![]() Upper Mountain Fork flows vary depending on rainfall and tend to run extremely low in late summer. When in doubt, always scout the rapids ahead before paddling in or prepare yourself to get a little wet. Several sets of long- running rapids keep your adrenaline pumping and require basic paddling skills to navigate successfully. Originating in the Ouachita National Forest just below Mena, Arkansas, the Upper Mountain Fork crosses into Oklahoma and tumbles through 28.6 miles of scenic pine-shrouded wilderness and over rock shoals, falls, and through mountainous chutes of granite before spilling into Broken Bow Lake, south of Smithville. The Mountain Fork is also one of Oklahoma’s designated scenic rivers included in the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Act of 1970. ![]() Like the Illinois, southeast Oklahoma’s Mountain Fork River is a two-part pleasure with outstanding floating and fishing on both its upper and lower portion. Ideal floating stages for the Illinois fall between 3.5 to 4.5 feet. To ensure ideal floating conditions, check the USGS site on water levels here. Once you get past the crowd, the Illinois offers spectacular Ozark scenery, clear water, good fishing for smallmouth bass, catfish, and perch, or fish year-round for rainbow trout on the Lower Illinois, just below Lake Tenkiller. ![]() If peace and quiet are what you’re after, opt to float on a weekday when you are less likely to encounter floating cities of graduating seniors, fraternity kids, and good ole’ boys looking for a wet, wild water fight. If there is a downside to all this service and convenience, it is this: The Illinois is popular so be prepared to share its swimming holes, pebbled beaches, and rope swings with an array of other floaters. Mant float rental facilities kick off their season on May 1, so calling ahead is advised. Peak floating time is June and July, tapering off through late summer and fall depending on water levels. Several “put in” spots are found along the river and offer easy trips for floaters of all skill levels. Public campgrounds, convenience stores, and cabin rentals dot the riverfront highway, making an overnight or weekend river trip an attractive option. Most outfitters are located within the first 15-mile stretch northeast on Highway 10, but it’s possible to find others scattered along the entire length of the Illinois. With many river outfitters ready to supply you with canoes, kayaks, rafts and shuttle service and your choice of floating distances - two hours to full-day floats and even overnight camping trips- the Illinois earns its popularity by catering to every paddler’s needs. Entering the state near Watts and snaking some 58 navigable miles through the wooded Ozark foothills in Adair, Delaware, and Cherokee counties, more words have been written about this state-designated scenic river than any other. ![]() Enjoy! THE ILLINOIS RIVERĪsk anyone where to float in Oklahoma and the first answer is always the Illinois River. ![]() After all, the joy of floating is all in getting there. Pack your ice chest, throw in a dry change of clothes, and prepare yourself for an aimless afternoon on the water. From the ever-popular Illinois to the remote mountain waters of the Glover River, there’s a river run waiting for you. Whatever your reason for hitting the river - to cool off, relax, do a little stream fishing or simply revel in the awesome scenery-you’ll find the ideal river in Oklahoma. Others crave the excitement of not knowing exactly what lies ahead-a pristine swimming hole, plunging waterfall or a set of thundering rapids that might topple your canoe and send you swimming after the paddle, boat and a Zip-locked baggie holding your car keys, a wallet and one sad, soggy sandwich. Some seek the serenity of gliding over quiet, clear water as hawks sail the updrafts overhead. “Just around the next bend.” For those of you who understand the simple pleasure of floating-in a canoe, kayak retired inner tube or a plain rubber raft-these words are music to the ears. Deer crossing the Lower Illinois River a little after sunrise. ![]()
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