Interstate 75 Bridge

The Interstate 75 Bridge access site on the Kawkawlin River in Bay City provides a launch point on a medium-sized river with a drainage area of 227 square miles. The Kawkawlin River at this location flows at an average velocity of 0.80 feet per second with typical flows around 163.63 cubic feet per second, making it suitable for recreational boating. The river in this reach has minimal elevation change and a very gentle gradient, creating calm to slow-moving water conditions typical of lower river sections near the Saginaw Bay system.

Paddlers and boaters launching here should be aware that this access point is located just over 1,000 miles upstream from the river mouth, placing it in the lower Kawkawlin River system. The slow current and low slope make this section accessible to paddlers of varying skill levels, though motorboats are also expected to use this access. Water conditions are generally predictable with minimal current, though seasonal flow variations should be considered.

The location near Interstate 75 in Bay City provides convenient access for recreational users. Boaters should check current conditions and any local regulations before launching, as this is a functional river system that may have commercial or other traffic.