The Happiness Function

Are you ready to plan a fun outdoor adventure in Southeast Oklahoma, floating the river in Broken Bow? Then, get ready to schedule a paddling trip with some whitewater in the Ouachita Mountains.

We live in Oklahoma and are sharing exactly how to float the Mountain Fork River on your next weekend getaway.

How To Float the River in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Paddling down the Mountain Fork River is a great adventure to add to a trip to Beavers Bend State Park and the Broken Bow area.

There are a few different sections paddlers can enjoy:

• The section through Beavers Bend State Park, and

• The section from Mountain Fork Park.

Floating the River From Beaver Bend State Park

A section of the river winds through Beavers Bend State Park below the Broken Bow Lake Dam folks can float. This section is flat and calm and is excellent for fishing.

Many people bring their canoes and kayaks and fish along this section of the river.

There is a place to rent gear within the state park, too.

Floating From Mountain Fork Park

Paddling from Mountain Fork Park is one of the most popular ways to enjoy a trip. This is the section most of the guiding outfitters run.

Where paddlers take out will depend on where the guiding outfit recommends and which section of river you are floating.

Float Details from Mountain Fork Park

Distance: About 4 miles

Time: About 2 ½ hours (depending on the water levels)

Difficulty: Whitewater Class II and I with nice sections of flat water

Once you put in your kayak, canoe, or SUP at the Mountain Fork Park, you’ll navigate the river through a mixture of rocky and flat water sections. The river is flat with areas of class I and II rapids, depending on the water levels released daily by the dam upriver.

This section is a perfect half-day trip paddling down the river.

Where To Rent Kayaks and Gear in Broken Bow

There are multiple river outfitters outside of Broken Bow to rent gear.

Call ahead for packages, but most prices include gear and a shuttle. Equipment rentals consist of a kayak or canoe, paddle, and lifejackets.

Below are river outfitters in the area:

• Tippa Canoe
• River Rats Kayak Rentals
• Wild Goose Canoe & Kayak Rental
• Ambush Adventures Kayak Rental
• Lucky Dog River Floats
• Tree Frog Kayak & Canoe
• Skippa-Rock River Float
• Cowboy’s Kayak Rental
• Yippie Kayo Kayaks

What You Should Bring Paddling

We recommend bringing a small dry bag to carry snacks, sunscreen, water, and a safe place to store your camera, phone, and wallet.

Wear sandals, a sun shirt, and bring a hat.

Our Experience Floating the Mountain Fork

We booked our self-guided trip with Tippa Canoe and had a blast.

They shuttled us to the Mountain Fork Park with our gear, and then we took out at the bridge near their facility at the end of the float.

Pablo and I scheduled our paddling adventure at the beginning of July and made the first trip of the day at 9:00 am. It wasn’t too hot, and we were the first folks on the river that day. It was awesome!

There is a slight drop that is considered a class II rapid where Broken Bow Adventures Photos sets up to take pictures of the river carnage. It’s so entertaining (haha). The river isn’t deep here, so you can touch the bottom if you tip over.

Navigating the rocks was easy in the other areas. We had so much fun on this trip, and it complimented a fun weekend of hiking, camping, and kayaking at Beavers Bend State Park.

The river outfitter you select will tell you how to best float the river depending on water levels.

Kayaking Near Broken Bow

There are other places to kayak in the area, including:

• Broken Bow Lake: There are a few places to rent kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, or stand-up paddleboards on the lake once you get there.

• Glover River: Get more information here.

Final Thoughts

If you want to do a river trip with a bit of adrenaline, add floating the Mountain Fork River to your summer bucket list.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Beavers Bend State Park. You might also enjoy bopping around the restaurants and gift shops in Hochatown.

McCurtain County, Oklahoma is incredible, and it’s no wonder it is known as the outdoor gem of the state.

We hope you have a great visit.

Ashlee & Pablo

Find More Oklahoma Adventures:

• 7 Awesome State Parks to Visit in Oklahoma
• The Best Outdoor Weekend Getaways & Day Trips From Tulsa
• 27 Fun & Easy Road Trips From Tulsa
• Plan a Fun Weekend To The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
• Guide To Quartz Mountain State Park
• How To Spend One Perfect Day in OKC
• Best Things To Do at Sequoyah State Park
• 12 Best Hiking Trails Near Tulsa, OK

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