Trails.com - Your Guide to the Outdoors
Your guide to the outdoors.
Search for:
  • Trails
  • Photos
  • Members
  • Gear
Toyota2009-A

For full access to Trails.com, Log In or begin your 14-Day Free Trial. Learn more

Dowagiac River

Dowagiac Michigan Water Trails

Overall Member Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2 out of 5 stars2 out of 5 stars2 out of 5 stars2 out of 5 stars (1 Member Reviews)
Share
Dowagiac River - Dowagiac Michigan Water Trails

A moderately paced, family-friendly river that winds under a shady canopy of shoreline hardwoods for much of its length. The Dowagiac is an attractive tributary of the St. Joseph River. Shaded by overhanging hardwood trees (maples, oaks, beeches, poplars) for a good portion of its length, the narrow river flows at a generally relaxed pace. The stream is not a good choice for overnight trips, as much of the shoreline is privately owned. But the Dowagiac’s generally undemanding nature makes it a good option for families looking to venture out for a few hours of paddling.

© Copyright Paddling Michigan
Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Trail Statistics & Information

Activity Type: Flatwater Paddling & Canoeing
Nearby City: Dowagiac
Length: 13.5 total miles
Elevation Loss: Minimal
Gradient: Unspecified
Skill Level: Beginner; Flatwater
Duration: 5 - 7 hours
Season: Best May to September
Local Maps: USGS Niles West, Niles East, Summerville, Dowagiac, South Bend, Benton Harbor
Topo Map: Dowagiac River Topographic Map
Guide Book: Paddling Michigan Guide Book
Driving Directions: View Guide
Trail Directions: View Guide
Got photos of this trail?  Upload Now

Recent Trail Reviews

Ryan Rating:
Date of Trip: 5/28/2007
0 Props
Good trip for beginners and families. If you are traveling in a Canoe, exsp…

Weather Conditions

  1. Important Message
    Winter storm warning in effect until 7 PM est Wednesday.

  2. Overnight
    Snow. Blowing and drifting snow. Snow may be heavy at times. Snow accumulation around 3 to 5 inches. Breezy. Lows in the lower 20s. North winds 10 to 15 mph becoming 15 to 25 mph after midnight.

  3. Wednesday
    Snow in the morning...then snow showers likely in the afternoon. Blowing and drifting snow through the day with near whiteout conditions at times. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Total snow accumulation 7 to 9 inches. Breezy. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.

  4. Wednesday Night
    Cloudy with scattered snow showers. Lows 15 to 20. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.

About This Trail Guide

Paddling Michigan
Paddling Michigan

by Kevin Hillstrom & Laurie Collier Hillstrom (Falcon Publishing)

Explore the diverse natural wonders of seventy of Michigan's finest lakes, streams, and coastal wate…

Buy from Amazon.com