Tawas River

A quiet Michigan stream flowing through the woods — a representative Michigan stream scene

Photo: Yinan Chen, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain (representative Michigan stream scene; no freely licensed photo of the Tawas River itself was available)

The Tawas River is short — about four miles — but it packs a lot of charm into those miles. Flowing through Tawas City in Iosco County, it is one of Michigan's prettiest little trout streams, winding through town and then spreading into a quiet, marshy lower reach before opening into Tawas Bay on Lake Huron. Paddlers who have floated it describe a peaceful, wildlife-rich trip: great blue herons stalking the shallows, deer along the banks, muskrats and turtles slipping off logs.

This is easy, beginner-friendly paddling — flat, slow, and sheltered. The classic trip is an out-and-back from the lower river: launch near M-55, paddle upstream into the winding freshwater stretch or drift down toward the bay, and return to your put-in. Because the river is so short, there is no need for a shuttle; pick a launch, explore both directions, and make your own loop.

A couple of practical notes. First, the lower river is estuarine — wide, slow, and influenced by the bay — so wind matters more than current down there; paddle the river reaches in the morning and save the bay for glassy-calm days. Second, this is a beloved trout stream, so share the water courteously with anglers, especially in spring. Tawas City and East Tawas both rent kayaks (Shoreline Park in East Tawas is a known rental spot), making this an easy add-on to a Tawas-area weekend.

At a Glance

  • Approximate length: About 4 miles, through Tawas City to Tawas Bay (Lake Huron)
  • Difficulty: Easy — flat, slow water; ideal for beginners
  • Water character: Winding freshwater stream upstream; quiet, marshy, estuarine water near the bay
  • Best season: Late spring through early fall; mornings are calmest near the bay

Paddling Sections

M-55 area to the river's upper bends (out-and-back)

Launch near the M-55 crossing area — the Tawas River RV Park area at 560 E M-55 offers river access — and paddle upstream into the river's winding freshwater reach. This is the prettiest paddling: shaded bends, wildlife, and that classic small-stream feel. Paddle as far as you like and float back down.

Lower river to Tawas Bay (out-and-back)

From the lower river, drift downstream through the marshy estuarine stretch to where the river opens into Tawas Bay, about half a mile from the lake. This is the wildlife-watching leg of the trip. Treat the bay itself with respect — venture onto open water only on calm days, and stay close to shore.

Hazards & Portages

  • Tawas Bay wind and waves: The river is calm, but the bay is Lake Huron. Check the marine forecast and stay off open water when it is choppy.
  • Occasional deadfall: The upper river is a natural trout stream with some downed wood — portage around anything you cannot clearly see past.
  • Anglers: This is popular trout water. Give fishermen a wide berth, pass quietly behind them, and avoid paddling through active fishing holes in spring.
  • No dams are documented on the paddling stretch; the main cautions are bay weather and sharing the water.

Access & Parking

River access is available near the Tawas River RV Park area at 560 E M-55 in Tawas City, which sits right on the river with a boat ramp — confirm launch arrangements with the park if you are not a guest. Kayak rentals are available in the area, including at Shoreline Park in East Tawas. Park only in designated areas, keep the shoreline clean, and remember that much of the riverbank is private — stay in the water and launch only where access is permitted.

Map

Marker: Tawas River near M-55, Tawas City, Michigan.

Paddle it with the West Michigan Kayaking Club

Find more trip ideas in our Michigan's Lower Peninsula river guide and share your Tawas River floats in our Facebook group.

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