Best Kayaking in Oklahoma

Trying to find the best kayaking in Oklahoma? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Oklahoma, McCurtain County

01 :17 hrs
3.1 mi
10.652336 ft
II

Lower Mountain Fork River is one of the best whitewater rivers in Oklahoma. With consistent flowing water it can be run year-round. It is a popular river and brings paddlers from North Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. Trees line the undeveloped banks of the river where visitors enjoy camping, fishing and swimming. Beginning at Reregulation Dam, the river offers several technical Class II rapids. This is a short section that can be run several times in a day or you may continue further down stream to flat-water.

2

Oklahoma, Cherokee County

05 :29 hrs
13.1 mi
20.50911 ft
II

The Illinois River is a free-flowing stream that flows cool and clear through remote parts of Oklahoma. It stretches from Arkansas to Tenkiller Lake in Oklahoma. Several outfitters service the entire river and all levels of paddlers enjoy it. There is good fishing and it can be run year-round. This section begins at No Head Hollow public access and takeout is at HWY 62 Bridge. It is a relaxing paddle and extremely popular. The well-known "Elephant Rock" is fount on this stretch and the water flows swift. There is a great opportunity to see bids and turtles.

3

Texas, Wichita Falls

04 :12 hrs
9.9 mi
1.1999512 ft
I

This small lake on the outskirts of Wichita Falls is a great getaway from the city. A small parking lot on the east side of the lake off of Kemp Boulevard offers access to the lake from a small boat launch and dock. Due to the small size of this Lake, larger craft traffic is minimal, making this an excellent place to take your manpower craft, such as a kayak or canoe.

4

Oklahoma, Cherokee County

02 :55 hrs
6.9 mi
3.3999481 ft
I

The Illinois River is a free-flowing stream that flows cool and clear through remote parts of Oklahoma. It cuts through steep and rocky bluffs as it stretches from Arkansas to Tenkiller Lake in Oklahoma. Several outfitters service the entire river and all levels of paddlers enjoy it. There is good fishing and it can be run year-round. This is the last section of the Illinois River and begins at the Home Road Public access. It flows through a scenic agricultural terrain and takeout is at Carter’s Landing-just before Ten Killer Lake.

5

Oklahoma, McCurtain County

05 :48 hrs
13.8 mi
15.58326 ft
II

Lower Mountain Fork River is one of the best whitewater rivers in Oklahoma. With consistent flowing water it can be run year-round. It is a popular river and brings paddlers from North Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. Trees line the undeveloped banks of the river where visitors enjoy camping, fishing and swimming. Beginning at US Highway 70 Bridge, this stretch is run by several outfitters. You will find nothing more than occasional small riffles. Halfway into the trip you will join the confluence of the Little River. There is no public access along the way until Ashalintubbi.

6

Oklahoma, Le Flore County

03 :02 hrs
7.6 mi
58.61624 ft
III

Located in Ouachita National Forest along the Oklahoma-Arkansas border, the upper Kiamichi River is a little-known gem. It offers Class II to III boulder garden rapids. The banks are lined with a dense forest and natural plantlife. Wildlife and birdlife are abundant and the water quality is good. Be aware of cross currents, eddies, pourovers, and small holes. Paddlers should be competent in white water. Put in is off SH 63 and takeout is below US Hwy 259.

7

Oklahoma, Cherokee County

02 :35 hrs
6.2 mi
12.22139 ft
II

The Illinois River is a free-flowing stream that flows cool and clear through remote parts of Oklahoma. It stretches from Arkansas to Tenkiller Lake in Oklahoma. Several outfitters service the entire river and all levels of paddlers enjoy it. There is good fishing and it can be run year-round. This section begins at Riverside Park and takeout is at the Home Road Access Area. The banks are lined with thick wooded vegetation.

8

Oklahoma, Cherokee County

05 :45 hrs
13.7 mi
18.653458 ft
II

The Illinois River is a free-flowing stream that flows cool and clear through remote parts of Oklahoma. It cuts through steep and rocky bluffs as it stretches from Arkansas to Tenkiller Lake in Oklahoma. Several outfitters service the entire river and all levels of paddlers enjoy it. There is good fishing and it can be run year-round. This section begins at the Round Hollow Public access and take out is at No Head Hollow Access.

9

Oklahoma, Dewey County

15 :31 hrs
37 mi
56.240387 ft
II

The South Canadian River is 760 miles long flowing about 267 miles through Oklahoma. It is not a popular paddling destination and offers very remote terrain. Because it is rainfall dependent the best time to float is late winter through late spring. During above average years it may be navigable in any month. During lower levels, you will have some portages forcing you to carry or drag boats and gear. Be aware of water moccasins, quicksand, red clay mud and heat. There is very little shade so plan accordingly. This section begins at SH 34 Bridge and flows to US Hwy 183.

10

Oklahoma, Roger Mills County

15 :02 hrs
35.8 mi
53.64215 ft
II

The South Canadian River is 760 miles long flowing about 267 miles through Oklahoma. It is not a popular paddling destination and offers very remote terrain. Because it is rainfall dependent the best time to float is late winter through late spring. During above average years it may be navigable in any month. During lower levels, you will have some portages forcing you to carry or drag boats and gear. Be aware of water moccasins, quicksand, red clay mud and heat. There is very little shade so plan accordingly. This section begins at US Hwy 283 Bridge north of Roll, and takeout is SH 34 Bridge.

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