Salt River (Michigan) facts for kids

The Salt River is the name of two different streams in the state of Michigan in the United States. Even though they share the same name, they are in different parts of the state and flow into different larger bodies of water.

Salt River in Macomb County

One Salt River is located in Macomb County. This river flows into Lake Saint Clair at a part called Anchor Bay. The exact spot where it meets the lake is 42°39′12″N 82°47′06″W / 42.65333°N 82.78500°W / 42.65333; -82.78500.

The river starts from its source west of Richmond. From there, it flows about 17.9 miles (28.8 km) to the lake. Most of the river is quite shallow. However, near Lake Saint Clair, it can be as deep as 6 feet (1.8 meters).

Near Lake Saint Clair, you will see many marinas along the riverbanks. Marinas are places where boats are kept. Further away from the lake, the river flows through large marshy areas and forests. Even further north, the river goes through neighborhoods and farmlands. Most of the land around this river is rural, with some suburban areas closer to the lake. The river flows slowly and has many swampy parts.

Tributaries of the Macomb County Salt River

Some smaller streams and drains that flow into this Salt River include:

• Fish Creek
• Kirkham Drain
• Gibbons Drain
• Shook Drain
• Fister Drain

Salt River in Midland and Isabella Counties

Another river named Salt River is found in Isabella County and Midland County. This one is also known as the Big Salt River. It is about 19.3 miles (31.1 km) long.

This river begins in northeastern Isabella County. Its main part forms when two smaller branches, the North Branch and the South Branch, join together. This meeting point is in Denver Township at 43°40′57″N 84°36′39″W / 43.68250°N 84.61083°W / 43.68250; -84.61083. This spot is close to where Isabella and Midland counties meet.

The North Branch starts a few miles north and west of this point. It is formed by several drains, including Killenbeck, Sharps, McDonald, Lamphere, and Loomis. The South Branch gets its water from Jordan Creek, Lewis Drain, and Spring Creek.

The main part of the Salt River flows mostly eastward. It eventually flows into the Tittabawassee River in Sanford at 43°40′26″N 84°23′20″W / 43.67389°N 84.38889°W / 43.67389; -84.38889.

Fish in the Salt River

This Salt River is home to many fish. You can find a lot of river redhorse and common carp here, especially near the Geneva Road bridge.

Tributaries of the Midland/Isabella Salt River

Many smaller streams and drains flow into the main part of this Salt River:

• Teed Drain
  • Durbin Drain
• Mud Creek
• Bluff Creek
  • Howe Drain
    • Bliss Drain
  • Bickerton Drain
  • High Drain
• Howard Creek
• Lowe Drain

It is important to know that there are also two other streams called Salt Creek and Little Salt Creek in southern Isabella and Midland counties. These two creeks flow into the Chippewa River, not the Salt River.