Paddling by Elephant Rock on the Illinois River

Paddling by Elephant Rock
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

This weekend Oklahoma enjoyed some fantastic Spring weather, I hope everyone was able to get out and make the most of it. After working through Saturday on household honey-do's, Dianne consented to making a Sunday road trip to Tahlequah's scenic Highway 10. We knew a few outfitters must be open, because we had read about the death of a young paddler on the river last week. He wasn't wearing his paddling PFD and the river surprised him.

The Illinois River was running at a level of about 5.5 feet and pretty fast on Saturday. This is a good safe level for paddling, but I was feeling a bit unlucky. I always paddle with a PFD on, but when I feel unlucky I pull on my spray skirt for added safety. Since summer vacation hasn't started yet, we had the river nearly all to ourselves. Some of the outfitters are now open for the season. We called several and found Falcon Floats was willing to shuttle our boats to the public canoe launch at No Head Hollow.

Of course, we had to get the speech about how outfitters don't like to shuttle private boats. If you plan on owning your own kayak and buying shuttling services, expect to hear this speech on most trips. Canoe livery operators would much rather rent you a kayak for $40, than to shuttle your boat for $10. Most claim to lose money on the service due to the high cost of fuel, insurance difficulties and Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission usage fees. Dianne and I feel their pain, but we are unwilling to drive across Oklahoma for two and half hours and HOPE the outfitters have two decent kayaks available. We try to do our part through purchasing food and paddling t-shirts as well as the occasional cabin rental.

Aside from the usual speech, the folks at Falcon Floats were very friendly and provided excellent service for our trip. Since we were nearly alone on the river, the wildlife was out in force. We saw trout, bass and catfish, several Osprey, some deer and tons of turtles and herons. The flow in the river was excellent making the 12-mile trip a very easy bit of paddling.

We did hit a bit of trouble near the take-out. Just upstream from the Falcon Floats take-out, the river splits forcing you to choose the right or left lane. The path to the left looks much wider and easier, but the outfitter warned us that there were trees down that completely blocked that path. The outfitter had placed a sign instructing all floaters to follow the path to the right.

Following the path to the right took us around a corner where the river narrows to a swift, shady channel. Suddenly, we were surprised to see fallen trees across this path as well, but the water was moving too fast to backtrack! Dianne's boat was pushed sideways fast and hit one downed tree. The impact, combined with the swifter current, rocked her kayak onto its side and she quickly began taking on water. This ain't Dianne's first rodeo, so despite not having her spray skirt on her kayak, she did a quick brace and hip-snapped the kayak. This allowed her to paddle her kayak to the shore with a wet butt, but without taking a swim. About five feet in front of where we landed the kayaks, two young men were in a john-boat using a chainsaw to clear away a logjam. After we dumped the water out of Dianne's boat, she decided that deploying her own spray skirt might be prudent. The young men with the chainsaw suggested a path through the logjam, but it looked much simpler to walk about ten steps around it.

Although we paddled past many downed trees and some fun ripples, that logjam was the last exciting obstacle on the trip. I don't have a lot of great pictures from the trip. We paddled from about Noon until 4pm, so the light was just getting good as we reached the take-out. Despite the poor light, I enjoyed taking pictures of Elephant Rock. My Osprey shots are barely better than a blur.

Hopefully, we will return to the Illinois River soon for an overnight stay so i can capture the dawn and/or the sunset on this lovely river. Once summer officially arrives you will need an early morning launch on this river if you want to see more wildlife and less wild-living!

Kayaking on Southern Lake Eufaula

Kayaking at Hickory Point
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Dianne and I headed south this weekend for some Eufaula Lake kayaking. If you read our blog much you may know that all of our previous paddling on Lake Eufaula has been on the northern portion of the lake. Eufaula is an enormous lake, so traveling from the northern end to the southern end provides quite a bit of terrain changes.

The water in the northern portion of the lake is much redder, due to the Deep Fork River water that enters the lake there. As you drive south along Highway 69, the water becomes less red and more of the sandy brown color of the Canadian River. Also, the numbers of evergreen trees along the shore increases as you drive farther to the south and east. Ever since our trip to Robber's Cave last year, I have wanted to return and explore southern Eufaula Lake. That was our goal for this Saturday.

Using our new Oklahoma Water Atlas, we located a boat ramp and campground called Hickory Point and decided it would be our destination for sunset paddling on Saturday. Since Highway 69 goes by several boat ramps on Eufaula, we decided to visit several of them and have a look.

We first stopped at Oak Ridge campground which sits right off Hwy 69. Naturally, Eufaula is a bit flooded these days. Every campground we stopped at had some picnic tables and BBQ grills under water.

This suited me fine because I like paddling around in flood water. When the lake water rises this high it surrounds trees that are colorful and vibrant. More importantly it creates shady paddling, one of the three key features that make rivers better for kayaking than lakes. The flood water often creates excellent new boat launch areas for kayakers.

I found Oak Ridge to be a nice, well-equipped Lake Eufaula campground that was easy to find. BTW, Highway 69 is a great road to explore if you want to see a lot of Lake Eufaula. It runs roughly along the same route as the Indian Nations Turnpike, but Highway 69 is FREE and leads to a whole lot more boat ramps and campgrounds on Lake Eufaula. Frankly, the Indian Nations Turnpike in this area is no bargain! Countless miles of barriers and Men-at-Work signs with no working men to be seen abound on this busy turnpike.

We paddled around at Oak Ridge for a few hours and then headed to McAlester for lunch. The Meeting Place is the name of the downtown McAlester restaurant we ate lunch at. It's a huge 'place' that we had all to ourselves. I hear that they have dinner theater at night, but gravy was the featured attraction we showed up for!

After lunch we drove to Elm Point, off Hwy 31. Dianne and I and paddled there for a few hours. The light was too harsh due to the hour of the day, but I was also surprised to that the trees seemed oddly leafless. This was no place to shoot the sunset...so we moved on after a couple hours of kayaking.

