Pine River
★ Wild & Scenic🍃 Natural River🐟 TU Conservation
Lake / Osceola Co. · 60 mi · Class 1
491CFS/ 4.93 ft
Above Optimal→Stable
Water temp: 46°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 150–350 CFS · USGS #04125460
⚠ criticalStrainer / woody debris3h ago · expires in 68h
Spring Floods reshuffled woody debris
Currently unsafe with portages and strainers. Work begins soon. Will update.
Reported by River Lines
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USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River (1978) · Michigan Natural River · Trout Unlimited Conservation
Michigan's premier whitewater river — the Pine runs cold, clear, and fast through the Manistee National Forest. Designated Wild & Scenic in 1978 among the first eight rivers in the eastern U.S. to receive that honor. Crystal spring-fed water stays below 65°F year-round, supporting one of Michigan's finest wild brook trout populations.
Trip sections
Lincoln Bridge to Low Bridge — 12 mi, popular 2 day trip, flatwater with occasional riffles
Low Bridge to Peterson Bridge — 11 mi, faster current, Class II rapids, most visited stretch
Peterson Bridge to Elm Flats — 9 mi, Class II–III, Pine River Rush and Silver Creek confluence
Elm Flats to Stronach Reservoir — 10 mi, mellow close-out, excellent campsites
Outfitters
Pine River Paddlesports Center
Full-service outfitter, shuttles, gear, camping
Horina Canoe & Kayak Rental
Budget-friendly rentals, multiple access points
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
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.