Lake Michigan
About
Lake Michigan's designated water trail spans multiple harbors and beaches along the Illinois shoreline, from Waukegan south through Chicago's lakefront. The trail connects Waukegan Beach and Harbor, Montrose Harbor, Diversey Harbor, and Inner Harbor at Jackson Park across 121 miles of varying conditions. USGS gauge 05438500 tracks flows averaging 413 CFS with optimal paddling between 200–625 CFS. Water conditions range from Class I to Class V depending on weather and location along the trail system. Key access points include Waukegan Harbor in the north, Montrose and Diversey harbors through the Chicago metropolitan area, and Jackson Park's inner harbor on the south end of the designated corridor.
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.