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Access Site MI

Dam 3

Escanaba River

Source: michigan_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Gladstone, MI
County: Delta County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 45.83997706, -87.09148350
5539 County 420 21st Rd, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Escanaba River near Wells, MI Same River 2.4 mi away
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Escanaba River at Cornell, MI Same River 7.6 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Run
II(III) Take-out Escanaba - C) Boney Falls Dam to CR420 (2 to 17.5 miles)
10 ft/mi
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Current Conditions
-- • 1500.00-6000.00 cfs
Escanaba River at Cornell, MI
Whitewater Runs on Escanaba River
3 runs
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
II+ Put-in at this location D) Groos: Between Dam 2 and Dam 1 (0.37-0.5 mile)
0.5 mi
II(III) Take-out at this location C) Boney Falls Dam to CR420 (2 to 17.5 miles)
17.6 mi 10 ft/mi
I-II Upstream from here (16.2 mi from take-out) B) Swimming Hole Ck.CG to Boney Falls Basin (10 miles)
9.8 mi 10 ft/mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:** Dam 3 is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Watson on the Escanaba River near Gladstone in Delta County. To reach the site, take US-2/41 south of Gladstone and head west on South Hill Road (which becomes County Road 426). Follow CR-426 for about 11 miles, then turn onto County Road 523 and continue 7 miles until you see the sign near the dam on your right.

**Facilities & Paddling Conditions:** This carry-down launching area is designed for car-top and non-motorized watercraft only—no motorboats permitted. The site offers restrooms, a small boat ramp, drinking water, picnic areas, and nearby camping and fishing opportunities. **Important note for paddlers:** The Escanaba River can run shallow, making canoeing difficult during low-water periods. Check water levels before your trip to ensure safe paddling conditions. The site is managed by the Unit Forest Mineral Fire Management Division and features trails and hiking access in addition to river access.