New to Van Buren, AR

[Welshrose]

Is it safe to kayak the Arkansas river? Can you paddle upstream easily? I'm just a so-so kayaker. I floated Kansas lakes mostly, but would like to try some river kayaking that's not too crazy. I have an inexpensive, hard-shell kayak.

[prophet]

yes, its safe in general. just dont get sucked thru the dam at Barling

[Cowper]

Locals will be able to give you more detailed information, but I'll get you started:

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrogra ... dro_type=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This gage shows both current levels and where "flood stage" starts. There is going to be a pretty big variation in how much current you will see on the Arkansas; sometimes it will be barely perceptible, other times as it approaches and moves into flood stage, it is going to get significant, maybe more than you can paddle upstream against if out in the main channel. At true "flood" stage, yes, it is dangerous for small boats; I've even seen trees tumbling in the current that would flat kill you if you tangled with them. But this is very rare. Ask some local ACC members to find out if there are other or better gages for your purposes. I think this speaks to one of the big difference with lake and river paddling; for the lake, you mostly need to know the temperatures and other weather conditions; with rivers, you must also know the flow conditions (low, medium, or flood?).

Common sense will be your best protection, and following many of the same guidelines that would apply to your lakes back home. Wearing your PFD at all times is a good idea, but especially for cool weather paddling, windy days, or when paddling alone. Close to shore is safer than out in the middle, especially if travelling alone. Pay attention to the weather; cold and wind are not your friends.

Rumors of "undertow" are mostly (but not totally!) just that - even at flood stage, the swirling currents are not strong enough to pull you under (if wearing your PFD) except maybe near structures like the Lock and dams. If paddling at night, or even in early morning or near dusk, you might want to study up on the rules for small craft navigation lights; barges and power boats need to be able to see you. On second thought - just stay away from the barges. Even if they see you, they can't stop or change course anyway, so "seeing you" is only going to make them feel bad after they mow you down. Don't let me scare you off, there really isn't that much barge traffic, and you'll have plenty of time to get away from them.

We had one tragic double drowning on the Arkansas last year; I don't believe the official story was ever known or at least not made public, but I strongly believe that what happened was a father and son beached their boats on a mid-river sandbar to explore or stretch their legs. It was windy that day; I further believe a gust of wind blew their boats out into the water, leaving them stranded, and then they drowned trying to swim after the boats to catch them. PFD's and paddles were found in at least one of the boats. Its the only thing that fits all the reported facts. (HIndsight is always so 20/20, I'm reporting, not judging.)

If there is a perceptible current, start your trip by paddling upstream; then the current will help you return to your starting point. Some of the side channels and backwaters have no current at all.

Go to at least one chapter meeting and make contact with Dr. Steve Yaney, Rob Pollan, or some of the others in that area and learn about the Powers' Port access and river trail and other area paddling options.

And, of course, WELCOME!

[iYak]

At this time there is very little flow. The gauge is located here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/uv?site_no=07249455" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



This graph shows the flows over 8 days. During this long drought, most of the time there has been little to no flow, then out of nowhere the flow will start, but it will be brief. We experienced this many times over the summer when we beached our ski boat on the sand, it would be sitting there just fine and dandy, then the next thing you know it would be dragging the anchor and trying to float away. Usually during the summer the flows would last 5 minutes or less. I'm not sure if this is from them generating electricity, opening and closing the locks, or a bit of both.

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=21 ... 3,0.004128" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This map shows the Powers Port Canoe Trail Put-in. This is a good place to start as it is off of the main channel and has lots of islands and waterways to explore.

Things to watch out for:

Wind - sometimes it really blows on the main channel. Pay attention to the wind direction because even if you paddle upstream (with no flow), you may have to fight the wind hard on the way back.

Fast boats - watch out for them in the main channel and sometimes in the Powers Port area.

Barges - as Cowper said, they are big and can't stop or maneuver well. Stay well clear of them and watch out for their waves. Sometimes the wind can really whip those waves up high.

