About
Rifle River, Michigan — Au Sable State Forest, 159-Site State Recreation Area. From the Rifle River Recreation Area headwaters through 60 miles to Saginaw Bay, the Rifle River maintains steady riffle water at 380 CFS average through Ogemaw and Arenac counties. Designated as a Michigan Natural River, it divides into distinct characters: scenic upper reaches within the recreation area established in 1963, a popular middle section from Selkirk to Sterling favored by families, and lower miles from Sterling to the bay where the current slows and the channel widens. Optimal flows run 200–800 CFS on USGS gauge 04142000. The river carried white pine logs during the 1860s–1890s logging boom, and Russell Canoe Livery now runs trips on the middle stretches. The consistent riffle gradient keeps the water moving without technical drops, making it accessible to novice paddlers while maintaining enough current for experienced canoeists.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.