M-46 BRIDGE TO VASSAR
Beginner-Intermediate
6.3 miles, 2-3 hours
Natural Experience
Natural, heavily wooded riverbanks and rocky sections of river with multiple small rapids and riffles.
VASSAR TO TUSCOLA
Beginner
5.7 miles, 2-3 hours
Rural Experience
A rural section of river that is mostly wooded with the occasional view of private homes and agricultural fields.
TUSCOLA TO FRANKENMUTH
Beginner
5 miles, 1.5-2.25 hours
Rural Experience
Relatively wide stretch of river that is suitable for beginners. Common sightings of fishing boats, pontoons and commercial tour boats.
FRANKENMUTH CITY PADDLE
Beginner-Intermediate
1 mile, 30-45 minutes
Small Town Experience
Showcases Downtown Frankenmuth’s riverfront landscape and covered bridge with common sightings of commercial tour boats.
FRANKENMUTH TO HOFFMANN PARK
Beginner
6 miles, 2-3 hours
Rural Experience
Quiet segment of the river with long stretches of riparian forest. This rural segment includes passing a few homes and navigating around sand bars.
HOFFMANN PARK TO DAVIS PARK
Beginner
4.4 miles, 2 hours
Rural Experience
Featuring two universal accessible launches, this is a quiet stretch of river with a gentle current and nice forested sections. Some homes seen from the river.
DAVIS PARK TO M-13 BOAT LAUNCH
Beginner-Intermediate
5.6 miles, 2-3 hours
Rural Experience
A slow to moderate river current as the landscape transitions from rural area to wooded as one nears the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
M-13 BOAT LAUNCH TO WICKES PARK
Beginner
3.5 miles, 1.5-2.5 hours
Natural Experience
Passes through the natural features of the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge with slower water and more motorized boats as paddlers approach Saginaw.
Getting Started
The Cass River provides an excellent Beginner paddling experience. There are a couple Intermediate sections which require some paddling knowledge and boat control, but the majority of the river is at a Beginner level.
The Rock Ramp Rapids in Downtown Frankenmuth creates a hazardous section of the river. This segment requires “Expert” boat handling and tip over recovery skills and has the potential of pinning paddlers & crafts against rocks and under water. Portage around this section is strongly advised!
Users should pay particular attention to the paddling experience, length of sections between access sites and paddling skills suggested while planning their water trail trips.
Lastly, we strongly encourage you to to check out the River Conditions and Safety information before embarking on your trip.
Trips for BeginnersIntermediate Paddling SkillsAccessible Canoe and Kayak LaunchNatural River ExperienceRentals / Tours
Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures
445 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(989) 652-3400
Paddle yourself through the Cass River’s calm waters on a self-guided kayak tour, hourly kayak rental or if you just need a lift they will drop you off upstream.
Wesleyan Woods Canoe & Kayak Trips
4320 Caine Rd, Vassar, MI 48768
(989) 823-8840
Wesleyan Woods Camp offers two and four hour trips for families and groups. They have Mad River canoes and Tribe Kayaks by Confluence. The Tribe kayaks are two person top seated units.
Bavarian Belle Riverboat Tours
925 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(866) 808-2628
The Bavarian Belle is an authentic Stern Driven Paddlewhell riverboat that offers 1-hour historical narrated tours of the Frankenmuth area.
Frankenmuth FunShip River Tours
445 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(989) 652-3400
Experience the beauty of the Cass River aboard a 12-passenger electric tour boat. Tours options include a 35-minute tour, 1-hour tour, or a wine and chocolate tasting tour. Another fun-filled option is to rent a “paddle yourself” aqua cycle.
Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips
101 Lee Street, Saginaw, MI 48602
(810) 653-3859
Scenic boat tours featuring the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and State Game Area. Tours explore the largest watershed and wildlife habitat in the Lower Peninsula. Enjoy bald eagles, beavers, birds, and more.