Our final paddling spot on southern Lake Eufaula was Hickory Point campground and boat ramp. This was the best Lake Eufaula kayaking area we found on this trip. This part of Lake Eufaula is skinny, curvy and loaded with sweet smelling cedar, pine and juniper trees. The campground is more primitive than the others we visited on this trip and it was also MUCH less crowded there. We really enjoyed kayaking around Hickory Point and I hope to be able to return and camp there sometime.

Dinner in Krebs, Oklahoma is a given for Dianne and I when we travel to this part of the state. On this trip, we ate at Pete's Place (established in the '20s). Dianne enjoyed their microbrew and I enjoyed their insanely large portions. The meal was served family style in a private dining room. Pete's Place has about 30 of these private dining rooms. It makes for a cozy meal. Overall, it was not quite up to the food standards of our last Italian food meal at Carrabba's in Tulsa but it was a great end to an excellent day of paddling on southern Lake Eufaula!

So much food and paddling made it a sleepy drive back to Pierce, Oklahoma but we made it safely. We decided to spend the night in the RV at our river lot, so that I could do some dawn kayaking on the river Sunday morning.



Technorati Tags: Kayaking Oklahoma Eufaula

Free Oklahoma Water Atlas - Get One Today!

Paddling
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Dianne and I just got our new Oklahoma Water Atlas in the mail and we are LOVING it. Every Oklahoma paddler should take advantage of this great new offering from the OWRB & the ODWC.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), with support from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), has produced the most useful water-related publication to come off the presses in years. The new Oklahoma Water Atlas includes 146 detailed lake maps containing comprehensive recreational information, such as boat ramps, water depths, road maps, feeder creeks and rivers and other important features.

The Atlas is 190 pages, Spiral Bound and 11” x 14” in size. It is packed full of color maps and images that will help you find great flatwater paddling spots all over Oklahoma.

You can get a free Oklahoma Water Atlas by mail if you pay $6 for the shipping or FREE if you pick it up.

To have a book mailed to your home, send a $6 check or money order (for postage and handling) made payable to “OWRB” to Oklahoma Water Resources Board Main Office 3800 N. Classen Oklahoma City, OK 73118.

You can pick up the Oklahoma Water Atlas at the following locations:

Oklahoma Wildlife Department Headquarters
1801 N. Lincoln
Oklahoma City

OWRB’s
3800 N. Classen Blvd,
Oklahoma City

OWRB Lawton branch office
601 "C" Avenue, Suite 101,
(580)248-7762

OWRB Tulsa branch office
State Agencies Building,
440 S. Houston, Room 2,
(918)581-2924

OWRB McAlester branch office
321 S. 3rd St. Suite 5,
(918)426-5435;

OWRB Woodward branch office
2411 Williams Avenue, Suite 116,
(580)256-1014

For more information about the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Short Kayak Trip on Okmulgee Creek

Okmulgee Creek as Spring Approaches
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Yesterday afternoon I ventured out to a spot, not far from home, that is only rarely suitable for paddling. Okmulgee Creek is a narrow creek that runs South through the town of Okmulgee Oklahoma and eventually dumps into the Deep Fork River on its way to Lake Eufaula.

Normally, the water level is too low to cover much distance, but the flooded state of the Deep Fork River has backed up many small creeks in the area. Conditions were OK for paddling, but real lame for taking pictures...wrong time of day. Still, I found it very interesting to view the dark underbelly of our town so intimately.

I had expected to put-in at the YMCA and paddle upstream to the 6th Street Bridge. Unfortunately, the current got quite a bit swifter and the water shallower as I headed upstream. If I could find a decent put-in upstream it would be a pretty fun ride down at this level.

My non-scientific observation is that Okmulgee Creek is pretty nasty. Paddling South from the YMCA required making a portage around some large metal things that cross the creek and strain large amounts of the floating litter. Wal-Mart bags coil around the tree branches while old milk jugs, water bottles and soda cans float on an oily bed of sludge in many spots.

Although Okmulgee Creek feeds the Deep Fork River, the water is local so it hasn't picked up the red tone and sticky clay banks of the river. You can paddle under the 20th Street Bridge and then South for only half a mile or so before you come to another big metal trash catcher that crosses the entire creek.

I spoke to a local Okmulgee newsman last summer that had a vision for cleaning up and developing Okmulgee Creek as a tourism attraction and local recreation asset. Considering the way the creek snakes through the heart of Okmulgee and crosses under many major streets with lovely old arch style bridges, I think he has a pretty good idea.

Sadly, the idea is probably decades too late to get funded. The business community has already mostly abandoned downtown Okmulgee for two narrow strips of land along each side of Highway 75. Our most memorable landmark has become the road that leads out of town. The path of least investment leads to a bedroom community today and to a ghost town tomorrow.

The park and pedestrian trails that are on both sides of Okmulgee Creek represent smart investments in this resource. Since the area is prone to flood, the uses for this land are limited. However, assets like the jogging trails, BBQ grills, benches and Disc Golf setup are affordable and tend to snap back pretty quickly from short term flooding. Although there is no real canoe launch, there is plenty of free parking!

You can see some of the pictures I have taken of Okmulgee Creek in this Flickr Set.

Spring Paddling Season Approaches

Robbers Cave Trailhead
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

What a long strange winter it's been! I will be glad to see an end to it.

I stopped by K-River Campground's website today and Tom says that the Kiamichi River level has been up at a nice paddling level for quite awhile now. Last week they had 3000 CFS water flow and 70+ degree temps! That is my definition of good times around Antlers, OK. Just drive carefully... they got deer.

The Illinois River looks to be running strong these days also. I would like to paddle down that river before the traffic gets too heavy this summer.

Little ol' Noel, MO... right on the Oklahoma border has been calling me lately.

