What water level is good for paddling Jordan River — Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge?

This section is generally runnable at 100–700 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Jordan River levels?

We read USGS gauge 04127800 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Jordan River — Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Jordan River here?

Typically May–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Jordan River — Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge?

This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Jordan River — Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I8 mi · ~3.5 hrJordan RiverMichigan

Verdict · updated Aug 26, 5:00 PM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

Estimated range

184 cfs

3.5 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 04127800

Runnable 100 – 700 cfs

0100700820

What this means today

At 184 cfs the Jordan River is inside the runnable range but only 84 cfs above the 100 cfs floor, so it is sitting at the shallow end of what this reach runs at. A dry few days would take it under.

Over the last 24 hours it has barely moved, 179 cfs to 184 cfs. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 177 cfs and 217 cfs, ending roughly where it started.

Paddling Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge

Jordan River at Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge is a 8-mile Class I run in Michigan — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Graves Crossing (M-66) and take out at Rogers Bridge / Old State Rd, a trip that runs about 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 100–700 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Jordan River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 04127800 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable May–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 8 mi
Float time: ~3.5 hr
Best months: May–October
Put-in: Graves Crossing (M-66)
Take-out: Rogers Bridge / Old State Rd

Reading USGS gauge 04127800 — JORDAN RIVER NEAR EAST JORDAN, MI ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Jordan River — Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge?: This section is generally runnable at 100–700 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Jordan River levels?: We read USGS gauge 04127800 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Jordan River — Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Jordan River here?: Typically May–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Jordan River — Graves Crossing to Rogers Bridge?: This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 210 cfs