Betsie River

West Michigan Region: Two
Length: 55 miles
Depth: 2' - 2.5'
Paddlesport Liveries:

Betsie River Canoes & Campground, Thompsonville
Crystal Adventures Lodging & Rentals, Thompsonville

This scenic natural river is perfect for both beginning and intermediate paddlers with its steady current flowing at a rate of two miles an hour. The Betsie River weaves its way through the Fife Lake and Betsie River State Forests and the Betsie River State Game Area, eventually emptying into Lake Michigan near Elberta and Frankfort.

Boardman River

West Michigan Region: Two
Length: 40 miles
Class: I - II
Paddlesport Livery:

Ranch Rudolf, Traverse City

The moderate to fast current of the mainstream Boardman River makes for an enjoyable day trip through the scenic Grand Traverse region though portages are necessary at several spots.

Crystal River

West Michigan Region: Two
Length: 15 miles
Depth 1'
Paddlesport Livery:

Crystal River Outfitters, Glen Arbor

While the distance between Glen Arbor and Lake Michigan is a mere mile, the Crystal River takes its paddlers through a twisted 15 miles. This sandy river has a few portage spots, but will reward your efforts with the spectacular views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Dowagiac River

West Michigan Region: Five
Length: 13.5 miles
Paddlesport Livery:

Doe-Wah-Jack's Canoe Rental, Dowagiac

Southern West Michigan's Dowagiac River is perfect for families looking for a serene afternoon of paddling. This river flows at a moderate pace through the shade of hardwood trees.

Flat River

West Michigan Region: Three
Length: 28 miles
Paddlesport Livery:

Double R Ranch, Belding

.A gentle but scenic river that is ideal for family excursions. The peaceful Flat River is a particularly attractive destination for beginning paddlers and great training for the young ones who are interested. The Flat River is also becoming a more popular destination for fishing.

Kalamazoo River

West Michigan Region: Five
Length: 166 miles
Class: I - II
Paddlesport Livery:

Big Lake Outfitters, Saugatuck

The Kalamazoo River is a river everyone can enjoy, flowing from Jackson County through Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, the Allegan State Forest and eventually meeting Lake Michigan in Saugatuck.

Manistee Rivers

West Michigan Region: Three
Length: 78 miles
Depth: 2' - 14'
Paddlesport Liveries:

Insta Launch Campground & Marina, Manistee
Pine Creek Livery, Wellston
Pine River Paddlesport Center, Wellston

The Big Manistee River is a National Wild and Scenic River, offering a gentle river perfect for beginning paddlers wanting to enjoy the views of the Manistee national forest. It's sister, the Little Manistee River offers more of a challenger with obstacles, sharp angels, and a faster pace. The river basin is ideal for overnight trips, with multiple campgrounds scattered down its route.

Muskegon River

West Michigan Region: Three
Length: 219 miles
Depth: 2' - 3'
Paddlesport Liveries:

Sawmill Tube & Canoe Livery, Big Rapids
Wisner Rents Canoes, Newaygo

Michigan's second longest river stretches from Houghton and Higgins Lakes all the way to Lake Michigan. It's perfect for all skill levels as well of those looking to take advantage of its community of campgrounds, making overnight and extended excursions a snap.

Pine River

West Michigan Region: Three
Length: 49 miles
Depth: 2'
Class: I - II
Paddlesport Liveries:

Pine River Paddlesport Center, Wellston
Shomler Canoes & Kayaks, Irons

The Pine River has a reputation for quality paddling. This National Scenic River offers a challenging grade of 12' per mile, sharp bends, riffles, and even Class II white water rapids while carving its route through the Manistee National Forest.

A river permit is needed for the Pine River.

Platte River

West Michigan Region: Two
Length: 14 miles
Depth: 2' - 3'
Paddlesport Liveries:

Honor Trading Post, Honor
Riverside Acres Resort, Honor
Riverside Canoe Trips, Honor

The Platte River offers both gentle currents for families on the lower portion, ending at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and challenging currents and turns for experience paddlers on the upper section of the river.

Sturgeon River

West Michigan Region: One and Six
Length: 41 miles
Depth: 3' - 4'
Class: I - IV
Paddlesport Livery:

Big Bear Adventures, Indian River

The spring-fed Sturgeon River is the overall fastest river in the lower peninsular with a decent of 14' per mile. It offers challenging turns and narrow passages, making it an excellent challenge.