Ouachita River

[WPC]

I am looking into planning a long weekend kayak and camping trip and would love to hear some suggestions for campsites and sections of the river to paddle. Most of us will be on sit on top kayaks and have beginner to intermediate skills. We usually paddle various sections of the Buffalo from Ponca to Rush in May and September (weather permitting), so we are looking for a section that would be similar as far the skill level required.

Are there any planned events on the Quachita between May - September? Any help would be appreciated.

Diane Massey, Waco Paddle Club

www.wacopaddleclub.shutterfly.com

[Jim Krueger]

Diane,

Many of us float the upper Ouachita River (above Lake Ouachita) in the Spring and into the Summer. I don't know of any ACC events on the upper river but with as many impromptu trips as we make, several of us can chime in with suggestions as you develop your plans more. There is also the lower Ouachita River (below Lake Catherine) that we paddle even more in the Summer and Fall due to the water released from the lake above. The Acc does have events here like Surf&Turf and Rendezvous activities each year in late Summer.
I'll post more tomorrow in the way of suggestions, and can send some pictures of the river if you'd like.

Best Regards
Jim

[WPC]

Thanks!! I am hoping to make many more trips to the Arkansas rivers this year. Look forward to hearing more. May even see ya on the river.....

[Richard]

Knowing some of the history makes any trip more interesting.
http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Expedit ... 0807131652
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGENEvnlg8g
http://www.aetn.org/programs/exploringa ... iver_float

[johnnybiggun]

Attached is a map to help you on your trip.... Two access' are not on this map... The McGuire Access is maintained by the game and fish & is located between Cherry Hill & Ink on CR-63.....Look for Signage on highway 88 at Yocana or highway 8 at Board Camp....The other is the Shirley Creek Float Camp between Pine Ridge & Oden maintained by the forest service.... Also has signage on highway 88 .....There are some long pools on the upper end but you are normally rewarded with a nice rapid at the end & if it looks too tough for ya you can portage easily.... Good fun...
I sent you a PM on another option !