Cold water and cold temps - the river is wide, and if something happens like flipping over, it's going to be a long swim back to shore. If you aren't dressed properly, it could be very dangerous.

Duck hunting season - it's duck hunting season, but you shouldn't have to worry about that except in the early morning. Duck season dates: http://arkansasduckguiding.com/season/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Powers Port - it's a cool little out of the way place, but be prepared to see some people that might be a little scary. It's not far from downtown Fort Smith and Van Buren, so it attracts people of various sorts. If you are by yourself, you might want some protection. Don't let me scare you away, I haven't seen many people there, but there was loads of trash so there is no telling what goes on there at other times.


That's a lot of bad stuff, but it really is a nice place and there isn't very much boat traffic, especially this time of year. Be prepared and enjoy!

[Welshrose]

Wow! Thank-you so much for all of the detailed information. I truly appreciate it.

One thing I do know about is wind, being from Kansas (Wichita - people of the south wind. LOL) I floated the Little Arkansas west of Wichita a few times in the kayak and also a two-person canoe, but it's a one-way trip because it's shallow with a strong current. I saw kayakers going up and downstream on the big river through Austin, TX, so wondered if it was possible on the Arkansas river here. It's huge! Is it possible to go all the way to the Mississippi?

I probably won't do much kayaking when it's cold, but then again, it's supposed to be 68 degrees this weekend.

[Dr. Steve Yaney]

We have a canoe access......Powers' Port off of Clayton Expressway that affords alot of safe paddling out of the main channel,but you can also access the main channel if you desire. You can easily paddle to Fort Smith Park. There is a sign on a canoe at the road to the access towards town from the Park. It is about a 400 feet "schlepp(?)" from your vehicle to the water but well worth it. Check it out!!!

[davidbob]

Lee Creek Park is in Van Buren. Take Main Street all the way through downtown to the levee wall and turn right - that's Lee Creek Park Road and it will take right to the C.O.E. launch ramp. The ramp is at the confluence of Lee Creek and the river. You can paddle upstream on Lee Creek several wide calm miles, with a beautiful view of the bluff and no fear of barges, current spikes, or Cowper's fabled tumbling attack trees (not to be confused with the Attack Willows on the lower Mulberry).

[iYak]

>>Is it possible to go all the way to the Mississippi?

There are 13 locks between Van Buren and the Mississippi, you could go all the way to the ocean. It would be quite a trip to make it all the way the Gulf. I thought about doing it in a motor boat back when gas was cheaper, and if I had the time, it would be even more fun in a paddle boat.

River and lock info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McClellan% ... ion_System" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Welshrose]

Great news on the Lee Creek access! I only live a few blocks from there.

I've always thought about renting a houseboat and floating the whole Mississippi, north to south. From here to the Gulf in a kayak would be fun. It would take some time and lots of planning. Too bad I can't retire yet.

[Shep]

FYI, The Colorado (not THE Colorado) river through Austin is dammed in two different places. Once west of town, and once on the east side of town. The main section through town has virtually zero flow in order to be a recreational resource, and motorized boat traffic is restricted. Very different from the Arkansas River! :)

[Foreverphishing]

Good info guys, i have never thought about going on the arkansas. i live in fort smith and that put in at lee creek sounds fun.

[Welshrose]

I didn't have a lot of time, but I did kayak from the marina at Riverfront Park (Van Buren) to Lees Creek and back. It was gorgeous out and the water was smooth as glass. Got some mesmerizing sunset photos, too. Arkansas just keeps getting better and better! I love it here.

[Deuce]

I didn't have a lot of time, but I did kayak from the marina at Riverfront Park (Van Buren) to Lees Creek and back. It was gorgeous out and the water was smooth as glass. Got some mesmerizing sunset photos, too. Arkansas just keeps getting better and better! I love it here.

It'll get even better when you start paddling places like the Buffalo. Welcome.