Lower Peninsula River Guide
Tittabawassee River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
A wide, gentle river from the Midland Tridge to downtown Saginaw — a full day of easy paddling through quiet floodplain woods.
River History
The name likely comes from Ojibwe words describing a rolling, sparkling river. The Tittabawassee gathers the Chippewa, Pine, Tobacco and other rivers, then joins the Shiawassee at Saginaw to form the Saginaw River, which flows into Saginaw Bay.
Hydroelectric dams created Secord, Smallwood, Wixom and Sanford lakes upstream. On May 19, 2020, the Edenville Dam failed, Sanford Dam was overtopped and about 10,000 people were evacuated in Midland County. In Midland, the Tridge — a three-way footbridge — marks the confluence with the Chippewa River.
Interactive River Map
Zoom and drag to follow the river. Confirm every launch on the ground before you commit to a shuttle.
River Overview
The paddling river starts in Midland, where the Chippewa joins at the Tridge, and runs southeast past Freeland and Imerman Park to Saginaw. It is wide, slow and usually 1–3 feet deep, with very few houses along long stretches.
A full Midland-to-Saginaw run is a long day — paddlers report about 11 hours of paddling time — so most trips use one or two segments.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
The Midland gage is the key reading. Normal flows are gentle and easy; the river rises quickly after heavy rain and can carry debris.
If the USGS map doesn't load on your device, use the live gage links below.
Paddling Character
- Class I, wide and slow
- Usually 1–3 feet deep
- Wooded floodplain with few houses between towns
- Occasional overhanging trees and submerged logs
- Busier with motorboats near Saginaw
Michigan Water Trails
The Tittabawassee has no state-designated water trail. Saginaw County Parks publishes a Tittabawassee River Trail map, and Midland's Tridge has an all-access kayak launch.
Downstream, the Saginaw River connects to Saginaw Bay and the Lake Huron shoreline.
Dams & Portages
- Secord, Smallwood, Edenville and Sanford dams (upper river) — Edenville failed in 2020 and the system is under reconstruction; avoid dam areas and check for closures
- Midland to Saginaw — no dams on the main paddling stretch
Launches
| The Tridge, Midland | All-access kayak/canoe launch at the Chippewa confluence |
|---|---|
| S. Saginaw Rd. & Gordonville/Waldo Rd. | Boat launch just south of Midland |
| Freeland Road | Access near Freeland |
| Tittabawassee Road | Access between Freeland and Imerman Park |
| Imerman Memorial Park | Saginaw County park; check for summer fees |
| State Street area | Lower river access |
| West Michigan Road park | Lower river access |
| Center Road launch | Near Saginaw |
| Lee Street launch | Downtown Saginaw take-out |
Listed upstream to downstream. Access changes — check the county, city or DNR site before you go.
Camping
- No campgrounds on the lower river; banks are mostly private
- Bay City State Park is a short drive
- Overnight lodging in Midland, Freeland and Saginaw
Wildlife & Fishing
- Bald eagles, herons, egrets and kingfishers
- Walleye runs from Saginaw Bay in spring
- Deer, beaver and turtles in the floodplain forest
Safety
- Follow Eat Safe Fish advisories; avoid eating soil and wash hands after floodplain stops
- Watch for submerged logs and overhanging trees
- Motorboat traffic near Saginaw
- Long distances between some launches — plan time carefully
Best Time & Access
- May through October
- Spring walleye season is busy with anglers
- Fall color on the wooded middle river
- Rentals available in the Midland/Bay City area
Trip Planning
- Gordonville launch → Freeland Road — about 2 hours 15 minutes
- Tittabawassee Road → Imerman Park — about 2.5 hours of quiet floodplain
- Center Road → Lee Street (Saginaw) — about 2 hours 45 minutes into downtown
- Midland → Saginaw — a long, full day — about 11 hours of paddling
Combine with the Chippewa River guide for a multi-day route from Mount Pleasant to Saginaw.
Check Saginaw County Parks for Imerman Park fees and hours.
River Difficulty
Class I American Whitewater classification
The Tittabawassee is Class I — wide, slow and shallow. It suits beginners on short segments and is a good endurance day for experienced members on the full Midland-to-Saginaw run.
Quick Reference
| Length | About 72 miles |
|---|---|
| Flows into | Saginaw River, Saginaw |
| Class | I |
| Main hazards | Submerged logs; contamination advisories |
| USGS gage | 04156000 Midland |
| Launch highlight | The Tridge, Midland |
Sources
- Tittabawassee River – Wikipedia
- Paddling.com – Midland to Saginaw trip
- Paddling.com – Tridge all-access launch
- Saginaw County Water Trails
- EPA – Tittabawassee River, Saginaw River & Bay site
- USGS 04156000
River conditions change with every storm. This guide is for trip planning only — scout, check gages and use your own judgment.
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