Buffalo River Trip - May '12 by Houston Canoe Club

[Stan]

Buffalo City is 0.7 miles upstream from the mouth of the Buffalo River. Paddling up to Buffalo City is very challenging if the White River water flow is high as it often is. Water is released from the upstream dam to either drawn down the lake to the desired water level OR to generate power. The power generation schedule is unpredictable. Years ago my husband & I paddled from the mouth of the Buffalo up to Buffalo City. We were young, strong and experienced. It took all our energy to make it to Buffalo City. We then switched to taking out downstream at Shipps Landing or Norfolk.

There is now an alternative take-out at Riley's Station. The Ozark Society (OS) has an annual Buffalo River trip and typically takes out at Riley's Station. My OS source tells me that there is an island across from mouth of Buffalo River. This island has a water channel which cuts across the island. This island water channel is directly across from the Buffalo mouth. The island water channel connects to a second channel. Riley's Station is a short distance down the second channel. Getting to the water channel in the island requires a strong ferry. If you get swept down below the island water channel, the upstream part of the island provides some protection from the White's current and it is possible to either paddle up along side the island or to walk a canoe to the cross channel.

"Stan"

[WPC]

I have paddled from Pona to Rush, but only in sections. We base camp at Ozark or Tyler Bend Campground.

Marc McCord is an excellant resource for the Buffalo. He usually makes an annual trip in mid May. Check out his website for contact info and river info. http://southwestpaddler.com/docs/buffalo.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Richard]

I think a lot of Marc McCord and found his information generally helpful. However there are some significant errors in his Buffalo report. He was obviously here in 2009 but my guess is that he has not been here very often. It appears from the 2009 pictures, he probably put in at Ponca and took out at Erbie then shuttled to Woolum and paddled to possibly Baker, Grinders or Gilbert. He may never have been below Gilbert. His favorite multiday camping river when in the area is the Current River.

BTW, the middle river outfitter I personally would recommend is Silver Hill. Monte Smith is an Eagle Scout and was the only outfitter on the middle section helping with the river cleanup last fall. It is my understanding all were contacted and he was the only one to respond; donating canoes and shuttles for the cleanup.

This is the resource I would recommend. http://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and this: http://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/l ... eID=178918" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The last time I was on the Buffalo was two days ago. That is way too long to be away.

[summerbee]

would love to join ya'll for a stretch. have dutch ovens and can cook.

[Richard]

would love to join ya'll for a stretch. have dutch ovens and can cook.

I would love to do the same . . . except, I can't cook. But I do know the river and I do have dutch ovens . . . anodized aluminum. They are 7lbs vs 21lbs for cast iron. And are much easier to take care of.