Mountain Fork River, Oklahoma

Oklahoma isn't all plains and grasslands---it is said that there is
more shoreline in Oklahoma's lakes, rivers, and streams than the
Atlantic and Gulf Coasts combined.  One of the most beautiful paddles
can be found in extreme southeastern Oklahoma along the Mountain Fork,
officially designated an Oklahoma Scenic River.  Vegetation may be so
thick along the upper stretches of the river as to provide a canopy
overhead, but as the river widens and cuts through the Kiamichi
Mountains downstream, pine, maple, and oak forests make for a
spectacular display during the fall.

Paddlers have the option of up to 28 miles on the Upper Mountain Fork,
ending the day on Broken Bow Lake, staying overnight at Beavers Bend
State Park, then running the Lower Mountain Fork the next day.  The
high-gradient, fast-moving water is relatively clear and the one of
the most consistent year-round whitewater runs in Oklahoma.  Riffles,
outcrops, and rock ledges create small waterfalls that provide some
Class II and III action, especially at several deceptively simple
rapids.  Bass fishermen will find the Upper Mountain Fork to their
liking with smallmouth and largemouth bass, whereas trout fishermen
will enjoy the 12-mile-long designated trout stream extending
downriver from the Broken Bow dam.

There are several locations that rent cabins and canoes, as well as
provide shuttle services.  More information about the Mountain Fork
River and Beavers Bend State Park and Resort can be obtained by
emailing information@beaversbend.com, calling 1-800-435-5514, or
logging on to http://www.OkcOutdoorNetwork.org/mfork.htm.

-David Schultz