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Washita River, Tishomingo NWR, Hwy 199 Launch, Oklahoma

The kayak paddle route above is an out and back on the Washita River near the Tishomingo NWR. The trail launches and returns at the Highway 199 crossover aka the Cumberland Cut Bridge. The launch site is a bit tricky, a drop into the water, it’s not really a boat launch, just an embankment. A better launch option, one shown on the map, would have been at the town of Bee, OK, a couple miles upstream. But whatever, all good. The river was high-ish, about 2200 cfs at Dickson, and the meandering sandbars seen at lower river levels were covered with water. The current made it some work going upstream and a pleasure going downstream. Everything is a red-orange-brown color, really amazing, and the water was visibly swirling with tiny sand grains. A number of beavers were seen, they are common here, and slide out of their holes in the bank just about the time, or just after, you pass by. It will be interesting to try some sections of the river further upstream but I will wait till the level drops so that the route weaves in and out of the sandbars rather than being wide moving flatwater. Beautiful afternoon paddle.

Above: Red brown orange, wow.

Above: A brief break in the mud. The bank, the water, the boat all match.

Above: Scritch Scratch.

Above: A beaver in front of the boat, leading me away from its house.

Above: The launch point. It drops off down into the river.

Above: Wow!