Paddling
Canoe & Kayak the Au Sable River
Floating the Au Sable is the signature Oscoda adventure: rent a canoe or kayak, catch a shuttle, and drift through Huron National Forest scenery at river pace.
Choose a trip length that fits your crew
Outfitters around Oscoda offer short scenic floats, half-day runs, and longer wilderness stretches. Families with young kids usually start with a mellow two-to-four-hour trip; stronger paddlers book full-day mileage for deeper forest time.
Shuttles are part of the product — you leave a vehicle at the take-out or ride outfitter transport so the river, not the logistics, is the hard part. Ask about tube options if you want a slower, splashier afternoon.
Where to rent and what to bring
Local shops such as Oscoda Canoe Rental, North Country Canoe Rental, River Ratz, Sunny Buns Watercraft Rental, and Au Sable River canoe-kayak outfitters cover most visitor needs. Reserve ahead for holiday weekends and Canoe Marathon week in July.
Pack water shoes, sunscreen, dry bags for phones, and layers that can get wet. Leave glass on shore. Life jackets are standard rental gear — wear them, especially with kids and in colder shoulder-season water.
River etiquette and safety
The Au Sable stays busy in midsummer. Keep distance from anglers, yield thoughtfully at landings, and never block boat ramps while loading. Watch for submerged wood after storms and respect dam areas and posted warnings near Foote Site.
Thunderstorms build quickly over Lake Huron country. If skies darken, get off the water at a safe landing. Spring and late-fall paddles demand warmer clothing and a more conservative trip plan.
Beyond the rental float
After you take out, stretch your legs on the Au Sable River Trail or drive River Road to Lumberman’s Monument for a bird’s-eye view of the water you just paddled. Spectating the Oscoda finish of the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon is a different kind of river day — bring chairs and arrive early.
Multi-sport visitors often paddle one day, fish the next, and save Lake Huron beach time for recovery mornings.
Related places
- Huron National Forest
400,000+ acres of forest trails, camping, and wilderness recreation
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Foote Site Dam
Canoer's Memorial with panoramic views of Cooke Dam Pond, plus Foote Pond Overlook and Foote Dam access
- Highbanks Trail
Hiking trail on the Au Sable River bluffs near Oscoda — bluff-top overlooks, reached from River Road Scenic Byway.
- 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
FAQ
Do Au Sable rentals include shuttle service? +
Most Oscoda-area outfitters include shuttle service with standard trip packages. Confirm put-in, take-out, and timing when you book.
Is the Au Sable good for beginners? +
Yes on the gentler day-trip sections commonly rented near Oscoda. Choose shorter floats, go with an outfitter’s recommended route, and avoid high water or storms.
Can kids canoe the Au Sable? +
Many families paddle with children when conditions are calm and trip length is short. Use properly fitted life jackets and pick a route your outfitter recommends for mixed ages.
When should I reserve canoes in Oscoda? +
Book early for July weekends, holiday weeks, and Canoe Marathon weekend. Weekdays and September often have more last-minute availability.
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