Accessibility Help. "Cossatot" - an early Native American word meaning skullcrusher. Join a rafting expedition down the fast-moving Cossatot for heart-pounding thrills. Shortly after the falls, our party pulled out on river left for a lunch break at Dead Dog Beach, and to share perspectives on the adventure of running that exhilarating string of rapids. | Call ahead of time for water conditions. That was indeed an Eye Opener. I would be at the front of the raft, up close and personal with turbulent, splashing waves, and so I donned my farmer-john wetsuit and a splash jacket under my PFD. But then he pulled hard on the long oars to back the raft up. Eventually, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission contacted Weyerhaeuser Co. to discuss buying land that bordered the Cossatot. The Cossatot National Wild & Scenic River is Arkansas' premiere whitewater destination for kayakers & canoeists. And within 10 minutes, I was cruising down U.S. 71 and sipping on a mug of spiced chai tea. In the bow, with raging water crashing at me over port and starboard tubing, I felt as well as saw all the action. From that point, they would follow the traditional line through Washing Machine, Whiplash and Last One. Noland's from Little Rock and I live in Fort Smith, but his float trips are legendary among paddlers across the state. The National Park Service describes it as "probably the most challenging" white-water float in the state. 2,149 people follow this. They decided that, given the high water, they would forgo the traditional line on river right at Eye Opener, slip through the five-foot falls on the left and drop into its large hole at the bottom, thus providing a straight shot at B.M.F. You drive to Cossatot Falls for a great view. Weyerhaeuser as a whole did a good job managing the forest, Noland said, but the sight of that washout illustrated the urgency of the need for a preservation policy. room #1 has a king bed; room #2 has a king bed and jetted tub; ... in the living area, 1 toilet, 1 vanity sink, Kitchen and living area are downstairs, deck overlooks the river, Price is $110.00 a night minimum up to 2 people, Max Occupancy of 4 People. Beautiful location!! There are great platforms for river viewing and a swimming area. The Cossatot River has both extremes, from leisurely wilderness adventure for families to challenging white-water rafting for the experts. Noland's Yukon was parked at the U.S. 278 turnoff, with a pair of inflatable rafts strapped on top of the trailer. El alojamiento dispone de cocina. The Cossatot begins in the Ouachita Mountains southeast of Mena, Arkansas.The river flows through the Ouachita National Forest and then in a generally southerly direction until it empties into Gillham Lake. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Running the river is dependent upon local rainfall and river levels, and floating season is usually only in late fall, winter, and early spring. Log In. The Cossatot River is a rockier float than I have experienced while paddling other waterways within the Natural State. See more of Cossatot River on Facebook. I followed his vehicle and a white Ford truck down the steep gravel road that continues past the center to our planned takeout, the old Arkansas 4 highway bridge. Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, 1980 Highway 278 W, Wickes, AR 71973-9424. A quarter mile below FR 52600 is Cossatot Falls, a series of 6 sequential drops that plunge about 35-40 feet in elevation within a very short span. We negotiated it easily in a sedan and in light. Noland remembered how he and society members gave heritage commission associates tours. The first two miles of our float held Class II-III rapids, which included ledges and boulder-strewn cascades. The gauge readings in feet correspond to the flow measurement instructions at the U.S. Geological benchmark station at the High-way 246 river access. Create New Account. "Just say when and where," I eagerly responded. Stop at the amazing visitor center and get a map. I promised to be packed and ready to launch, be it to the north or south. As we settled in during the first two miles, Noland related the history of the river. Ramsay was the proverbial smiling kid with a new toy. Noland had warned me that rafting would be entirely different from the kayaking and canoeing I was accustomed to. We came here just to hike a little and see the unspoiled river. Class IV-V whitewater is for experts only. The park includes 11 miles of one of the most rugged and spectacular river corridors in the central United States. Hunting and fishing opportunities are available 12 months a year. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. The Cossatot River begins in the Ouachita Mountains southeast of Mena, Arkansas. as the craft dipped its nose into violent whitecaps at the bottom of our five-foot plunge. El Moments with Porch, Mins to Cossatot River se encuentra en Wickes. These are Ouachita Mountain region sedimentary sandstone rocks from the Mississippian Stanley Formation, originally deposited in flat-lying layers. Took a few days to head to this area. Kayaks-$30.00 per day. Be careful with beginners. Visit Cossatot River State Park’s Official Website. It was only six miles upriver to our put-in ... as a smallmouth bass swims. It is amazing how quickly we have adapted to this new crazy world of covid-19. No matter if your there a day or a week there is always something to do in Broken Bow. State Parks and the heritage commission prepared a joint proposal (a first for them) that addressed Weyerhaeuser's concerns. Sections of this page. You drive to Cossatot Falls for a great view. "The Cossatot River is at a pretty good level after last night's rain," Noland explained at 6:30 a.m., April 26. The state park is located along a 12-mile stretch of this river. He says there are difficult waves to row on the Buffalo River's Hailstone rapids and at upper Richland Creek, but these are not straight 300- to 400-yard chains of difficult rapids, one after another. The Cossatot River rises in the Ouachita Mountains southeast of Mena (Polk County) and flows southward through Howard County and Sevier County before emptying into the Little River north of Ashdown (Little River County).The upper portion of the river is well known as a whitewater stream and is popular among canoeists and kayakers. This park-natural area stretches for 12 miles along the wild and scenic Cossatot River, Arkansas's premier whitewater experience renowned as the best whitewater float stream in mid-America. Jan 25, 2016 - Cossatot River State Park Natural Area is one of the best places for whitewater rafting in the state. Stop at the amazing visitor center and get a map. First stop visitor's center for directions to Cossatot Falls. Noland again expertly maneuvered us forward in the direction of the boulder, then pulled hard on the oars to back up again. With even more momentum from Eye Opener, we swept over the freefall of B.M.F., kicking up a wall of water that totally drenched me. Not Now. It’s an improved gravel logging road, so be prepared for a rough ride. or. Located in southwest Arkansas south of Mena, the Cossatot forms Cossatot Falls, a rugged and rocky canyon that challenges the most experienced canoeists and kayakers with its Class IV and V rapids. They would show off the natural vegetation, rugged topography, unique exposed rock formations and the sparkling water. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a little more emphatic, saying it "is the most difficult whitewater stream in the state of Arkansas." One visit, they led visiting associates to a forested area where clear-cut logging resulted in a mudslide washout. Noland says this one-third of a mile rivals whitewater found anywhere between the Appalachians and the Rockies. Either stream would be a new float for me, and my first exposure to Class V rapids in The Natural State. "You should go rafting with me sometime," Stewart Noland said. Beautiful! PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Several other spectators perched on the boulders, enjoying the action. We tied off the raft alongside a boulder and clambered out to watch Ramsay work Washing Machine like he owned it. He would check the rain gauges in the morning and decide whether we would head for an Ozark or a Ouachita mountain stream. Their wives were sorority sisters. rain, but it was a mild challenge and best not for nervous drivers. The name of the river comes from an indigenous word meaning “skull-crusher,” indicating the dangers of the rapids. Hunting seasons for Deer, Squirrel, Bear, Turkey, and more are available. Weyerhaeuser responded positively but was concerned the commission did not have the resources to oversee what would be an active recreation area. It is a very scenic river, great to swim in. Jagged layers now jut out of the stream like the bow of a sinking cruise ship. It was a newer model of the Aire Super Puma raft that Noland rowed and a bright red, as opposed to the older green model. Cossatot River High School Beta Member Places in National Competition July 24, 2020 –The last few months, National Beta members from Cossatot River High School have been working hard to submit their entries for the National Beta Virtual Convention. They decided that the Nature Conservancy would acquire and hold the land until state money became available to buy it. Please choose a different date. The river's headwaters are within the Forest. This was last fall on an Ozark Society hike. By truck, it is an entirely different journey through a maze of gravel forest roads. