Bowman Bridge River Access
The section of the river from Gleason's Landing to Bowman Bridge flows through a long stretch of federal ownership. This is one of the most popular stretches of river. Bowman Bridge River Access can be very busy during summer weekends.
The bottom of the river in this stretch is mostly sand with a few interspersed gravel beds. The water from Gleason's to Bowman Bridge is up to 5-feet deep in some parts.
Active Alerts
General Information
Nearby Recreation Areas -
County - Lake
Year-round; not plowed in winter.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless otherwise posted.
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. Rules specific to the Huron-Manistee National Forest are available on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests.
Applicable Orders -
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use; R904-18-02
- Pere Marquette National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-14
Watercraft Permit required Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. Permits can be reserved on recreation.gov.
Information about when a Special Use Permit is required can be found on the Permits page.
Day Use:
$5 vehicle per day
$15 per seven day
Daily and 7-day passes can be purchased on-site with cash or check, or purchased on recreation.com. Daily, 7-day and annual passes can be purchased at Huron-Manistee National Forest Offices. More information can be found on the Passes page.
Canoe Rentals -
- Baldwin
- Baldwin Canoe Rental
Address: 650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Phone: (231) 745-4631
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 43.8894444
Longitude: -85.94011111
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan.