Your put-in — the Intermediate River at The Tara's dock
Calm water, protected shoreline.
From the village of Bellaire, paddlers travel the Intermediate River into Lake Bellaire, then into the Grass River and Clam Lake — much of it through the protected shoreline of the Grass River Natural Area, a 1,502-acre preserve at 6500 Alden Hwy with 7 miles of trails, 1.5 miles of accessible boardwalk, and calm, low-impact water.
By the numbers
Good to know
Life jackets are required for every paddler — Michigan law for children under 6, strongly recommended for everyone. The Grass River Natural Area's boardwalk trail is a good land-side companion if you want to see the water from above first.
Paddle Routes
Dock to the Grass River
- Intermediate River → Lake Bellaire
- Grass River → Clam Lake
- Protected shoreline the whole way
Flat Water, Family Friendly
- Grass River — 2.5mi, calm & easy
- Lake Bellaire — 10.2mi loop, intermediate
- No rapids; wind is the main variable
The Natural Area's Residents
- Waterfowl & songbirds along the boardwalks
- Turtles & herons in the marsh edges
- Bring binoculars — it's a birding destination
What You'll Need
- Kayaks & paddleboards included at The Tara
- Grass River Natural Area also rents kayaks
- Paddles & Pedals — local rental outfitter
Take the route with you.
Print this page or save it to your phone before you launch. Ask us about current water levels and which route fits your afternoon.