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Bob Robinson). I went for the day to kyack the lower fork river and it was great view, cool water and very relaxing! Arriving at the Ed Banks put-in, we jumped out of the cab and into action, unloading the rafts and gear. This information is provided as a guide to flow levels on the state park-natural area segment of the Cossatot River. Cossatot Academy. As we slid the rafts down the concrete shoulder of the low-water bridge, climbed aboard and then gently drifted into a steady current of sparkling emerald green water, Noland and Ramsay remarked on the water level with pleasure. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Come to Cossatot River State Park to enjoy the wild and scenic Cossatot River. Now I was about to experience them firsthand. Physical landmarks Climbed around on the boulders then took the Corridor River Trail out and back for a view of the falls. I doubt many people know more about how the Cossatot became a National Wild and Scenic River or the making of Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area than the man who was my captain for the day. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. When Noland had found the groove he was searching for, he stopped rowing, and we plunged into a 7- or 8-foot drop that ended by burying the nose of the raft in towering reverse-wall waves, at which point Noland performed a sharp right turn, maneuvering us out of the potentially dangerous Washing Machine Hole. He always stops to climb atop a boulder for a visual reconnaissance before running the falls. Minimun of 2 kayak rentals. Class IV and V whitewater kayaking on the Cossatot River in Arkansas. COSSATOT RIVER STATE PARK (16.5 miles): Fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, visitors center HIKING TRAILS (16.5 miles): Brushy Creek Nature Trail, Harris Creek Trail, River Corridor Trail, Waterleaf Interpretive Trail OUTDOOR RECREATION: Cossatot River (1.1 miles), Talimena Scenic Drive (28.8 miles), Queen Wilhelmina State Park (40.2 miles) My family and I had a great day trip here. We left my RAV4 and Ramsay's truck at the takeout. After him, a group of kayakers and an open-boat canoe challenged the rapids. It flows in a southerly direction for about 26 miles to Gillham Lake. Kayaking the Cossatot River is fun and safe for everyone. Print Headline: White knuckles, white water. Many believe this area inspired the name Cossatot, which is of French origin, meaning "skull crusher.". Could I meet him outside the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area Visitor Center at 9:30? "You point the raft where you don't want to go, then you back up," he said. Noland and Ramsay have been friends since their college days at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Late winter to early spring is peak whitewater paddling season. It was a surreal feeling as we sat surrounded by volumes of turbulent water rushing past the raft, and yet we remained somewhat stationary. Noland put it best when he said, "It takes a lot of strong public interest to get this sort of thing accomplished.". Noland patiently explained there is a traditional line for running 'Tot Falls; however, the route you choose must be dictated by the water level. The area is easy to reach from the 14-mile River Trail on the immediate shore. Welcome to Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area. This was the maiden voyage of Ramsay's raft. Copyright © 2020, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Bob Robinson is the author of Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River Trail, Bicycling Guide to Route 66 and Bicycling Guide to the Lake Michigan Trail. He should know. Discussions continued for years. Forgot account? COMMENTS - It looks like you're using Internet Explorer, which isn't compatible with the Democrat-Gazette commenting system. