Recommended Wilderness Float

[TimOfWichita]

My buddies and I are planning a three night canoe trip to the waterways of Arkansas. My internet research shows a great variety of places that look amazing. But some of the outfitters and ranger stations that I talk to say popular spots are very full on weekends. We're looking for secluded or wilderness experience, even if we have to transport canoes by ourselves, rather than boisterous spring break crowds. I realize there is an extra challenge due to late summer water conditions.

We're all fit, early 30's, and two of the four have a decent amount of canoe experience. The other stipulation is that the destination is on the West half of Arkansas, since we're coming from Wichita and Dallas.

Any ideas? Appreciate any help.
Tim from Wichita.

[GN YAKN]

What dates are you scheduling? There is water today! Unusual for August to say the least.

If you post up your date window folks will be able to advise a little better.

Everything, with just a few exceptions, is rainfall dependent so you might want two or three options for planning.

You came to the right spot for info!

[Yarbrough]

The Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area may be calling your name. Put in at Rush and paddle down to the confluence with the White, then float some more down to Shipps Ferry. This is the wilderness float and is the most secluded by lack of access points. This paddle takes 3 days and if you can swing it 4 days is even better. No spring break crowds on this part of the river, even on weekends. The occasional flat bottom jon boat with a motor will wiz by and break the silence, but they soon disappear around the next pool, bend or bluff. This time of the year this section of the river is very slow paced and is a series of long beautiful pools, some up to a mile with every one tightening up to small passable class I riffles. These long beautiful pools include monstrous gravel bars, huge bluffs, turtles and eagles.

Please note that I am saying paddle and not float. This is because of it being a rain dependent river and it is August. However with that being said it is very pretty, very remote and you are floating a actual wilderness area in the Ozark Mountains. It offers cool clean running water, lots of wildlife, plenty of fish, big starlit skies and peace. If you are lucky enough to experience a full or near full moon be sure to stomp around on the gravel bars in the moonlight for a unique experience. Bring sunscreen and know that once you push off of Rush your on your own.

.02$

[TimOfWichita]

Thanks for the input. We're booked off of work August 24th through 27th.

Yarbrough - the downstream portion of Buffalo National was on our short list, but your description might have sealed it.

Thanks!

[Richard]

I have floated the Buffalo, Rush to beyond Shipps Ferry four times in the last two months. Because most of the watershed is located outside the park boundaries hog and cattle farms have contributed a lot of pollution and the algae is thick. Also be prepared to deal with mosquitoes. Assuming you are putting on the river at Rush in the afternoon, I would pick a camping spot at the "Ducks neck". (http://www.buffaloriverchamber.com/map_16_bnr_13.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) It is east of what is mislabeled Toney Bend. If you are able to get on earlier, you may want to go on down to Smith Ridge.

Notes:
Just a few hundred yards beyond the put in at Rush you will encounter Clabber Shoals. In higher water you will want to stay close to river left to avoid wave trains that will swamp you. However at low levels midstream is better. At low water levels you will be dodging rocks for about 100 yards until you get to Silver Hollow.

Below Big Creek is another rock garden. In high water taking river right would be good but it would be best to look for the chute on river left.

The final rock garden can be a nightmare at low levels. It is a quarter of a mile long and you will just have to try to pick your way through. Fortunately you are not going through a drop as is the case with the other two.

If you like sand (I don't), just beyond the final rock garden is a long gravel/sand bar. There are some nice camping areas up in the woods. http://www.buffaloriverchamber.com/map_18_bnr15.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have two alternatives to floating the Buffalo that are closer to you.

Lake Ouachita. If you spend your time in the Buckville area (northwest side) you are out of the main boat traffic and primitive camping on islands and shore line is allowed. 200 islands to choose from. Not the Boundary Waters but not a normal restricted Corps of Engineers lake either. No shuttles needed. Clean Clear water.
http://www.lakeouachita.org/questions-a ... achita.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Arkansas River. I have not done a multiday trip but there are some interesting things to see including barge traffic and bordering towns including Little Rock. Don't miss spending some time at Cadron Settlement just upstream from Toad Suck Lock & Dam. I have never done a multiday trip on the Arkansas but hope to some day.

[TimOfWichita]

Richard,
Thank for the information! Great info!

[Jim Krueger]

I could also suggest the Lower Ouachita River from Remmel Dam to Donaldson, or maybe on to Arkadelphia. as being a pretty good trip. Not wilderness any more, but much nice scenery, good water levels, and many nice attributes. Very nice slower-paced trip along both wooded and pasture sections, good fishing. This whole stretch is bounded by private land, but camping has never been a problem if floaters stick to the gravel bars, and be considerate.
Jim

[TimOfWichita]

Thanks, Jim.