The lodging options are a bit limited in Noel but nicely flowing, whitewater-free, paddling opportunities abound. I'm thinking a jacuzzi room in nearby Springfield, MO and an early morning arrival at one of several canoe outfitters in the area.

We should be able to book shuttling to the Deep Ford area and take our kayaks down the peaceful and lovely Elk River to a takeout at the Shady Beach campground and canoe livery.

Come on Spring!

Two Kayaking Spots Near Okmulgee Oklahoma

Clovis Point Fishing Dock
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

More Winter Kayaking at Dripping Springs Lake

God Bless Oklahoma's weather roller coaster! In the last few days, we have seen temps as high as 80 degrees...not bad for early February (snow is forecast for tomorrow)! Dianne and I went kayaking at Dripping Springs Lake near Okmulgee on Saturday to celebrate the unexpected fair weather.

I hoped we might be able to paddle up on the pair of bald eagles that we have been seeing lately on the lake. When that didn't pan out, I looked for some nice spots to capture the sunset over Dripping Springs Lake. More shots of Dripping Springs Lake here. We like to park near the fishing dock at Clovis Point on the lake. It can be a breathtaking spot to watch the sunset, but this Saturday wasn't really cloudy enough to suit me.

As a novice photographer, a really don't know how to stage a compelling picture or how to effectively light a subject. This means that if I want to take beautiful pictures (I do), I have to get out and find something beautiful at just the right time when the light is lovely. It is just difficult enough to be an amusing challenge, but not beyond my capability.

I find it to be a nice way to get some exercise that always lifts my spirits.

Monday Afternoon Kayaking on Deep Fork River

After work on Monday, I managed to squeeze in a couple hours of solo paddling on the Deep Fork River.

The easiest, safest Deep Fork River paddling spot that I know is the boat ramp at the Highway 266 Bridge. This boat ramp is the only one I know of on the Deep Fork River. It is brand new area and offers level gravel in the parking area and plenty of deep water for miles upstream and downstream.

It has been tougher for me to take cool pictures of the Deep Fork River. Having grown up on this muddy red river, I think I have become too accustomed to her face! Here is a link to some of my Deep Fork River pictures.

More Okmulgee, Oklahoma area kayaking spots.

Did you manage to squeeze in any paddling during this fine winter weather? Leave us a comment!

Kayaking at Nichols Park in Henryetta

Nichols Park Beach House
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Yesterday, I took a vacation day to run some holiday errands and sneak in some time in my kayak. At first we had planned to hit the North Canadian River near Pierce, Oklahoma, but the wind and current were a bit forbidding and there wasn't any sunshine.

Since one of my errands took us to nearby Henryetta, Oklahoma, we decided to paddle at Nichols Park.

Nichols Park, a National Historic Site, encompasses more than 300 acres and features a low traffic 10-acre reservoir lake. The lake has rather high banks on the North side and thick forest line on the south side that makes for some nicely wind-sheltered paddling. Fishing is free at Nichols Park.

Manually-powered water crafts are allowed on the lake, however all other vessels are strictly prohibited.

Nichols Park also offers the Living Legends Rodeo Arena and the Henryetta Little League Complex. On Labor Day every year, over 1,500 spectators gather at Nichols Park to watch The Living Legends Rodeo. The park is located about a mile and a half south of Main Street on Lake Road in Henryetta.

Where to Kayak as the Climate Gets Colder

Flying South for the Paddling

This time of year, many Oklahoma kayakers start seeking more southern destinations for their paddling adventures. Southern climates tend to be warmer as winter settles in on my part of Oklahoma. Even today's forecast calls for Okmulgee to slog through a misty 50 degree day while Broken Bow, Oklahoma is expecting to enjoy a 73 degree day of warm winter sun.

Oklahoma's new Flatwater Paddlers Group is discussing some cold water paddling trips. So far, the suggested sites include Caddo Lake in Texas and maybe even a three day trip to Lafayette, Louisiana.

Caddo Lake in Texas

Both sound like great trips to me. I have long wanted to visit Lousiana and I have been planning on making a trip to Caddo Lake for awhile now. I even went as far as starting a Texas Kayaking Page listing canoe and kayak rentals, cabins and the Texas paddling spots I long to visit. Caddo Lake sits on the Texas and Louisiana border in North East Texas and North West Louisiana. The Cypress tree thickets and Spanish Moss on Caddo Lake make it very different from the lakes here in Northeastern Oklahoma. It sounds perfect for some Kayak Photography.

Long Lake Resort in Poteau

Another spot that I have been considering is Long Lake Resort in Poteau, Oklahoma. I still need to give them a call and find out what their policies are on allowing kayaking on their two private lakes. The two private lakes, Long Lake and Terrell Lake, are natural lakes stocked with fish. Each lake is approximately 45 to 50 acres in size and the cabins (some with a jacuzzi) are apparently right by the water. It sounds like some nice sheltered water nestled in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains.

If you have paddled these areas or have some other southern paddling destination to suggest...leave us a comment on the blog!

Of course another winter paddlers option is taking some small pleasure from Kayaking Books like this Texas Paddling Guide: Paddling the Wild Neches (Texas A&M Nature Guides) of course paddling books are only cold comfort and can't compare to actually getting out there!

Happy Paddling!

Paddling Around the Deep Fork River Bridge

Deep Fork River Bridge
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

I have been told that the Deep Fork River bridge pictured here was moved into place around 1928. Originally, it was on Highway 75 between Okmulgee and Henryetta. I think it is cool the way Oklahoma used to recycle bridges

I mentioned yesterday that the Deep Fork River bridge near Nuyaka Creek Winery is a pretty good place to put-in for some flatwater kayaking that muddy old river. What I forgot to mention was that there is a particularly good opportunity for visiting the winery coming up this month.

Mom & Dad will be hosting a Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 20, 2007 from Noon until 6:00 PM. Free home cooking AND Oklahoma wine tasting for all! You can also see the new underground facility Dad has been working on.

