Boardman River
🍃 Natural River🐟 TU Conservation
Grand Traverse / Kalkaska Co. · 40 mi · Class Riffles
382CFS/ 5.29 ft
Optimal
Stable
Optimal: 150–500 CFS · USGS #04127200
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
40 mi
Length
Class Riffles
Difficulty
150–500 cfs
Optimal
280 cfs
Avg Flow
255 cfs
Hist. Median
#04127200
USGS Gauge
Michigan Natural River · Trout Unlimited Conservation

Flows into Grand Traverse Bay at Traverse City, the Boardman has seen dramatic ecological revival through recent dam removals restoring fish passage. A cold, clear stream winding through forested terrain to one of Michigan's most vibrant waterfronts. Designated a Michigan Natural River, the upper reach from Supply Road to Brown Bridge is a remote forest paddle before the lower 40 miles deliver paddlers into downtown Traverse City.

Trip sections
Upper — Supply Road to Brown Bridge, remote forest paddle
Lower — Boardman Dam to Grand Traverse Bay, urban paddle through Traverse City
Outfitters
Boardman River Outfitters
Kayak and canoe rentals near Traverse City
Ranch Rudolf
Canoe and kayak livery on the upper Boardman
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.