Iron
Mattioli Park (Iron River) to Museum Drive (3.0 up to 10.3 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Iron River at Caspian, Mi |
| Flow Rate as of 36 minutes | 86 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 26, 2025 |
River Description
A fine bit of in-town paddling for folks in the Iron River, Michigan area. A bike trail parallels the river, making a bike-shuttle quite easy. It appears (from aerial views online) that there are a number of areas of shallows and shoals, as well as possibly a small ledge or two, which could allow for some minor whitewater play.
The run can easily be extended up to as much as 10.3 miles (taking out after the confluence with the Brule River).
Anyone who has more info (or photos!) of this section is encouraged to help out your fellow paddlers by providing a 'trip report'!
All flow ranges are merely tentative. Create a 'Trip Report' stating listed flow and your impressions (low/moderate/high).
River Features
Put-In
Put-in can be from anywhere in Mattioli Park in Iron River. Perhaps the best parking and the shortest carry may be from W.Jackson Street between 7th & 8th Avenues.
Fifth Avenue
The first riffles and rapids occur within 0.1 mile as the river takes some quick zig-zags. Where Fifth Avenue crosses the river (or used to?) there may be some minor rips and possible playable waves.
Fourth Avenue
Coming out from under the North Fourth Avenue bridge, there may be some playble features, or at least some riffles and rips at the river heads toward Nanaimo Park (river left).
Hwy.2/W.Adams Street Rips
Minor riffles and rips may immediately precede and follow passing under the Hwy.2 bridge.
State Line Trail Bridge
This is marked on maps both as State Line Trail and Iron County ORV and Snowmobile Trail.
You could take-out here for a very brief section and short shuttle, but more decent action lies ahead.
19th Street / Spruce St / Dober Mine Road
You'll pass under another bridge for the Iron County ORV Trail, followed very quickly by a street bridge.
Ledge?
Aerial view appears to show a small ledge which could provide some whitewater play.
Museum Drive
We are uncertain of the feasibility or convenience of parking for shuttle vehicles in the vicinity of the river along here. This may prove a more convenient spot for those who may be doing their own bike shuttle, while the next listed access point may prove far better for vehicular shuttle (and is thus our listed take-out for shortest recommended section).
Brady Avenue / Apple Blossom Trail parking
Since there is trailhead parking for the Apple Blossom Trail at this location, it makes the best take-out for the 'in town' short-section of this river.
To be more correct, your river trip and shuttle are not just in a single town, but will take you past or through three towns: Iron River, Stambaugh, and Caspian!
Those wishing a longer float may wish to continue downstream, using any number of options for take-out, the last of which would be after the confluence with Brule River.
County Road 424/Youngs Ave/E.Railroad Street
(Just a mile-marker/waypoint.)
Scott lake Road
This is the first possible access point beyond the mouth of the Iron River (after the confluence with the Brule).
Trip Reports
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