Jordan River
About
Flowing 33 miles through Antrim and Charlevoix counties, the Jordan River earned Michigan's first Natural River designation in 1972, a recognition that preceded most state-level protections across the Midwest. The upper valley from Graves Crossing to Webster Bridge threads through intimate, wild terrain. The lower stretch from Webster Bridge to Lake Charlevoix runs gentler current toward the outlet. Class I riffles characterize the paddling throughout at 180 CFS average (optimal 100–400). USGS gauge 04127800 tracks the flow. The Odawa held the Jordan Valley as territory long before European settlement. Jordan Valley Outfitters manages shuttles and access.
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.