River
Au Sable River in Oscoda
The Au Sable River meets Lake Huron at Oscoda, turning a quiet Michigan town into a launch point for paddling, fishing, scenic drives, and one of the country’s most famous canoe races.
A National Wild and Scenic River at Oscoda’s doorstep
The Au Sable is one of Michigan’s signature rivers — clear water, forested banks, and a long recreational history from logging days to today’s paddlers. Near Oscoda, the river slows into dam pools and broad reaches before joining Lake Huron, so you can choose mellow floats or head upstream for longer wilderness stretches.
River Road National Scenic Byway is the easiest way to taste the corridor by car. Pull-offs for Lumberman’s Monument, Iargo Springs, and Foote Site Park stack overlooks, stairs to the water, and fishing access into a half-day loop.
Paddling, tubing, and day floats
Local outfitters rent canoes, kayaks, and tubes with shuttle service for trips from a couple of hours to full-day runs. First-timers usually want a calm daytime float with a clear take-out; experienced paddlers chase longer sections through Huron National Forest.
July brings the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon — 120 miles overnight from Grayling to Oscoda. Even if you never race, watching finishers arrive Sunday morning is a local tradition worth planning around.
Fishing and shoreline access
The Au Sable system is famous for trout upstream and for warmwater and migratory fish near the dams and mouth. Foote Site Park is a favorite bank-and-platform spot, especially when salmon and steelhead runs light up the fall calendar.
Always carry a Michigan fishing license and check DNR regulations for the section you fish. Charter options on Lake Huron add another day on the water when the river is crowded or you want open-lake species.
How to build a river day
A classic Oscoda river day starts with a morning paddle, lunch in town, then an afternoon drive along River Road with stops at Iargo Springs and Lumberman’s Monument. Hikers can add the paved Au Sable River Trail for an easy bike or walk between Oscoda and Foote Site Park.
Bring layers — river corridors run cooler than the beach — and water shoes for rocky put-ins. Cell service can thin in the forest, so download maps before you leave US-23.
Related places
- Lumberman's Monument & Visitor Center
14-foot bronze statue of three lumbermen honoring Michigan's logging history, with visitor center, outdoor displays, and panoramic river views
- North Country Canoe Rental
North Country Canoe Rental is located in Oscoda, MI and provides outfitting and operations for individuals, groups and families along the AuSable River. NCCR offers a variety of watercraft and trip op
- Sunny Buns Watercraft Rental, Inc.
All the equipment you need to have for a great day out on the water! Pontoons, Wave runners, Jet skis, Paddle boards. We work on docks, hoist and shrink-wrap too. We strongly recommend you reserve you
- Huron National Forest
400,000+ acres of forest trails, camping, and wilderness recreation
- Foote Site Dam
Canoer's Memorial with panoramic views of Cooke Dam Pond, plus Foote Pond Overlook and Foote Dam access
- Oscoda Canoe Rental
Cano, Kayak or Tubing trips Call for a reservation and arrive 1/2 hour before your scheduled trip! 2 hour and 4 hour trips available.
- Highbanks Trail
Hiking trail on the Au Sable River bluffs near Oscoda — bluff-top overlooks, reached from River Road Scenic Byway.
- Iargo Springs
Outdoor education area with displays on history, geology, and plant and animal life, plus boardwalk stairs to natural springs
- Au Sable River Canoe Marathon
Annual 120-mile non-stop canoe race from Grayling to Oscoda — "the world's toughest spectator race." An event, not a place.
- River Ratz Rental
Pontoon boat, jet ski and moped rentals in Oscoda. $550 full-day rental — delivery, launch and gas included. Locally owned, full-service convenience all summer long. Call to schedule.
Related guides
FAQ
Where does the Au Sable River meet Lake Huron? +
The river reaches Lake Huron at Oscoda. That confluence is why the town became a logging port historically and a paddling and fishing hub today.
Do I need a guide to canoe the Au Sable? +
No. Local rental shops handle boats and shuttles for standard day trips. Guides and longer wilderness itineraries are optional if you want coaching or multi-day logistics.
What is River Road National Scenic Byway? +
It is the scenic drive along the Au Sable corridor near Oscoda, linking overlooks and stops such as Lumberman’s Monument, Iargo Springs, and Foote Site Park through Huron National Forest.
When is the Au Sable Canoe Marathon? +
The race is held each July, finishing in Oscoda after an overnight 120-mile paddle from Grayling. Lodging and riverfront viewing spots fill early that weekend.
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