Cedar River in Michigan

Trip Overview

The Cedar River is an excellent trout stream in Central Michigan, with several clear feeder streams. The Cedar, in turn, joins the Tobacco at Beaverton. It twists and winds its way through a variety of scenery, including high cedar banks, low meadows, farmland, swamps, and one lake. If you are really brave, try putting in on Townline Lake Rd. in Hamilton Township, Clare County. Here, the stream is slightly tinted but still very clear. You will encounter half a dozen deadfalls and a beaver dam or two to portage. To start this far upstream requires plenty of water. Put in at Hoover Rd. for a smoother start and paddle down to Wiggins Lake, where there is a Medium size dam to portage on the left. From here, it is 3 miles or so to Gladwin City Park, which also provides a lovely campground overlooking the river. Continue through remote country to Beaverton to complete your two day adventure. Enjoy!

Comments:

Adventurous to Wiggins Lake. Below here, it is a fine family stream.

Accommodations:

Supplies in Gladwin, near campground.

Fees:

None

Directions:

From US-27, take old 27 exit near Harrison, and go east on M-61 to Hoover Rd. Turn Left, and continue until you reach river. To take-out, continue on M-61 East to M-18 South at Gladwin. Travel to Beaverton and turn right at Rose Lake Park.

Launches:

Hoover Rd.-fair access and roadside parking

Gladwin Park-Good access and plenty of parking/campground

Rose Lake Park-Good access and picnic area

Resources:

DeLorm Michigan Gazetteer