Black River (Southwest Michigan)

Black River is a 4.2-mile-long (6.8 km)^[2] river in the southwest part of the U.S. state of Michigan that empties into Lake Michigan in South Haven at 42°24′08″N 86°17′04″W / 42.40222°N 86.28444°W / 42.40222; -86.28444 (Black River (mouth)),^[1] where it discharges past the South Pier Lighthouse. The river takes its name from the dark brown color of its water, which is caused by suspended sediments and organic materials picked up along its course. The river supports a variety of wildlife including trout, snapping turtles, leeches, and many other varieties of flora and fauna. The Black River watershed encompasses 287 square miles (740 km²) across two counties and 13 townships.^[3]

Black River
Black River flowing into Lake Michigan
Location
Country	United States
Physical characteristics
Mouth
• location	Lake Michigan at South Haven, Michigan
• elevation	581 ft (177 m)[1]

The main course of the river is formed by the confluence of the North Branch Black River and Middle Branch Black River at 42°25′57″N 86°14′00″W / 42.43250°N 86.23333°W / 42.43250; -86.23333 (Black River (source)), northwest of South Haven. The South Branch Black River joins the main course at 42°25′04″N 86°15′01″W / 42.41778°N 86.25028°W / 42.41778; -86.25028 (Black River (source)).^[4]

The North Branch Black River is formed out of the Black River Drain, which rises out of a complex of drains including the Leverich Drain and North State Road Drain in Clyde Township and Ganges Township in Allegan County. The Middle Branch Black River is formed by the junction of the Little Bear Lake Drain and Melvin Creek at 42°25′04″N 86°15′01″W / 42.41778°N 86.25028°W / 42.41778; -86.25028 (Middle Branch Black River (source))^[5] in southern Lee Township, near the boundary with Van Buren County. The South Branch Black River is formed by the junction of the Lower Jeptha Lake Drain and the Black River Extension Drain at 42°20′10″N 86°02′19″W / 42.33611°N 86.03861°W / 42.33611; -86.03861 (South Branch Black River (source)) in Columbia Township near Breedsville.^[4]

About three miles above its mouth on Lake Michigan, the river forks, with the South Branch draining Van Buren County. Less than three miles further upstream, the river forks again into the Middle and North Branches. The Middle branch drains areas of both Van Buren and Allegan counties, and the North Branch watershed is entirely in Allegan County.