The Deep Fork River is an Oklahoma tributary of the North Canadian River. It flows from Oklahoma City and meets the North Canadian River at Lake Eufaula about 200 miles away. It has taken me quite awhile, but I have begun to see more and more glimpses of the beauty that this river hides so well.

At first, I could see nothing at all to love in the almost monochrome redness of the river. However, in time I started to find the gnarled trees, twisted roots and sinister looking logjams as a secret source of dark beauty. It only exposes its sweetest attributes during the magical few hours just after sunrise and just before dawn.

Many Oklahoma Rivers seem prudish in the very same way.

Dry Suits for Kayakers...keep paddling all winter long without enduring a clammy wetsuit

Deep Fork River Kayaking in December

Warm Winter Sunset
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Yesterday afternoon's low wind and warm temps coaxed me and Dianne to launch a sunset paddling trip on Deep Fork River near the Nuyaka Creek Winery. I like paddling this part of Deep Fork because it is close to home, close to the winery and close to a classic old antique metal bridge that makes for nice photos.

If you ever happen to be making the trip to visit my parent's winery, you may want to consider taking a kayak with you. The River bridge, just a mile or so down the road from the winery, offers some interesting water for kayaking either upstream or downstream.

From the main river bridge, you can paddle up stream for a couple miles until you reach a low water bridge and then turn around and head back or portage around the bridge.

The biggest drop that I am aware of on this part of Deep Fork is right at the main bridge where you put-in. If you are paddling downstream from the bridge I DO NOT reccomend running the small rapids at the put-in. The rapid used to be another low water bridge so it is loaded with old chunks of cement and rusty sheet metal.

However, just under the Deep Fork River Bridge is a large rocky area that makes it easy to put-in the river and go up or downstream while avoiding the rusty rapid.

Deep Fork River Paddling Tips:

Dress for mud, extreme mud! The Deep Fork River is full of, covered with and surrounded by sticky, slippery, red clay mud. Watch your step because the stuff is very slippery and tends to stain clothing. You may want to bring extra shoes.

Deep Fork River fishing is usually quite good because it is loaded with catfish. However, you may have some trouble keeping your fish. Both turtles and aligator gar are also present, so fish trapped on a stringer are likely to not make it to the take-out. We always considered a wire fish basket to be vital for bringing home dinner from old muddy Deep Fork.

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Black Friday Shopping for Kayakers

I hope everyone is enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday. The family gathered up at our house around Noon yesterday and gluttony ensued. The recent temperature drop has left Dianne and I both a little less than eager to get out on the water. However, I could sure use a little paddling action to burn off the excess calories.

Last week, while the weather was still warm, I was able to slip out onto the Deep Fork River Bayou area just outside of Okmulgee, Oklahoma for a quick sunset paddle. Yakker even stopped by after work to join in the fun. Yakker usually paddles his Advanced Elements hybrid inflatable kayak, but this time we let him borrow Dianne's Heritage Angler. We were surprised to find a Pulling Unit at work on an oil well about 2 yards from the shore. Now THAT is Oklahoma Kayaking!

I owed Yakker a favor for helpng me score some cool kayaking gear from the good folks at AE. I took some pictures of his kayak that they wanted to use on their website. The Advanced Elements folks spotted the photos on my Flickr photostream...and the rest is free t-shirts!

Speaking of kayaking t-shirts...have you stopped by our Paddlers Supply Store yet? It gathers together loads of great bargains on kayaker t-shirts, paddles, kayaks, GPS gear, kayaking books, canoeing DVD's and more! Definately worth a stop if you are looking for Black Friday bargains online.

Kayaking 2008 Wall Calendar

Upper Salt Creek Trip Report

Greg Paddling Upper Salt Creek
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Eagles in Okmulgee!

This Saturday Greg and I set out to paddle the upper portion of Salt Creek near Okmulgee, Oklahoma. As you may recall, I've been paddling the lower portion of this creek quite a bit lately. The upper portion of Salt Creek feeds Dripping Springs Lake. The creek comes into Dripping Springs Lake from the southeastern corner. The closest way that I know of to reach it is to paddle southeast from the fishing dock at Clovis Point. You have to cross more of the lake than I would prefer to paddle this little tributary, but once you reach the creek there is some lovely, well-sheltered, flatwater paddling.

The fall color is starting to really dress up the area. Also, the reduced lake traffic of this season has resulted more wildlife visibility. Greg and I saw loads of ducks, cranes and turtles, but the highlight of the trip was seeing two mature Bald Eagles!

These were the first Bald Eagles I have ever seen in Okmulgee County and the first time I have ever seen two interacting with one another. They entertained us for about 15 minutes with their awesome and inspiring airborne antics. It was glorious to behold, but sadly I was too dumbfounded to get any pictures worthy of uploading. I hope Greg had better luck. Thankfully, the 12x Zoom on my Panasonic DMC-FZ8K did allow me to capture shots good enough to show Dianne the Eagles we saw.

Greg had his Advanced Elements kayak loaded for bear with: a fish finder, rod holders, tackle box...the works. He caught a nice little bass at the entrance to Upper Salt Creek. As usual, I was too lazy to even attempt fishing. Now that I have spotted both Ospreys and Eagles on this lake, I am even less likley to do any fishing in the area. I'll be too busy hunting with my Panasonic FZ8!

Paddling to the creek can be a little scary, if you have never paddled Dripping Springs Lake before. The lake is a fairly new one, so it is still full of old drowned tree trunks, stumps and stuff. When paddling this water you WILL definitely paddle over some of these stumps unexpectedly. Be warned, but be calm and most importantly be prepared. Paddling this water without a PFD is just plain stupid, so don't do it. Once you get onto Salt Creek the old stumps clear out and the water is much narrower and shallower, but when you are on the big lake water paddle slowly and remember to brace when you become unsteadied by an obstacle.

