It rises in northeastern Ogemaw County and flows through Arenac County to enter Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron.

It is a popular river for canoeing, with no portages or dams and an average depth of 18 inches, to 5 feet in downtown Omer.

It is also known for having one of the best White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) runs in the state of Michigan, in the spring.

Several private canoe operators provide equipment rental and transportation for river trips along the Rifle River.

Twining, Michigan Sterling, Michigan (Central portion of the Rifle River - Most Popular) Omer, Michigan (Lower portion of the Rifle River)