BELLAIRE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Two Rivers, Two Lakes: A Grass River Traverse from Bellaire to Clam Lake
An intermediate 3–4 hour guided paddle from Bellaire through Lake Bellaire and the Grass River Natural Area to Clam Lake — this guide lays out route, logistics, and what to bring.
Two Rivers, Two Lakes: A Grass River Traverse from Bellaire to Clam Lake.
Embark from Bellaire and travel by water through Lake Bellaire into the gem of the Chain-of-Lakes: the Grass River Natural Area. This intermediate-level paddle runs from Bellaire to Clam Lake and offers riverside docks and boardwalk stops for respite in a nature-filled setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Bellaire to Clam Lake via Lake Bellaire and Grass River
The route leaves Bellaire, follows the Intermediate River into Lake Bellaire, then drops into the Grass River Natural Area before opening into Clam Lake — a flowing, varied day on the water with natural sights and dock stops.
Grass River — the Chain-of-Lakes' standout stretch
Paddlers pass through the Grass River Natural Area, a highlight of the Chain-of-Lakes with boardwalks and a riverside dock where you can pause and take in the surroundings.
Short run to Arrowhead Park and shuttle pickup
After exiting the Grass River into Clam Lake, it’s a brief 20–30 minute paddle to Arrowhead Park where kayaks are collected and drivers are shuttled back to town.
What the day feels like
What the paddle feels like
Expect a flowing, intermediate-level outing of roughly half a day: launch from Bellaire, traverse the Intermediate River into Lake Bellaire, thread the narrower channels and boardwalks of the Grass River Natural Area, then finish on Clam Lake with a short final leg to Arrowhead Park for pickup.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this paddle works for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Reservations are required; participants should arrive at the store at 10:30 on the day of the trip. The outing is approximately 3–4 hours in length.
Pack snacks and drinks to enjoy at the Grass River riverside dock and boardwalks; bring personal hydration and sun protection.
Rates begin at $40 for single kayaks and $60 for tandem kayaks; the operator enforces a two-kayak rental minimum.
After finishing on Clam Lake, kayaks are retrieved at Arrowhead Park and drivers are shuttled back to town.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the trip take?
The outing is advertised at roughly 3–4 hours (some materials list a 3–5 hour window).
What skill level is required?
This is an intermediate-level paddle; previous paddling experience is recommended.
Where and when do I meet the group?
Make your reservation and show up at the operator’s store at 10:30 on the day of the trip; launch is from the Ohio Street launch in Bellaire.
Can I go solo, or is there a minimum group size?
There is a two-kayak rental minimum, so solo paddlers should plan accordingly or pair up with another participant.
Are stand up paddleboards allowed?
Stand up paddleboards are not recommended for this route.
Are there places to stop for a snack?
Yes — the Grass River Natural Area has a free riverside dock and boardwalks where you can pause for snacks and drinks during the paddle.