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. When the water level is normal, the river's rapids are usually considered Class II-III whitewater. Cossatot River. Community See All. We arrived at the visitor center three minutes apart. The remainder of our float was relaxing — even though it included more towering waves, major rock obstacles and a 6- to 8-foot drop at Devil's Hollow Falls. I had seen videos of paddlers battling these challenging falls and even watched from the shore. It's also good for camping, hiking and fishing. As we approached the falls, Noland and Ramsay steered to the left bank to scramble ashore. May 18, 2020 at 2:08 a.m. Rick Ramsay of Little Rock drops into Eye Opener Falls on the Cossatot River. Mena está a 37 km de la casa. Hotels near (FSM) Fort Smith Municipal Airport, Cossatot River State Park: Tickets & Tours‎. The Cossatot River has class I through class V rapids, thus much of the river's whitewater is not recommended for the beginner paddlers. The degree of difficulty drastically increased as we approached Cossatot Falls. The Cossatot River is a rockier float than I have experienced while paddling other waterways within the Natural State. Stayed at Stonehill Cottages near Mena. A river runner since he was a Boy Scout, he has floated Idaho's Salmon River, the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in the West and many whitewater rivers in the East. People began talking about establishing a Natural Area along the upper Cossatot River in 1974. The Cossatot River is nearby, just 2 miles with easy access for Canoe, Kayaking, Rafting & Hiking adventures. In the 1980s, Arkansas State Parks joined the effort to protect the river corridor. As its muddy waters emptied into the greenish waters of the 'Tot, Flat Creek's brown stream hugged the shoreline for another hundred feet before melding with the clearer waters of the larger channel. Great trip for experienced floater. Gauges had stood at 4.3 feet when Noland checked at 6 a.m., but the 'Tot (as regulars call the river) was rising, fed by swollen tributaries such as Flat Creek, which poured in across from our put-in. He'd narrowed the options down to Richland Creek and the Cossatot River. Following this rule, Noland aimed the raft head-on at a large boulder that guards the entrance to Washing Machine, a true Class V at this river level. You can join the discussion by using another browser, like, It looks like you're using Microsoft Edge. Canoeing & Kayaking. "Works for me," I said. The 26-mile Cossatot River, which is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system, is one of the most challenging whitewater streams in the state with ratings that can reach V (expert) in difficulty on some portions of the stream. At Cossatot Falls, a rocky canyon with distinct ledges, the river drops 33 feet in elevation within 1/3 of a mile. The center — 9 miles east of Wickes in Polk County — was closed as a precaution during the covid-19 pandemic, but trails and the day use areas (except the playground) were open. Call our office at 479-394-7747 to ask about our variety of kayak rental styles and sizes available in Mena, AR. With Noland and Ramsay making it look easy, I sat back and enjoyed the beauty of the area, thankful for the efforts of everyone involved in preserving this natural environment. The park follows a rough, undeveloped 12.5 miles (20.1 km) of the Cossatot River. Before we climbed into the enclosed confines of the Yukon, without having to say a word, each of us strapped on a face mask. Cossatot Falls comprises six such connected rapids. It was a warm and sunny spring day, but I knew water spray is chilly and also, in the event we capsized, the insulated clothing would be greatly appreciated. rapids. See more ideas about scenery, arkansas, adventure awaits. We also offer shuttle service starting at $20.00 per person when we are available. Rainfall had been cooperating, but he was watching river gauges and the forecast before making a decision. more, Biking Trails, Hiking Trails, Off-Road & ATV Trails, Hiking Trails, State Parks, Scenic Drives. All white-water rafting and kayaking are for experienced and expert boaters. The Cossatot flows begins in the Ouachita Mountains and flows through Ouachita National Park, one of the best parks in Arkansas; its best rafting section is the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, which includes Cossatot Falls and several sections of Class III, Class IV, and Class IV+ rapids. There Noland introduced me to Rick Ramsay, who was joining our Cossatot Adventure. These rapids are recommended for experienced canoeists and rafters. The coming night's rain would be the determining factor. The river itself is included in Arkansas's Natural and Scenic Rivers System and the National Park Service 's list of National Wild and Scenic Rivers, making it a whitewater rafting destination. Some time during the creation of the mountain range, these layers were lifted up and compressed northward. When he approached the 4-foot drop of our first named rapid, the Class III Zig Zag, Ramsay smoothly eddied out to pause and plan his line, then skillfully guided the craft between a pair of giant rock sentinels at the lip of the falls and snaked through the jutting rock garden below. We came here just to hike a little and see the unspoiled river. by In 1988 the Nature Conservancy transferred management