Lower Salt Creek is much easier to access and safer to paddle, but I have never seen any Eagles on that trip. Another surprise I got on this trip was meeting another kayak photographer. Greg and i met Kevin paddling his big Dagger kayak down Salt Creek after a morning of taking pictures. He said he has paddled both Upper and Lower Salt Creek quite a few times. We only visited briefly, but it looked like he was rocking a cool SLR camera and zoom lens. I should have invited him to join our new Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers group, but it slipped my mind and I didn't water to interrupt his adventure with too much uninvited dialogue.

Afterward paddling, Greg and I met up with Dianne and grabbed some Mexican food con cervezas in Okmulgee. He is still plotting out a short trip through the locks on the Arkansas River near Webbers Falls, so be expecting more news on that later.

More Pictures from Okmulgee's Salt Creek on Flickr.

Arkansas Paddling and Leaf Peeping Season

O-Face
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Oklahoma's recreational kayakers have a few great rivers to enjoy here in the Sooner State. The photo on this post shows some of the fun Broken Bow's Lower Mountain Fork River has to offer.

However, when you can't find a trip that meets your needs here in our state, try taking a short trip over our eastern border to visit Arkansas. In the last decade, Arkansas has invested a great deal of time, money and effort developing resources for kayakers.

In fact, kayaks, paddles and life jackets can be rented at 10 Arkansas State Parks, and some of those parks offer the occasional guided kayaking experience such as the recent Cossatot River trip.

Kayak rentals are now offered at Bull Shoals-White River, Cane Creek, DeGray Lake Resort, Devil's Den, Lake Charles, Lake Dardanelle, Lake Ouachita, Lake Poinsett, Village Creek and Woolly Hollow state parks. Call 888-287-2757 or see http://arkansasstateparks.com for more information.

This is a great time of year to visit Arkansas because you can combine paddling with some truly primo leaf peeping. There are around 200 species of hardwood trees in Arkansas which is why it offers one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the United States.

Lower Mountain Fork River Kayaking Trip

Ambush Adventures
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

October's unusually warm weather this year has extended the paddling season for fair weather kayakers like Dianne and I. In fact, we took a trip this weekend to Broken Bow, Oklahoma to kayak my favorite Oklahoma river…the LMF!

The Lower Mountain Fork River (LMF)

The LMF River offers an exciting four mile downriver trip that begins at the re-regulation dam, proceeds through a shallow rock garden, then some narrow rapids and a finally a couple small ledges with the take-out being the Highway 70 Bridge. The fun is highly concentrated on this river. Each bend in the river seems to offer another rocky obstacle or amazingly lovely scene. The water is crystal clear and cold all year long. Best of all, the electrical needs of the community and the water needs of the trout mean this river almost always has excellent water levels for kayaking.


Our Trip to Broken Bow

Those who know me well, know that I would love to greet the sunrise every weekend on the banks of this fantastic river. This is why we usually spend the night in Broken Bow, even though it is only a couple hours from home. Sadly, this trip did not allow me to greet the dawn on the river bank due to some unpleasantness on the drive from Okmulgee to Broken Bow.

Although the bow of my boat has never been broken on this river, the front-end of our pickup truck suffered mightily this time. Dianne and I were driving to our hotel, the Hochatown Country Lodge, when a deer jumped out in front of us on Highway 3 just outside of Rattan, Oklahoma. We were moving at highway speed and simply could not avoid hitting the deer. The damage to the truck included breaking our transmission cooler and leaving us stuck on the side of the road right by the Little River Park. The damage to the deer was even more severe.

The really nice folks at Steel's towing carried our wounded Chevy the last 30 miles or so into Broken Bow and even delivered both of us and our kayaks to the Hochatown Country Lodge. In the morning Jesse, our tow truck driver, planned to try to repair the truck enough for us to limp back home to Okmulgee. Like everyone in this friendly little town, Jesse delivered for us above and beyond the call of duty.


Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers Save the Day

On any other trip, the events detailed above would have canceled any dream I had of paddling my favorite river...but this trip was different. We recently started participating in a new Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers Yahoo! Group that Al Want launched. In fact, we had arranged to meet them at the hotel on Friday night.

Although Dianne and I have met other Oklahoma kayakers through our paddling blog, this was the first time we planned a trip through Al's new group. Al and his wife Donna were on the spot as soon as we reached the hotel. They insisted that canceling our kayaking trip would do nothing to repair our truck. Even though we were unable to do our part in boat shuttling, Al and Donna went FAR out of their way to make sure we could still run the river. They even carried us to Jesse's shop after our adventure to pickup our truck!


Kayaker Networks Mean Safer Paddling Trips

Everyone knows that paddling with companions is MUCH safer than being on the water alone. Groups, like the Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers, can help you build the relationships that will make your river adventures much more safe and enjoyable. One thing I learned this weekend is that the risk doesn't begin and end on the water. When taking road trips that are even just a few hours from home, a support network of friends can be the difference between major disasters and minor annoyances.


Our LMF River Trip Report

Since Labor Day has passed, many of the Broken Bow area canoe liveries have shut down for the season. However, Ambush Adventures (see picture) was still open for business. Al and Donna had to make two trips from the lodge to get all five kayaks and all six paddlers to the outfitter. However, once we were all assembled the outfitter wasted no time in busing us to the put-in. Kayaking the LMF in the off-season means less crowding on the river, but fewer hilarious boat mishaps to photograph.

The LMF is barely tame enough to be called Flatwater Paddling, in fact Dianne and I break out the spray-skirts for this voyage. Al and Donna had their cockpits covered as well and they also supplied a Sit-On-Top tandem kayak for Heather and Reed to paddle. Everyone in our group made it down the river with dry hair, but several folks in canoes and uncovered kayaks were not so fortunate.

