In terms of numbers of rental canoes available and combined with those of the Boy Scouts of America Camp, the Rifle River is one of the most popular rivers in Michigan. Its proximity to the population concentrations of the Saginaw Bay area, the river’s scenic beauty, the moderately fast water with numerous rapids, and the cold clear waters all add up to an extremely popular river for canoeists.
Through most of the year the entire Rifle River mainstream is floatable. During the low water period of mid-summer, the river can still be negotiated, although dragging of the canoe should be expected through the shallow areas.
There are numerous canoe liveries throughout the Rifle system. Many of these operators not only provide canoes, but for those wishing to take a trip more than one day, they offer overnight camping areas. The Detroit area Boy Scouts also have a camp located on the river, and provide overnight camping areas along the mainstream as well.
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