Michigan | Northern Lower Peninsula
Sturgeon RiverTrowbridge Road Access to Haakwood State Forest Campground
An approximately 8-mile Sturgeon River reach from the official Trowbridge Road access near Wolverine to the public Haakwood State Forest Campground carry-in access. The direct USGS 04127997 gauge is at Wolverine; a conservative community runnable estimate is 120–700 cfs.
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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
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A moving-water Sturgeon River reach from the official Trowbridge Road access to Haakwood State Forest Campground, using direct USGS 04127997 telemetry at Wolverine. The 120–700 cfs band is community planning guidance; current flow, weather, wood, and paddler skill control the decision.
Access map
Put-in
Trowbridge Road public Sturgeon River accessTrowbridge Road access is a roadside path down from the southwest side of the bridge; confirm parking, carry distance, and shoreline conditions before loading boats.
Take-out
Haakwood State Forest Campground carry-in accessHaakwood has a short footpath to the river and a separate Rondo access nearby; the Recreation Passport and campground rules apply.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Trowbridge Road access is a roadside path down from the southwest side of the bridge; confirm parking, carry distance, and shoreline conditions before loading boats.
- Haakwood has a short footpath to the river and a separate Rondo access nearby; the Recreation Passport and campground rules apply.
- The 120–700 cfs CanWePaddle band is not an agency-certified go/no-go rule; pair it with direct USGS telemetry, trend, weather, and same-day scouting.
- The Sturgeon is swift with chutes, riffles, sweepers, and standing waves; this is not a beginner route and may require a suitable boat and rescue plan.
Watch for
- Low water below the conservative 120 cfs screen, high water above 700 cfs, rapid rises, and cold water.
- Sweepers, overhanging branches, continuous riffles, chutes, and standing waves.
- Limited intermediate access and private frontage; do not assume informal exits or camping.
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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
Sturgeon River at Wolverine, 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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Route gallery
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Score & sources
Why this score
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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 | Sturgeon River at Wolverine, 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 | 120 cfs to 700 cfs |
| Low threshold | 120 cfs |
| High threshold | 700 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | CanWePaddle Sturgeon River Wolverine Run runnable estimate |
| 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 definitionTrowbridge Road Access to Haakwood State Forest Campground; approximately 8 mi
CanWePaddle identifies the Wolverine Run and Trowbridge/Haakwood area endpoints; Michigan DNR separately documents the Trowbridge access and Haakwood river access.
- Public endpoints and coordinatesTrowbridge Road public access to Haakwood State Forest Campground carry-in
Michigan DNR publishes the Trowbridge Road coordinates and Haakwood coordinates/access details.
- Live gauge and thresholdUSGS 04127997; 120–700 cfs community runnable estimate
USGS provides direct discharge telemetry at Wolverine; CanWePaddle supplies a gauge-linked estimate that is explicitly non-authoritative.
- Safety and river characterSwift Class I–II water with chutes, riffles, sweepers, and standing waves
Sturgeon River Paddlesports describes the middle section as the fastest portion with technical features and standing waves; same-day scouting and skill matching are required.
- Camping and logisticsHaakwood State Forest Campground provides designated overnight camping and river access
The campground is first-come, first-served with vault toilets, hand-pump water, fees, and a Recreation Passport requirement.
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
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Quick answers
Sturgeon River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Trowbridge Road Access to Haakwood State Forest Campground route on the Sturgeon River?
Paddle Today watches Sturgeon River at Wolverine, MI and treats 120 cfs to 700 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Trowbridge Road Access to Haakwood State Forest Campground route on the Sturgeon River start and end?
This route starts at Trowbridge Road public Sturgeon River access and ends at Haakwood State Forest Campground carry-in access, Approximately 8 mi planning reach on the water.
Is the Trowbridge Road Access to Haakwood State Forest Campground route on the Sturgeon River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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