Sequoyah NWR, Oklahoma A

kayak paddle route map Sequoyah NWR, Oklahoma www.SawdustRiver.com

This paddle route map explores the west side of the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Canadian Rivers just south of Interstate 40. There are multiple boat launches in the refuge; the one used here is the Stoney Point Ramp. Camping is not allowed but Tenkiller State Park is just half an hour away. When I went in December waterfowl season was in progress and shotguns were going off like crazy. But, fortunately, there is a hunting permitted section, and a no hunting section, so I explored the no hunting section, as shown in the route map above. The official refuge hunting map defines these two areas, as well as a seasonally off-limits bird sanctuary. The Arkansas River is wide and at this time of year, cold, so I wore a dry suit. But there are many little out and back channels near the shore to explore, as shown in the map. These channels and inlets were accurately depicted by satellite map, although some were fairly shallow. The day began sunny with mild winds, but later the sky clouded and the wind picked up and at the end I was in a bit of a hurry to get off the lake. This is a really nice area, very pretty, and there is lots to paddle. It would be nice to try again after duck season ends, especially the central and eastern parts of the refuge, and when things start to green up in spring.