Boardman-Ottaway River Access Update

River access between Shumsky Landing and Cass Road, Jack’s Landing is CLOSED.

The Boardman-Ottaway River was significantly impacted by the historic flooding event in April 2026. Although sections of the river are navigable, hazards, obstructions, and debris still exist. The river is constantly changing, and although trees have been cleared, new downed trees or obstructions are still possible. Always be alert and able to navigate around potential hazards or pull to the side.

GTCD has been working diligently to continue river clearing to allow passage. After initial clearing is complete, GTCD will resume clearing the river further to remove trees and debris across the entirety of the channel. (July-August 2026)

Paddlers can access the Boardman-Ottaway River by putting in at Forks and Scheck’s Place Landing. Float time is expected to be in the range of seven hours from Forks to Shumsky Canoe Landing.

Hazards to watch out for:

• Downed trees and natural material

• Docks, chairs, fencing, propane tanks etc.

• Hazardous Trash and litter

Sections Currently Open & Navigable to the Public:

• Forks Campground to Schecks Campground (4.3 river miles)

• Schecks Campground to Brown Bridge Landing (3.6 river miles)

• Please note: Grasshopper Footbridge is closed to foot traffic and sits low to the water surface. Use caution when traversing under this footbridge.

• Brown Bridge Landing to Shumsky Landing (6.8 river miles)

• Jacks Landing to Boardman Valley Nature Preserve ( 2.6 river miles).

Sections Currently Closed and Impassable:

• Shumsky Landing to Beitner Landing: This section is unpassable due to large trees in the stream. Beitner Landing is closed for the foreseeable future.

• Beitner to Jacks Landing: This section is unpassable due to numerous large trees in the stream and dangerous, swift-moving current in those areas.

We do not recommend floating under S. Airport Rd. in the culverts under any
circumstances. Severe to life-threatening hazards exist. 

Risk is significant, and life-threatening conditions exist. There is much debris in closed areas, including asphalt, rebar, propane tanks, docks, chairs, and natural materials.

Note: Grasshopper Footbridge is closed to foot traffic and sits low to the water surface. Use caution when traversing under this footbridge.

THE BOARDMAN RIVER

The Boardman River Watershed spans 287 square miles and drains approximately 182,800 acres of land through nearly 200 miles of river and stream tributaries. All of this adds up to 30% of the surface water input into Grand Traverse Bay, making it the largest tributary to Grand Traverse Bay’s West Arm.

A state-designated ‘Natural River’ and a Blue Ribbon trout stream, the Boardman River is considered one of the top ten trout streams in Michigan and one of the most outstanding natural features of the Grand Traverse region.

As such, the river and its watershed are enjoyed by anglers, boaters, hunters, hikers, and wildlife watchers alike.

LOOKING TO PADDLE THE BOARDMAN RIVER?

Learn more about paddling specific sections of the Boardman River below.

In addition, for many years now GTCD, in partnership with BackCountry North, offers a summer guided kayak float down a select section of the Boardman River. Check our Events page for more information on our guided float. Group paddles and seasoned knowledge of the Boardman are also available through the Traverse Area Paddle Club.

GTCD + THE BOARDMAN rIVER

The Grand Traverse Conservation District began caring for the Boardman River in 1991, after a survey of the river revealed over 600 erosion sites along its banks, 85% of which were attributed to human activity.

Since then, the Conservation District through the Boardman River Project, and in partnership with numerous local, state, and federal partners, have restored over 300 of these sites, including over 50 transportation/road stream crossings.

Most recently, the Boardman has undergone an incredible transformation from approximately Scheck’s State Campground downstream to West Grand Traverse Bay, with the historic removal of three former hydro dams (Brown Bridge, Boardman, and Sabin), plus the modification of the lower-most dam, Union Street Dam.

Union Street Dam is the site of the proposed state-of-the-art FishPass Structure. When completed, the FishPass will replace the existing Union Street Dam with a facility that, in theory, will allow for the passage of desirable fish, while blocking the passage of non-desirable species.

The Boardman River Valley Master Plan (BRVMP) was initiated by East Bay, Paradise, and Union Townships as a proactive approach to retain the rural, wild and recreational habitats that now exist in the Valley.