Crystal River (Glen Arbor)
Leelanau Co. · 2.5 mi · Class Riffles
533CFS/ 4.00 ft
Flood
→Stable
Optimal: 40–150 CFS · USGS #04127997
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
2.5 mi
Length
Class Riffles
Difficulty
40–150 cfs
Optimal
75 cfs
Avg Flow
68 cfs
Hist. Median
#04127997
USGS Gauge
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The shortest river in Michigan at just 2.5 miles, the Crystal flows with teal-blue, glass-clear water through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. An extremely popular short paddle and one of the most photographed waterways in the state.

Trip sections
Fisher Road to Glen Lake — 2.5 mi, the complete crystal-clear experience
Outfitters
Crystal River Outfitters
Kayak and tube rentals in Glen Arbor
Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak
Paddleboard and kayak rentals near the Crystal River
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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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.