As usual, the river level was good enough to avoid the need to portage. We didn't hit the water until nearly noon, so we didn't see a great deal of fish or wildlife. However, even in the 'too-bright' light of the noonday sun, we managed to take some very nice kayak pictures. I think I may switch back to my plastic bladed paddle on my next trip. My new fiberglass bladed Carlisle paddle, though wonderfully light, did NOT sound too good bouncing off the rocks!


Lodging for the Lower Mountain Fork River Trip


Lodging at the Hochatown Country Lodge was great. Here’s an example: we told them we had hit a deer and would need an extra late check-in time and to stay an extra night. They set up all that AND gave us a discount on both nights purely out of pity. In a nutshell, the service was as excellent as the location.

We got a Jacuzzi room for the first night. The Lodge’s Jacuzzi room was easy to find, clean and well equipped for less than $100. Although we couldn’t find free WiFi at the hotel, there is an Internet cafe just a short walk from the Lodge. Also within easy walking distance of the lodge are: a liquor store, diner, chocolate shop, convenience store, chainsaw sculptor, go-kart racetrack and more. Hochatown, Oklahoma is small, but loaded with fun...just like the Lower Mountain Fork River itself.


The Company

Dianne and I really enjoyed paddling with Al, Donna, Heather and Reed. Flatwater Kayaking is an excellent group activity. It offers opportunities to just paddle along slowly in groups and talk or to venture off alone to explore for a while. Thanks for the help Al & Company, we owe you guys some major shuttling!


I think a few others from the Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers group are planning to head to Broken Bow this coming weekend. If you have never paddled the LMF, I cannot recommend this river highly enough. Get with the group and go…you have nothing to lose but..uh…your wallet, keys, cell phones, paddles, water bottles, beers, glasses, etc.

Guided Kayak Adventure on the Cossatot River Oct 5

A guided kayak adventure on the Cossatot River is available from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5, 2007 at the Cossatot River State Park.

The outing is offered to everyone regardless of kayaking experience. The cost of the trip is $20 per person ages 14 and older and $15 per person if you bring a kayak.

The program is weather dependent and the trip will go on unless the river is too high or too low or if the weather is severe.

Participants are encouraged to bring the following items packed in a waterproof bag/container: sunscreen, 2 quarts drinking water, snacks, camera, hat and sunglasses with safety strap.

Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes that can get wet and are OK for walking on the rugged shoreline. Kayaks, paddles and lifejackets are provided with the program fee.

Space is limited and reservations are required by calling 870-385-2201.
Payment is requested on arrival at the Cossatot River State Park Visitor’s Center classroom on Arkansas Highway 278 between Umpire and Wickes.

Sahoma Lake and Pretty Water Lake Kayaking

Little But Lovely Sahoma Lake
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Last week Al emailed me about a lake near Sapulpa, Oklahoma called Sahoma Lake. He thought it looked like it might make a good spot for some group paddling trips. Since Sapulpa is about 45 minutes from my house, I think he may be right! Greg was looking for a new spot to fish, so we decided to make a road trip to Sapulpa.

Just two and a half miles from downtown Sapulpa is a large, well equipped recreation area on two small lakes. The larger of the two is Sahoma Lake and it covers about 340 acres.

Sahoma is an excellent kayaker lake for a number of reasons and a bit of a bummer for one reason. Sapulpa doesn't allow any jet ski or ski boats on either lake, so the only wakes you have to deal with are the ones created by our Oklahoma wind. Sahoma offers RV spaces, tent camping, a heated fishing dock, well equipped picnic areas, restrooms and great little bait store with food, drinks, information, permits and more!

Unfortunately, both lakes require boaters to buy local fishing permits (available at the bait shop). I don't like the hassle of local permits, but it is nice to know that they are using the permit money to stock trout, catfish and hybrid panfish in both lakes.

We didn't find time to paddle Sapulpa's other, smaller lake but I bought a Family Permit so I know we will be back. Pretty Water Lake is well named and apparently they mean to keep the water pretty, because the rule is: No Gas Engines on Pretty Water Lake.

Flatwater Paddling AND Trout Fishing Near Tulsa!

The City of Sapulpa stocks Pretty Water Lake twice a month from October through March with Rainbow and Golden Trout. The rest of the year they stock the lake with Channel Catfish and Hybrid Panfish. Naturally, there are good numbers of bass, turtles, cranes, ducks and other wildlife to enjoy at both lakes. Since Pretty Water Lake spills over into Sahoma Lake (see photo above), both lakes get stocked with some great game fish.

Sapulpa has developed two excellent flatwater resources for Oklahoma paddlers and kayak fishing enthusiasts, both within striking distance of Tulsa. Don't be the last to discover these two gems right off Old Highway 75. More Photos of Sahoma Lake & Pretty Water Lake in Sapulpa.

Got any stories of paddling or fishing this area? We would love to hear about it. Just drop us comment on the Oklahoma Road Trips Blog, anytime!

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I Went Kayaking on Salt Creek with My Son

I took Dylan on a Saturday paddling trip on lower Salt Creek near Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Check out our Flickr Set of Salt Creek shots for a few pictures of my young paddler tackling Okmulgee's shady and sheltered flatwater. We will definately be paddling this spot again.

As the fall colors kick-in, Lower Salt Creek should be excellent for kayak photography (the sport camera-makers love). Also, my Dad says there can be quite a bit of rolling whitewater here, when they are releasing water from Dripping Springs. More on that issue later...if I can find someone who knows!

Salt Creek - Okmulgee's Finest Flatwater Paddling

Sunset on Salt Creek
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Yesterday after work the weather was so mild, I just had to get the kayak wet. I've been paddling at Dripping Springs Lake quite a bit lately because it is so close to my home but the wind has made the water choppy. Since my Dad had been suggesting I try paddling Salt Creek for quite sometime, I decided to give it a try.

