Paddling The Middle Boardman River

The Middle Boardman is slightly wider, with some deeper areas maintaining a moderate-to-quick flow. There are more private homes and many bridges along the banks of Shumsky to Beitner Landing prior to entering the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve (NER).

Downstream of Beitner Landing are the Keystone Rapids — one of the fastest stretches on the Boardman (*experienced paddlers only*). Flow remains quick as it skirts through former impoundments in the process of being restored. (Thank you for staying off its fragile banks!)

A portage option is available for those that wish to by-pass Sabin Rapids (at the former Sabin Dam site). Beyond Sabin Rapids, the river begins to widen and slows down as it enters the slack waters above Boardman Lake.

Garfield Township installed a universally-accessible landing at the Boardman Valley Nature Preserve Landing located just above South Airport Road (see details below, noting location is for LANDING ONLY, not launching).

One can expect to encounter forests and open meadows with probable chances of viewing wildlife, including birds, otter, beaver and more.

** Notice: Like Life, the Boardman River constantly ‘flows’ with change: the info. below is general, to the best of our knowledge, and always subject to change. Float times are approximate and may vary.

Be prepared for downed trees and varying conditions.

ALWAYS wear your life jacket: it’s your ‘seatbelt’ while traveling by water.

LAUNCHES

Brown Bridge Landing

This area includes a platform launch, dirt and grass parking, and a vault toilet in season. Located on Brown Bridge Road, just East of Garfield Road. About 7 river miles to Shumsky Landing.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 2.5 hr. float (7 river miles) to Shumsky

  • 5 miles by paved & dirt road

 

Shumsky Canoe Launch

This features a primitive launch with large gravel parking area and a vault toilet. Located on Shumsky Road, off River Road, near Sleights Road.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 1.5 hr. float to Beitner Landing

  • 3 miles by dirt & paved road to Beitner Landing

 

Beitner Park Landing

** WARNING: For experienced paddlers ONLY!! There are rapids from Beitner all the way to Jack’s Landing at Cass Road!

It is highly recommended that EVERYONE who plans to attempt the Keystone Rapids:

  1. paddle with at least one other paddler, and

  2. scout/walk the trail to Oleson Bridge before attempting (the trail begins on the North side of Beitner Park.).

Beitner Landing has a platform launch at the bottom of a few steps, very limited, paved parking, and a vault toilet in season, on Beitner/Keystone Road, near River Road.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 0.45 hr. “float" to Jack’s Landing

  • 1.9 miles by paved road to Jack’s Landing at Cass Road

 

Oleson Bridge Access

Walk-in/out only. Paved parking off Keystone Road, near River Road.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 0.5 hr. float to Jack’s Landing

  • 1.6 miles by paved road

 

Lone Pine Access

Note: We no longer recommend launching or landing at this site.

Jack’s Landing at Cass Road

This new gravel landing — located just upstream from Robbins (Cass Road) Bridge at the former Boardman Dam site — has parking and a vault toilet. Vehicle access down to the river from the gravel parking area is provided for loading/unloading purposes only.

* Note: There is no river access at the former Sabin Dam Site. There is an optional portage trail on the right around the Sabin Rapids for those who don’t wish to float the rapids.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 0.45 hr. float to Boardman Valley Nature Preserve Landing (former YMCA)

  • 3.4 miles by paved road

 

Boardman Valley Nature Preserve Landing (former YMCA)

This landing features a new ADA-accessible landing installed in 2018, paved parking, vault toilet, and a small wooden dock (behind tennis courts). Located off Racquet Club Drive, from S. Airport Road at Logan’s Landing.

* Note 1: Location is for **LANDING ONLY** (not launching).

* Note 2: Portage to Boardman Lake is no longer recommended.

* Note 3: Lower Boardman River system is accessible from Medalie Park at the South end of Boardman Lake, or Hull Park at the North end of Boardman Lake.

 

** WARNING!! **

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO THROUGH THE CULVERTS UNDER SOUTH AIRPORT ROAD due to potentially insufficient room to pass a canoe or kayak.

As noted above, portage from BVNP Landing to Boardman Lake is also not recommended. Lower Boardman River system is accessible from Medalie Park at the South end of Boardman Lake, or Hull Park at the North end of Boardman Lake.

Thank you in advance for observing the above warnings and recommendations, helping ensure the safety of yourself and our community — including First Responders — and setting a solid example for fellow paddlers.