Manistee River Trail — Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Manistee River · Class I · Michigan
Current verdict
Good to paddle
Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.
USGS gauge 04124200 · updated Jul 9, 8:30 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class I
- Length
- 12 mi
- Float time
- ~5 hr
- Best months
- May–October
- Put-in
- Hodenpyl Dam access
- Take-out
- Red Bridge (M-37 area)
Reading USGS gauge 04124200 — MANISTEE RIVER NEAR MESICK, MI ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Manistee River Trail — Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge?
This section is generally runnable at 400–4,000 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 Manistee River levels?
We read USGS gauge 04124200 — 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 Manistee River Trail — Hodenpyl Dam to Red 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 Manistee 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 Manistee River Trail — Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge?
This reach is about 12 miles, roughly 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.