Michigan | Southwest Michigan
Prairie RiverPrairie River Lake Public Access to Nottawa Park
A county-documented Prairie River trip from the Prairie River Lake public access through the lower Prairie River corridor to Nottawa Park and Sand Lake.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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Waiting on forecast.
Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A current county-documented Prairie River Trip 1 from Prairie River Lake to Nottawa Park, with a Findley Road exit and a direct long-term USGS 04097540 gauge near Nottawa. The 40 cfs screen is a planning aid, not a safety guarantee.
Access map
Put-in
Prairie River Lake public accessThe Prairie River Lake public access and Nottawa finish are public but hours, parking, and carry conditions can change.
Take-out
Nottawa Park / Sand Lake public destinationThe county planner recommends exiting before Lake Templene to avoid the large lake and the downstream dam portage.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- The Prairie River Lake public access and Nottawa finish are public but hours, parking, and carry conditions can change.
- The county planner recommends exiting before Lake Templene to avoid the large lake and the downstream dam portage.
- Tree fall and shallow sections can change; use only named access points and do not assume intermediate private-bank exits.
Watch for
- Low water, shallow bars, fallen trees, and strainers.
- Open-lake wind exposure on Prairie River Lake/Lake Templene.
- Lake Templene dam portage and shuttle timing.
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Prairie River near Nottawa, MI. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.
Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Prairie River near Nottawa, MI |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 40 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | USGS 04097540 long-term daily discharge statistics |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Route definitionPrairie River Lake public access to Nottawa Park via the Prairie River
St. Joseph County's current Prairie River Trip 1 planner describes the four-hour route, shortened Hackman option, Findley Road exit, and the Nottawa Park finish before the Lake Templene dam.
- Public endpoints and coordinatesPrairie River Lake public access to Nottawa Park / Sand Lake
Mapcarta and Outdoor Michigan identify the Prairie River Lake and Prairie River public access features; the county trip planner identifies Nottawa Park as the finish context.
- Live gauge and thresholdUSGS 04097540; 40 cfs conservative minimum-only screen
USGS provides direct discharge telemetry and 63 years of statistics near Nottawa. The 40 cfs floor is a conservative planning screen derived from the long-term 25th percentile, not a paddling or safety guarantee.
- Safety and river characterSmall meandering river with tree fall, shallow sections, open lake, and a dam portage beyond Lake Templene
The county planner and Southwest Michigan Paddling guide identify the access sequence, lake exit, and tree-fall/shallow-water character; use the documented exit before the dam.
- Camping and logisticsDay route with county park finish and nearby camping/lodging options
Nottawa Park/Sand Lake provides a public finish context; use designated nearby campgrounds or lodging and arrange a shuttle with the county's suggested local outfitter.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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Quick answers
Prairie River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Prairie River Lake Public Access to Nottawa Park route on the Prairie River?
Paddle Today watches Prairie River near Nottawa, MI and uses 40 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.
Where does the Prairie River Lake Public Access to Nottawa Park route on the Prairie River start and end?
This route starts at Prairie River Lake public access and ends at Nottawa Park / Sand Lake public destination, Approximately 10 to 12 river miles planning reach; use the documented Findley Road exit to shorten the trip on the water.
Is the Prairie River Lake Public Access to Nottawa Park route on the Prairie River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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