Grass River Natural Area

This ecologically significant preserve encompasses lakes, rivers, creeks, swamps, marshes, upland forests and open fields. It is part of the Chain of Lakes and spans all 2.5 miles of the Grass River, the waterway connecting Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake. The trails meander through upland forest and over floating sedge. The Sedge Meadow, Tamarack and Fern Trails have boardwalks, providing greater accessibility to view and experience the wetlands. The Woodland, Wildfire, and Glacial Plain Trails are all footpaths. The gravel Cabin Trail provides access from the parking area to the Grass River Center building.

For more information about the preserve and the opportunities offered by the non-profit, Grass River Natural Area, Inc., please visit www.grassriver.org.

Located northeast of Alden and south of Bellaire, the entrance to the preserve is off Alden Highway (Co. Road 618). The preserve is also accessible by water. Boats can drop in at the Grass River dock between Clam Lake and Lake Bellaire.
 

This is a Primary Site on the Sunset Coast Birding Trail. For more information about birding opportunities at this site and others, go to www.sunsetcoastbirdingtrail.org/.