Lake Bellaire, off The Tara's dock via the Intermediate River
Fourteen lakes, one river out your door.
From The Tara's dock it's slow, no-wake water down the Intermediate River into Lake Bellaire, then open cruising across the lake. Idle again through the protected Grass River — about 25–35 quiet minutes — before the run opens across Clam Lake and into Torch Lake and its sandbar. Keep going and the Chain carries you down the Torch River to Lake Skegemog, then a last river into Elk Lake: five lakes and a full day's run on one of the Midwest's most beautiful freshwater systems. Kayaks and paddleboards are included at The Tara; ask us about the pontoon.
By the numbers
Good to know
Our own boat is priced below the rental shops — a little weathered and not built for towing or tubing, but easygoing, economical, and made for floating and cruising the Chain (it can take a little banging, no stress). Beach it along the sandy shores of Lake Bellaire or the sandy corners of the Grass River reserve, where boats pull up and chill all day. Pair this guide with our fishing map for depths and spots on Lake Bellaire.
On the Water
The Full Chain Run
- No-wake down the Intermediate River into Lake Bellaire
- Open across Bellaire, then no-wake through the Grass River (~25–35 min)
- Clam Lake at speed, idle into Torch Lake & the sandbar
- Torch River (no-wake) to Lake Skegemog, then open across
- A last river into Elk Lake — the end of the run
Launches Everywhere
- Fisherman's Paradise & Ohio Street DNR launches, Lake Bellaire — nearby
- Richardi Park — carry-in launch on the Intermediate River, north end of downtown
- Central Lake — a launch up the Intermediate at the head of the chain; nearly every lake has one, most have two
- Clam Lake, Torch River Bridge, Lake Skegemog & Elk Lake DNR access sites down the Chain (Torch has several)
- Trailer pull to Elk Rapids' Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor — 4-lane launch on Grand Traverse Bay, 2-lane on Elk Lake
- Eastport, at the north tip of Torch — a big DNR Landing (two ramps) plus a rustic Grand Traverse Bay launch at Torch Bay Nature Preserve
What's Included, What's Nearby
- Kayaks & paddleboards included at The Tara
- Our own boat — economical & easygoing (ask us); rentals on every lake, too
- The Clam Shack at Dewitt Marine — gas dock & convenience store on Clam Lake (fuel, ice, Moomer's ice cream)
- Butch's Tackle & Marine — tackle plus a snack shop on Torch: grab a chicken-nugget bucket to go (it's good)
- Paddles & Pedals — local rental outfitter
Sharing the Chain
- Michigan Recreation Passport required at DNR access sites
- No-wake near docks, channels & the river
- Life jackets for every paddler — Michigan law for children under 6
Stops on the Water
- The Riverside Marina — rentals, gas & a bite on the Intermediate River near downtown
- Lakeview — up at Shanty Creek on the hill, sunset views out over Lake Bellaire
- Dockside Torch Lake — on the Clam River inlet where you enter Torch, by boat or car
- Riverwalk Grill — on the Elk River in Elk Rapids, at the end of the run
Take the route with you.
Print this page or save it to your phone before you launch. Ask us at check-in for the current water conditions and where the pontoon is tied up.
Ready to cast off?
It all starts from your private dock on the Intermediate River.
Reserve Your Week