Salt Creek

Salt Creek is a deep and narrow creek that runs between Okmulgee's two lakes. There is a nice parking spot and an excellent kayak launch spot right across the road from the Dripping Springs Lake Dam. I paddled from the put-in down to where Salt Creek merges with Lake Okmulgee and then back. I didn't have a GPS but it felt like about 3 miles total. Naturally, there was plenty more water left for paddling, but I wanted to hurry back to the put-in to catch some pictures of the sunset. I think it was worth it.

In my humble opinion, Salt Creek offers the best flatwater, no-current, paddling in Okmulgee County. Salt Creek offers plenty of shade, still waters on a windy day, herons, osprey and other waterfowl all in a long no-wake zone far from the boat racers and jet ski hazards of Lake Okmulgee. Other advantages include plentiful camping and RV facilities at Dripping Springs Lake and Lake Okmulgee and a well paved road that leads to the put-in. Expect to see plenty of beautiful whitetail deer on the road at twilight.

A great spot to canoe or kayak that is just a few miles from my house. In my book, that is a discovery that rivals Columbus!

Quick Sunset Paddle at Okmulgee Lake

Ooh Shiny
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Although paddling options can be limited this time of year in Oklahoma, most Okies are blessed to live near a reservoir lake. We have two here in the Okmulgee area. i usually paddle what is locally known as the 'New Lake" or Dripping Springs Lake. I like shooting pictures of the strange reflections of drowning trees on Dripping Springs Lake and you don't have to dodge as many ski boats.
However, Friday after work I needed a quick bit of excercise to unwind and decided to stop by Okmulgee Lake.

Locally this is known as the "Old Lake" and tends to see quite a bit of fast boating action. In fact, they host boat racing and wakeboarding competitions here. I like to slip my kayak in near the lake's spillway off Highway 75 and paddle around in the golden sunset light. I try to keep close to the shore to avoid collisions with faster craft. Naturally, one must be careful not to paddle OVER the spillway unless your life lacks adventure. My Panasonic DMC-FZ7 loves this kind of light, as long as you don't shoot directly into the sun. I can't resist shooting into the lovely warm light, so I get quite a few lens flares. I wish I had some of those cool Cokin Landscape Filters, it looks like you can have light like this anytime with those!

In the summer time I go Sunset Kayaking around 7pm. This allows me to scout around a bit and get some excercise before the light starts getting interesting. It pays to have a late afternoon snack first as the light doesn't completely fade until around 9pm.

At dinner, expect to eat like you just got a tip on a famine!

Paddling and Hiking at Robbers Cave

Robbers Cave Pines
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

We visited Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton, Oklahoma this weekend and it was a blast! This park is only a couple hours drive from our Okmulgee home and it offers loads of healthy, affordable fun.


A Great Place to Try Paddling

Robbers Cave State Park has three small lakes that are all excellent for novice canoe and kayak paddlers to give the sport a try. Lake Carlton is located right by the park office. This tiny lake offers canoe, kayak and pedal-boat rental and a lovely swimming area set against a backdrop of rocky bluffs covered in cedar, pine and assorted hardwood trees. Although, my first visit here was in the summertime, I imagine it must be stunning in the Fall. The lakes are free of fast boats and jet skis which makes them excellent for teaching the basics of paddling to kids.

Also, the small town of Krebs, Oklahoma is right on the way to Robbers Cave State Park from our house. Krebs is a town built by Italian immigrants and the opportunity to catch a meal there is reason enough for an Oklahoma Road Trip! Although most places in this town serve dinner only, you can catch lunch at a couple of place. Find one…it is worth it!


More Fun Stuff for the Kids

In addition to the lakeside swimming area, there is a large pool nearby and adjacent to the gift shop is a Nature Center for learning to recognize the native plants, animals and insects in the area. Now I know why the goldfinch feeder I bought on sale a month ago hasn’t attracted any goldfinches. It turns out that goldfinches are winter birds in Oklahoma!


The Kids Will LOVE the Hike…So Will You!

Hiking up to Robbers Cave is, of course, the main event at Robbers Cave State Park. Do not leave the park without taking this excellent hike. Although you will see folks breaking out rock climbing equipment and rappelling gear, most folks from 10 to 60 should be capable of walking to the top safely (if not quickly). The trailhead info says that the climb is equivalent to climbing eight flights of stairs and takes about one hour. It is, without a doubt, the best little hike I have ever been on and it was great to see how much Dylan enjoyed it!

My favorite part of the hike is The Stone Corral. The outlaws that used to hide out in these caves included folks like Belle Starr, Jesse James, Cole Younger, etc. They used The Stone Corral to conceal their horses. I walked up to The Stone Corral on a hot, windless day in the summer, but I swear that a constant breeze moved through the rock-surrounded area while I was there!

Some Advice for the Hike

Although non-hikers can walk up this hill, you will enjoy yourself more if you follow the following tips. Wear snug fitting shoes with good traction, you don’t want to risk slipping and falling. If your shorts are very long, roll them up. Take some water. take a camera and take your time. It was a hot walk uphill in the summertime, so the best advice I can give you is to leave early. The trail opened up at 8am and it started to get a little crowded with Boy Scouts ands such around 10:30am…right when the temps were rising and we were leaving.

Cabins, Camping or a Wilburton Motel

Wilburton, Oklahoma is not a huge town so the lodging options are somewhat limited when visiting Robbers Cave State Park. On the first night of our trip, we stayed in one of the park’s two bedroom cabins. The cabins are not fancy. but they are comfortable and they tend to be booked up early on weekends. Right by our cabin was the park lodge called the Belle Starr View and the park offers group camps, tent camping and horse camping as well.

To feed the internet addiction of our family we spent the second night of our road trip at Wilburton’s Hiway Suites and Motel. Their king rooms are also not fancy but comfortable and we found a decent WiFi signal right away. After an afternoon swim in the pool and some satellite TV, we awoke refreshed for another day of fun at the park.