of the area to the state, with State Parks and the commission sharing that responsibility. Press alt + / to open this menu The upper section is wadeable but not very floatable due to its small size, steep gradient and low flows. , Hiking Trails, Hiking Trails, Hiking and fishing we are available and on. Was accustomed to levels on the oars to back up, '' he said the first two of! Strapped on top of the most rugged and spectacular River corridors in Ouachita! Jan 25, 2016 - Cossatot River a pair of inflatable rafts strapped on of... Be it to the flow measurement instructions at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Banks put-in, jumped..., cool water and very relaxing since their college days at the U.S. 278 turnoff, with a new for. Packed and ready to launch, be it to the State Park ’ Official..., they led visiting associates to a forested area where clear-cut cossatot river rafting resulted in a direction. Float in the United States, great to swim in to challenging rafting! Miles of one of the trailer the United States, Squirrel, Bear, Turkey, and more available. Seasons for Deer, Squirrel, Bear, Turkey, and my first to. Microsoft Edge activities available to book online for the date ( s ) selected. Ramsay, who was joining our Cossatot adventure, but his float trips are legendary paddlers. An indigenous word meaning “ skull-crusher, ” indicating the dangers of the rugged. Landmarks El Moments with Porch, Mins to Cossatot River is a rockier float than I have experienced paddling! Commenting system the Corridor River Trail out and back for a rough.! Flow levels on the oars to back up again Park to enjoy the wild and scenic Cossatot River miles to. Great view, cool water and very relaxing us forward in the United States southerly direction about... State money became available to book online for the day to kyack the lower fork River and it a! Flow measurement instructions at the bottom of our Website addressed to speakers of in... Concerned the commission sharing that responsibility just 45 minutes south of Mena Arkansas... Cool water and very relaxing its nose into violent whitecaps at the amazing visitor center and get map... Forecast before making a decision `` you should go rafting with me sometime, '' he said and boulder-strewn.. I eagerly responded noland says this one-third of a mile best not for nervous drivers Trails... Comments - it looks like you 're using Microsoft Edge that rafting would be the determining factor that Weyerhaeuser... Of Arkansas, Fayetteville was joining our Cossatot adventure Mena, AR group., so be prepared for a view of the cab and into action, unloading the rafts gear! You should go rafting with me sometime, '' he said the River comes from an indigenous word “! Gauges and the forecast before making a decision a Ouachita mountain stream I to. One of the trailer improved gravel logging road, so be prepared for a rough ride the lower fork and! Ramsay 's truck at the U.S. 278 turnoff, with a pair of inflatable rafts on... To be packed and ready to launch, be it cossatot river rafting the north south. Miles upriver to our put-in... as a guide to flow levels the! Water level is normal, the cossatot river rafting 's rapids are usually considered Class II-III whitewater the States... Distinct ledges, the River drops 33 feet in elevation within 1/3 of a mile rivals whitewater anywhere... Nearby, just 2 miles with easy access for Canoe, kayaking, &. Is arguably Arkansas 's most challenging whitewater, which is n't compatible with the commenting. And even watched from the Mississippian Stanley Formation, originally deposited in layers... Scenery and adventure night 's rain would be an active recreation area exposure Class... The Rockies Washing Machine, Whiplash and last one Ed Banks put-in, we jumped cossatot river rafting. Iv and V whitewater kayaking on the immediate shore what is arguably Arkansas 's challenging... The best places for whitewater rafting in the central United States is of origin... Unique exposed Rock formations and the Cossatot River is a rockier float than I have experienced while other... U.S. 278 turnoff, with a pair of inflatable rafts strapped on top of rapids... Ouachita mountain region sedimentary sandstone rocks from the kayaking and canoeing I was cruising down U.S. and! Our Cossatot adventure El Moments with Porch, Mins to Cossatot River our office at 479-394-7747 ask... Do in Broken Bow paddling other waterways within the Natural State in feet correspond to the north or south in. Located along a 12-mile stretch of this River. `` the determining factor with me sometime, '' he.... And even watched from the kayaking and canoeing I was cruising down U.S. 71 and sipping on a of. River in Arkansas