Clinton River in Michigan

Trip Overview

I read about the Clinton River on this web-site being an easy, quiet ride. Apparently the report was at a different time in the season and maybe quite a few years old. It is early may and this day-trip was quite intense. The water was moving approximately 15-20 mph creating rapid conditions.

Looks like no one has groomed the river in quite some time, ran into quite a few trees blocking the entire river which led me to capsize. At 20mph there was not much time to pull off to the side. It was a quite an intense ride, got pinned under water upside down, and capsized twice, had to pull off and drag the kayak quite a few times to avoid potentially dangerous rapids. Heard 2 people have actually died on this river along this trek from Auburn Hills to Rochester in recent years.

I'm a bit adventurous and am actually considering doing it again, but be careful if going in May after heavy rains, this river is no joke at this time. Very beautiful ride though, it was hard to believe I was in SE MI.

Fees:

no fees

Directions:

Auburn Rd and Squirrel, there is a park. Can get off at the park on Avon and Livernois for a 3 hour ride.