Lake Carlton and Lake Wayne Wallace

Although there are several walking trails to explore, on Day Two we decided to paddle Lake Wayne Wallace instead getting lost in the woods. This lake is just a short drive from Lake Carlton, but it is more isolated and scenic. Lake Carlton is scenic, but with the boat rental, a shaved ice stand, pool, waterslides, swimming area and floating docks…it is anything but isolated. Young people play gleefully in all directions at Lake Carlton. Lake Wayne Wallace was much more my speed. Dianne and I paddled it early in the day until lunchtime and we only saw one other person…at a distance.

Both of these park lakes are small and surrounded by beautiful trees, stone formations and high scenic bluffs. If you have been waiting for an excuse to buy a new high capacity memory card for your digital camera…this trip will justify it!


Bonus Road Trip to Heavener, Oklahoma

My son Dylan had heard about the Heavener runestone and expressed an interest in seeing Oklahoma’s most famous Viking artifact. Since the trip would take us even deeper into the Ouachita Mountains, I was definitely up for it.

It would appear that sometime around 600 AD, some Vikings made an Oklahoma Road Trip of their own. Scholars believe they traveled up the Mississippi River and laid claim to land that would one day become Poteau, Oklahoma. The Heavener Runestone is said to be a property claim marker for a Viking named ‘Glome’. I was surprised to learn that other Viking Runestones had been found around Oklahoma including a Shawnee Runestone in nearby Shawnee, Oklahoma.


What About Thrilling Whitewater Excitement?

We made a brief stopover at Lake Wister on our way back to Wilburton and our kayaks were in the back of the truck. Lake Wister is releasing huge volumes of water now. Below the dam release point there was some mighty frothy whitewater and lines of fishermen on each shore. They were pulling 45 pound catfish out of this area with rods. I was surprised when one of them asked me if they would like to pull their lines in so we could run the whitewater in our kayaks.

Thanks…But No Thanks

First of all, neither of our kayaks or our skills are up to snuff for this run. Even if we were paddlers enough to survive, the smell would gag a maggot. Apparently, the lake is ‘turning over’ as it does every summer. The water has a yellow tint and an almost overpowering smell of sulphur (rotten eggs) fills the air around the dam release. I was standing on the bank about ten feet from the water and I could see fish just beneath the surface. I couldn’t help wondering if it had any impact on the flavor of the catfish…it sure put me off my feed for awhile!

Trails Galore!

Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton, Oklahoma has a wide assortment of Nature Trails, Mountain Biking Trails, and Equestrian Trails. If you take a notion to do some wandering partner, this place has got trails! Dianne and I took Dylan and Dianne’s Mother Juliene and we all found fun activities to enjoy at this park. I can’t remember when I have enjoyed such cheap fun. Since we had our own kayaks (only two boats to share between four people), we spent nothing on activities. The hiking and boating and Viking History lessons were all free.

For the drive home, we decided to skip the Indian Nation Turnpike and take Highway 69 instead. Highway 69 crosses Lake Eufaula at in several places like Rock Creek, Coal Creek and Crowder. I'll have to get back and paddle that part of Eufaula one of these days.

Trip Report On Dogwood Acres to Frisbee Ramp

Dianne and Greg Paddling
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Last week I got an email from a blog reader in Checotah with an idea for a paddling trip. Greg, a kayak paddler who lives near our lot at Dogwood Acres, suggested we paddle from our lot, down the North Canadian River and across Eufaula Lake to the Jack Frisbee boat ramp.

Normally, Dianne and I have to take 'up-and-back-again' trips on the river because we only have one vehicle and no shuttle. Needless to say, we were thrilled to get a chance to do a 'one-way', downriver trip and to meet one of our new neighbors.

The float trip is about 6 miles, most of it with a decent downstream current. We started early in the morning to try and beat the heat. This is pretty important for taking this particular trip during the summer. Although the river portion of the trip offers some current and quite a bit of shade, the last leg of the trip is pure Lake Paddling in the blazing sun.

One of the downsides of paddling Oklahoma lakes is that the wide open area offers little shade. Also, the lack of distance cues around you makes it seem like you are paddling at an a very slow speed. The feeling of slowness makes paddling across many Oklahoma lakes feel very monotonous. There is also an element of danger when paddling your kayak across a big expanse of water where ski boats and personal watercraft race around at breakneck speeds.

Despite a couple miles of paddling across the lake at the end, the trip is a good one. Although not as scenic as the Illinois River or the Lower Mountain Fork River, paddling the North Canadian offers solitude, peacefulness and some cool bird watching opportunities.

Meeting Greg was the best part of the trip. He is a really conscientious paddler and all-around nice guy who has developed some very good safety habits. Dianne and I set the bar rather low when it comes to safety procedures. We wear our PFD's when paddling, but that is about the extent of our safety preparations. Greg plotted the whole trip out on a map and brought along some rescue gear in case someone ran into trouble.

His kayak is a cool Advanced Elements boat about ten feet long, some folks call them Folding Kayaks. Advanced Elements makes hybrid kayaks that have the buoyancy of an inflatable kayak with a rigid frame that makes it easier to paddle than most pure inflatable boats. The best feature of the boat is that is can be carried on a roof rack like a regular kayak OR you can take it down and fold it into a bag for traveling!

The trip running from Dogwood Acres to Jack Frisbee Boat Ramp near No Name Creek will be one I am sure we will repeat. The Frisbee Baot Ramp is right of Highway 150 and offers a great parking area that is close to food, lodging, bait...whatever you need.

Greg offered two suggestions on the trip that I ignored and looking back on it...I should have taken his advice. The first was when he offered us all sunscreen at about 9:30am and the second was when he suggested a group picture at the end. Buddy, you were right!

This felt like our first real float trip of the summer because it isn't a real float trip until someone (me) gets a sunburn on their knees, right? Greg, if you are reading this…thanks for a great trip! Dianne and I really enjoyed it meeting a fellow paddler that knows the Eufaula area so well.