WARNING: LOG JAM DOWNSTREAM OF DAVIS PARK – DO NOT PLAN TO PADDLE FROM DAVIS PARK TO M-13 BOAT LAUNCH – As of spring 2018 there exists a very large log jam spanning the river approximately 1.5 miles downstream of Davis Park. Portaging the log jam is not recommended due to the wooded terrain and riverbank conditions.
Davis Park to M-13 Boat Launch
Beginner-Intermediate
5.6 Miles, 2 to 3 Hours
Universally Accessible Launch: Davis Park
Start: Davis Park
Finish: M-13 Boat Launch
This is an interesting journey that begins in a rural area and enters the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. After departing the Davis Park, paddlers pass under the historic Bridgeport walking bridge, then an iron trestle train bridge that is part of a rail system that transferred lumber back in Michigan’s lumbering era. Approximately 4 miles from Davis Park, the river splits and forms an island over a half mile in length. Choose the right fork, the wider of the two. About ¼ mile downstream of the fork you will pass under the Sheridan Road Bridge.
The M-13 (East Road) Cass River Boat Launch is located 5.6 miles downstream of Davis Park. The river current is normally slow to moderate on the entire stretch from Bridgeport to M-13. The landscape transitions from rural near Bridgeport to wooded, abounding in wildlife as one nears the refuge.
Bridgeport Township
6210 McKinley Road, Bridgeport, behind the Bridgeport Township Governmental Center, north side of river
Type: Universally accessible floating dock system with paved walkway
Parking: Paved parking lot with 2 handicapped and 8 regular spaces
Parking Address: 6210 McKinley Road, Bridgeport, MI
Facilities: Pavilion with picnic tables, grills, & playground. Restrooms available at the Township Governemental Center, short walk to downtown Bridgeport.
*Davis Park is close to the Historic Village in Bridgeport, the Historic Bridge and a walking trail.
Spaulding Townshp
4400 M-13 (East Road), Saginaw, north side of River
Type: Paved Boat Launch
Parking: Sizable for vehicle/trailer parking
Parking Address: 4400 East Rd, Saginaw, MI 48601
Facilities: No amenities on site
*This access site is an entrance way into the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and Shiawassee and Saginaw Rivers.
