M-46 Bridge to Vassar
Beginner-Intermediate
6.3 Miles, 2 to 3 Hours
Start: M-46 Bridge
Finish: Downtown Vassar
This is a very natural, picturesque paddle that begins on Vassar State Game property and intermittently runs through long stretches of State Game property. The Caine Road access site is 2 miles downstream of M-46 and Downtown Vassar is about 6.3 miles.
This is a scenic experience with heavily wooded riverbanks and rocky sections of river with multiple small rapids and riffles. There are 3 sections of river in this segment that under low water conditions may require exiting the watercraft and walking it downstream to floatable water. Possible wildlife sightings include deer, eagles, blue heron, kingfishers and owls.
Caution is advised as one nears the Huron Avenue (M-15) Bridge in downtown Vassar. A small drop-off may generate a rapids condition under and just downstream of the bridge. Also, most paddlers are advised to take the portage at/around the Downtown Vassar Launch due to rapids conditions at the site of the old, removed Vassar dam.
Wesleyan Woods Campground is located northeast of Vassar, at 4320 Caine Rd., 2.6 miles downstream of M-46. Wesleyan Woods offers both modern (RV) and rustic (tent) camp sites, cabins, restrooms, showers, a camp store, and canoe & kayak trips on the river. Canoe trips usually start just west of Caro and end at the campground. Visit wesleyanwoods.org or call 989-823-8840 for more information.
Juniata Township
West Side of the Cass River at State Hwy M-46 (Sanilac Rd.), Tuscola County
Type: Rustic trail to geo-mat/gravel launch at water’s edge
Parking: Gravel parking lot for approximately 10 cars
Parking Address: 3722 Sanilac, Vassar, MI 48768
Facilities: Bathroom, potable water, picnic facilities are available across the river/bridge at the MDOT Roadside Park
*It is a 70-yard walk from the parking lot down a trail through the woods to the launch site
Vassar Township
Just south of the intersection of Waterman and Caine Roads, north side of the river
Type: This is a natural, unimproved access site to the Cass River. It is a 300-foot walk along a cleared but ungroomed pathway from the parking lot to the riverbank. There normally is a 2-ft. drop from the end of the pathway end to the water’s edge
Parking: Gravel parking lot for 10+ cars
Parking Address: 4182 Caine Road, Vassar, MI 48768
Facilities: No amenities on site
*Wesleyan Woods Campground is located northeast of Vassar, ½ mile south of this access site, at 4320 Caine Rd., or 0.6 miles downstream on the river. Wesleyan Woods offers both modern (RV) and rustic (tent) camp sites, cabins, restrooms, showers, a camp store, and canoe & kayak trips on the river. Canoe trips usually start just west of Caro and end at the campground. Visit wesleyanwoods.org or call 989-823-8840 for more information.
City of Vassar
N.Cass Ave & Cedar St, approximately 3 blocks north of the intersection of E.Huron Ave (M-15) & N.Cass Ave, north side of river
Type: Natural grass bank to the water’s edge
Parking: On Cedar St (dead end street)
Parking Address: 73 Cedar St, Vassar, MI 48768
Facilities: Camping, portable toliet, drinking water, and picnic area are available at the site. A playground and gazebo shelter is available at adjacent park, on the other side of the railroad tracks. Food, drink and other services are available within a short walk to downtown.
*Recommended Portage: Caution is advised as paddlers travel downstream beginning at the Main Street (M-15) Bridge to the Downtown Vassar launch. Under various water level/flow conditions, one may encounter turbulence and/or rapids conditions in this area. Beginner and intermediate skilled paddlers are encouraged to use the portage just upstream of the Downtown Vassar launch (east side of river).
City of Vassar
Along S.Water St, near Plumb St, just one block west of M-15 (Goodrich St) on the south/east side of the river
Type: Concrete accessible path with steps at the water’s edge
Parking: Small paved parking lot (no trailers) off Water St
Parking Address: 201 S Water Street, Vassar, MI 48768
Facilities: Restrooms, drinking water, playground, picnic facilities and other amenities are available within a short walk to downtown or across the river at T.North Pavilion.
*Just one block off M-15, this developed launch is perfect for beginners. Boasting several nearby amenities, this site offers paddlers a rural feel with small town services.
