a large body of water surrounded by trees
Photo by Justin Hu on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingBeginner

Conditions

RiverMild Current

Amenities

Boat RampParkingRestroomsDockADA Accessible

Best Time to Visit

Riverside Drive

Sault Sainte Marie, MI · Boat Ramp · Public

Riverside Drive is a public boat ramp on St. Marys River near Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms. Best visited in summer.

At a Glance

Water Body

River

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

About This Location

Public launch on St. Marys River in Michigan. Beginner-friendly river paddling near Sault Sainte Marie.

Situated along St. Marys River in Michigan, Riverside Drive provides convenient river access for kayakers, canoeists, and other paddlers.

Kayakers will find the waters here well-suited to touring and exploration. The waters here are approachable for canoes, making it a good option for family outings. Great Lakes paddling combines freshwater vastness with coastal-style conditions and scenery.

Conditions here tend to be mild current, making it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Plan your visit for June through August. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and restrooms and dock and ada accessible.

At about 5 min from Sault Sainte Marie, Riverside Drive is a practical choice for paddlers based in the Sault Sainte Marie area.

Paddling Tips

  • Always face upstream when entering or exiting your boat at the ramp.
  • River levels change with rainfall — check the USGS gauge before you go.
  • Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
  • Know where your take-out is and how long the run takes before launching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Riverside Drive?
Riverside Drive is a public boat ramp in Michigan. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Riverside Drive?
Riverside Drive supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Riverside Drive?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms, dock, ada accessible. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Riverside Drive?
The best time to paddle at Riverside Drive is during summer. June through August
What are the water conditions at Riverside Drive?
Water conditions at Riverside Drive include mild current.
Is Riverside Drive good for beginners?
Yes, Riverside Drive is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 46.4692, -84.2980

Quick Facts

Region
Great Lakes
Getting There
~5 min from Sault Sainte Marie
Get Directions

46.4692, -84.2980

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