloo lakes. The river is low unless it's been rainy.
Winter
Cold and icy. Not recommended.
From Grand Rapids, Jackson is about an hour and 20 minutes southeast on I-96 and US-127. The Waterloo State Recreation Area is about 20 minutes east of Jackson off I-94.
Trip Planning
Paddle the lakes
The headwater lakes in the Waterloo State Recreation Area are the best paddling on the Portage system.
River exploring
Treat the river as a short spring exploring trip, not a long point-to-point run.
Better nearby
For a longer river day near Jackson, paddle the Upper Grand River Water Trail.
Check before you go
Look at the Grand River at Jackson gage, posted signs and recreation area notices.
River Difficulty
We use the American Whitewater difficulty scale. American Whitewater doesn't list this Portage River, so it's rated Class I: easy water with no rapids. Portages, brush and shallow water make it slow going.
Headwater lakes
Easy flatwater. Watch the wind.
Portage River
Small, brushy water with carries. Spring high water only.
Quick Reference
| Source | Portage Lake Swamp, Waterloo State Recreation Area |
|---|---|
| Mouth | Grand River, Blackman Township, north of Jackson |
| Length | About 15.5 miles |
| Tributaries | Wildcat, Batteese, Orchard and Honey creeks |
| Dams | Lake embankments and outlet structures at the headwaters |
| Gage | None live. Use the Grand River at Jackson (04109000) |
| Michigan Water Trail | Not designated |
| Best season | April to June |
| Difficulty | Class I |