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Paddling Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
by Don Nelson
Kayaking Over Presbyterian Falls on the
Mt. Fork River in SE Oklahoma
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The Arbuckles of Oklahoma - Trip Report
We had hoped to get out and paddle both the Washita River and Arbuckle Lake in addition to visiting Turner Falls. Due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, we never made it onto Arbuckle Lake or the Washita River. Thankfully, I did get to paddle my kayak around a bit. Moonlight Bay ChaletWe rented a cabin on a small private lake for our two days in Davis, Oklahoma. The Moonlight Bay Chalet sits right by the waters of a tiny lake surrounded by cabins. The cabin offered 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a hot tub on the back deck. Also, a canoe and kayak come with the cabin. You can launch and land at a small wooden dock. It sounded perfect for our family. The cabin was clean and the beds were comfortable. Sadly, the hot tub never really got hot and the cabin never really got cool. Although I enjoyed paddling my kayak around their tiny lake briefly, there really is not much to see. Checking out of the cabin took longer than expected. When we arrived we were greeted with several signs stating that we were expected to clean the cabin and launder the towels and linens before departing. Although we often wash the towels and stuff before we leave a cabin, this was the first time we arrived to find a task list. The same postings warned that large sums of money would by charged to our credit card for any rule violations. Despite the rather non-luxury policies at Moonlight Bay Chalet, there is much to enjoy. The cabin is just about two miles from Guy Sandy Creek Boat Ramp on Lake Arbuckle. It is also a short drive to Turner Falls or the historically stinky springs and travertine stairs of Sulphur, Oklahoma. Turner Falls - Gem of the ArbucklesIf you have never visited Turner Falls Park near Davis, Oklahoma you should make plans to visit soon. The crystal clear waters of Honey Creek cascade down a 70 foot waterfall and form two sparkling blue swimming holes. The waterfall has a beautiful, zen-garden look to it that draws in visual artists from all over the area to capture it in photographs and paintings. In addition to the two great swimming holes, Turner Falls Park offers a number of scenic hikes, tent camping, teepee rentals and ice cream shop and some light toobing on Honey Creek. To my knowledge, no boating is allowed. Turner Falls Park is also popular with fun-loving kids and beer-loving adults, so my advice is to try and make a trip during the week. On the weekend, Turner Falls becomes extremely crowded. Also, don't come to this park if you are broke. It cost Dianne, Dylan and myself over $30 just to enter the park.
Turner Falls Park is also popular with fun-loving kids and
beer-loving adults, so my advice is to try and make a trip during
the week. On the weekend, Turner Falls becomes extremely crowded.
Also, don't come to this park if you are broke. It cost Dianne,
Dylan and myself over $30 just to enter the park. The Washita RiverWe drove over the Washita River in a number of places not too far
from our cabin. I was expecting the Washita to be clear like Honey
Creek or one of the other spring-fed streams in the area. I was
surprised to learn that the Washita is as red and muddy as the Deep
Fork River that flows through my part of Oklahoma. |
Choose a Recreational Kayak from Amazon
Tulsa County Conservation District Water Festival and Creek Cleanup on Crow Creek September 12, 2009 from 7am until 7pm. Enjoy a fun run, art show, educational booths, vendors, and a kid's zone. Meet at Riverparks between 21st and 41st Street.
This multi sport glove is great for jet ski, paddling, waterskiing, wakeboarding and other action sports. |
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The Magnificent Turner Falls
Honey Creek cascades down a seventy-seven foot fall to a natural swimming pool, making the majestic Turner Falls the largest waterfall in Oklahoma. A full featured park surrounds the falls. The park is accented with beautiful picnic areas, nature trails, teepee camping, caves, geological wonders, and two natural swimming pools quite unique in nature.
But, This is Also Lake CountryVeteran's Lake is great for camping with it's quiet park-like atmosphere or for a full range of water activities, the Lake of the Arbuckles is ideal. If you launch near Guy Sandy Creek on Arbuckle Lake be sure to make time for some Fried Onion Burgers at The Minner Hut just before you reach the boat ramp. At the foothills of the Arbuckles you'll find the state's first national park: the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur. The town of Sulphur, Oklahoma contains a number of natural sulphur springs and travertine creeks. Here you can enjoy the natural wonder of crystal clear water that smells like egg-salad gone horribly bad. Although the old timers thought that bathing in the sulphur water had a healing effect, I doubt that it provided much beyond a crude side-effect of ...birth control. If you visit, try not to hurl into the fountains. Lake MurrayOklahoma's oldest and largest state park, Lake Murray lies just
seven miles south of town. Built as a WPA project in the 1930's, the
park's 12,400 acres feature a beautiful crystal clear 5,700 acre
lake. The associated amenities make Lake Murray a regional
destination. The park includes a 50 room lodge, 81 cabins and
numerous campsites and even Canoe Rental I have been told! Arbuckle Lake or Lake of the ArbucklesYou can reserve a canoe, kayak, or paddle boat for use on Lake of the Arbuckles in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains of Southern Oklahoma. Call 580-622-5790 or 580-618-1123
The Washita RiverSpring and early Summer are the best times to catch the Washita
river with it dark red water flowing deep enough for paddling. This
is Oklahoma's own version of the Grand Canyon. Southeast of Davis,
Oklahoma the Washita River cuts through the granite in the Arbuckle
Mountains, carving out a river valley with 350 foot walls running
for about 15 miles.
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