Au Sable River (Michigan)

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Canoes along the Au Sable River

The Au Sable River Queen, the only paddlewheel river boat operating in northern Michigan

The Au Sable River in Michigan runs approximately 129 miles (208 km)^[1] through the northern Lower Peninsula, through the towns of Grayling and Mio, and enters Lake Huron at Oscoda. It is considered one of the best brown trout fisheries east of the Rockies. In French, au sable literally means "with sand." A 1795 map calls it the Beauais River.

It has a drainage basin of 1,932 square miles (5,000 km²)^[2] and an average flow of 1,100 ft³/s (31 m³/s) at its mouth^[1]

[edit] River Valley attractions and events

The Michigan Au Sable Valley Railroad is located in Fairview. It is 1/4 scale 16 gauge railroad, that offers rides on a passenger train through the scenic Northern Michigan landscape. It operates in Jack Pine country during the summer months. Riders travel through parts of the Huron National Forest and overlook the beautiful Comins Creek Valley.^[3]
Weyerhauser Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, starts in Grayling and ends in Oscoda 120 miles (190 km) down the river. It is one of three marathon races that constitute canoe racing's Triple Crown. The race is always held the last full weekend in July^[4].
First Dam Canoe Race (MCRA - Canoe Race) is a yearly event.^[5]
Six miles west of Oscoda, on River Road Scenic Byway, the Au Sable River Queen offers paddle boat excursions.^[6]
Within this area is Kirtlands Warbler habitat, so it is an important center for bird watchers.
The Lumberman's Monument is adjacent to the river.
River Road, running parallel with the river, is a designated National Scenic Byway for the 23 miles that go into Oscoda.^[7]