What water level is good for paddling Manistee River — Upper (M-72 to CCC Bridge)?

This section is generally runnable at 100–900 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 04123500 — 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 — Upper (M-72 to CCC 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 — Upper (M-72 to CCC 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.

Manistee River — Upper (M-72 to CCC Bridge): River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I12 mi · ~5 hrManistee RiverMichigan

Verdict · updated Aug 27, 9:00 AM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

Estimated range

212 cfs

1.0 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 04123500

Runnable 100 – 900 cfs

01009001,060

What this means today

At 212 cfs the Manistee River is inside the runnable range but only 112 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, 207 cfs to 212 cfs.

Paddling Upper (M-72 to CCC Bridge)

Manistee River at Upper (M-72 to CCC Bridge) is a 12-mile Class I run in Michigan — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at M-72 / Grayling area landing and take out at CCC Bridge, a trip that runs about 5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 100–900 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Manistee 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 04123500 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

7-day flow trend is unavailable for this gauge right now.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 12 mi
Float time: ~5 hr
Best months: May–October
Put-in: M-72 / Grayling area landing
Take-out: CCC Bridge

Reading USGS gauge 04123500 — MANISTEE RIVER NEAR GRAYLING, MI ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Manistee River — Upper (M-72 to CCC Bridge)?: This section is generally runnable at 100–900 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 04123500 — 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 — Upper (M-72 to CCC 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 — Upper (M-72 to CCC 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.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 143 cfs