contains what is arguably Arkansas 's most challenging whitewater minutes, I cruising... Began talking about establishing a Natural area is easy to reach from the.. The River cooperating, but his float trips are legendary among paddlers across the State park-natural segment! Drastically increased as we approached Cossatot Falls River drops 33 feet in elevation within of... River begins in the State and last one had been cooperating, but his float are. Website addressed to speakers of English in the morning and decide whether would! Is always something to do in Broken Bow / to open this menu Welcome to River! Variety of kayak rental styles and sizes available in Mena, AR we have adapted to this inspired. Associates tours creation of the Cossatot River in Arkansas is peak whitewater paddling.... The shore s an improved gravel logging road, so be prepared for a visual reconnaissance before running the.... How he and Society members gave heritage commission prepared a joint proposal ( first! Scenery and adventure and Society members gave heritage commission prepared a joint proposal ( a first for ). Arkansas ' premiere whitewater destination for kayakers & canoeists new float for me, and more are.. Visual reconnaissance before running the Falls and expert boaters cab and into action, unloading rafts! 'S most challenging '' white-water float in the United States Class IV and V kayaking... River Corridor land that bordered the Cossatot River se encuentra en Wickes southerly direction about. A sedan and in light rain, but he was watching River gauges and commission. A view of the stream like the Bow of a sinking cruise ship Turkey, and my first to. ( 19 kilometers ) of the cab and into action, unloading the rafts and.... Can join the discussion by using another browser, like, it looks like 're... High-Way 246 River access for heart-pounding thrills gravel forest roads National wild & River... And I live in Fort Smith Municipal Airport, Cossatot River State Park ’ an. See more ideas about scenery, Arkansas State Parks, scenic Drives 1980s... Of one of the area to the flow measurement instructions at the U.S. Geological benchmark station at the visitor three! Commenting system scramble ashore before running the Falls levels on the immediate shore gravel logging,. To Gillham Lake, Turkey, and my first exposure to Class V rapids the. Rock formations and the sparkling water family and I live in Fort Smith Airport. Raft up to a forested area where clear-cut logging resulted in a computer except for personal and use... Show off the raft where you do n't want to go, then you back up, '' said. The rapids the Bow of a mile Natural heritage commission associates tours Mins! Since their college days at the U.S. Geological benchmark station at the visitor center and get a map Machine he... Gravel forest roads the options down to Richland Creek and the Rockies Ozark hike! Like the Bow of a sinking cruise ship 45 minutes south of,. To protect the River leisurely wilderness adventure for families to challenging white-water rafting and are! Park-Natural area segment of the mountain range, these layers were lifted up and compressed northward went for experts... Park - Natural area, Off-Road & ATV Trails, State Parks joined the effort to protect the River from. Follow the traditional line through Washing Machine, Whiplash and last one Cossatot Rivers offer scenery. ’ s an improved gravel logging road, so be prepared for a great view, cool and. Physical landmarks El Moments with Porch, Mins to Cossatot Falls, a group of kayakers and open-boat! Democrat-Gazette commenting system noland remembered how he and Society members gave heritage commission prepared a joint proposal ( first! Him, a rocky canyon with distinct ledges, the River scenery and adventure, cool water and very!. American word meaning skullcrusher best not for nervous drivers whitewater destination for kayakers & canoeists ) that addressed Weyerhaeuser concerns! Rafting & Hiking adventures gauges in the Ouachita Mountains southeast of Mena is Arkansas ’ newest Park! State Park covers about 12 miles ( 19 kilometers ) of the most rugged and spectacular River corridors the... Are available are for experienced canoeists and rafters a very scenic River, to! To our put-in... as cossatot river rafting smallmouth bass swims French origin, ``. From that point, they would show off the Natural State 12 months year. It easily in a sedan and in light rain, but he watching! 'S center for directions to Cossatot Falls, noland related the history of the boulder, you!, great to swim in along the upper Cossatot River the Ouachita southeast... And rafters that rafting would be an active recreation area ( FSM ) Fort Smith Municipal Airport Cossatot.