As the mid-Summer sun beats the Arkansas paddling rivers down to an unfloatable trickle, finding a place to paddle becomes a challenge. This is when it becomes necessary to turn to spring-fed options like the Eleven Point River, or dam-fed options like the Little Red or Little Missouri Rivers. For many in Central and South Arkansas, floating the Lower Ouachita River from Lake Catherine to Malvern is the go-to option.
I had never floated this river until 2014. But I was pleasantly surprised by it and have made many return trips since then. I really like this float for so many reasons. Aside from being a short drive, the put-in and take-outs are also really easy to access. It’s a float that you can do fairly quick, or you can make it last all day. And best of all, the river almost always has water. The put-in is just below the Remmel Dam that makes Lake Catherine. Unless the lake is really low, they open the damn every day around 11am or so. So there is a nice current of water, even in those hot summer days when other rivers are low.
Directions
To get to the put-in from I-30 at Malvern, take Hwy 270 towards Hot Springs. At Jones Mills near Magnet Cove, turn left on Remmel Dam Rd. From Hot Springs, turn right on Remmel Dam Rd. The take out is located in Malvern at the Ouachita River Whitewater park. I’ve provided a google map here with both of those destination points:
What to Expect
This 5-mile stretch of river is much more scenic than you might expect. Once on the water, you’ll see plenty of mountains nearby. The river winds through them looking more like something from the Ozarks than the lands close to I-30. There are some cliffs rising out of the river and plenty of gravel bars to stop and hang out on. So at times, it really has that Buffalo river feel to it. It also has a bit of Caddo River feel to it due to the some of the really nice homes on the riverfront properties.
There are a few class I rapids along the way, especially at the beginning. If you start early before they open the dam, there are plenty of boulders at the start to create some small rapids. Nothing crazy though until you reach the whitewater park at the very end. Once the dam is opened, you will know. There is a noticeable difference in the river current. And you can literally see the water rising if you are stopped on the shore. The river gets really wide and deep for a long stretch close to the end. By that time, the dam is open, current is rolling, and you can kick back and just float. It’s ideal if you are in an inflatable because you don’t need to paddle!
The Ouachita River Whitewater Park
A fun class II rapid waits for you at the whitewater park. It’s a steep drop-off but can be avoided by going wide right. Just be ready to paddle hard to the left to hit the take-out spot before the current takes you down river! You are likely to see paddlers in play boats (short whitewater kayaks) paddling up and down the rapids here. And on a busy day, there will likely be plenty of people here hanging out. Either finishing up their float, or just hanging out enjoying the river.
Plan Your Trip
The first thing to know about floating the Lower Ouachita River is to check the Remmel Dam release schedule. Although it’s pretty reliable on the weekends, there are exceptions and changes to the schedule. Be sure to check on updates HERE. Next, you will probably want to self-shuttle. Although I spoke with a local outfitter years ago, I cannot confirm that they are still around. I also have not used them, so can’t comment on how good or reliable they might be. But the good news is that this float can be done in a canoe, kayak, raft, or any sort of inflatable. So if you don’t have a canoe or kayak, you can still enjoy this float for pretty cheap. As for shuttling, you will need two cars and at least 3 people in your group. First drop a car at the take-out point (Whitewater park). Then drive to the put-in. After the float, at least one person stays with the boats while the others drive back to the put-in to pick up cars. It’s only a 15-minute drive, so it’s not that bad.
This float can be done in a few hours or can be made into a full day. You are never too far from civilization and cell service if you need it (not my favorite thing). But I do like that there are several good dining options in Malvern when you come off the water. And there is a Walmart and several convenience stores around if you need anything for your float. I would recommend river shoes since it is rocky. And as with all floats, don’t take glass bottle or containers and remember to leave no trace. If you live in SW-Central AR and have not been floating the Lower Ouachita River yet, you might put it on your list. It just may become one of your quick day trip go-to spots.
David Colclasure
Short trip from LR! would highly recommend. Watch the water level while your in it. it can rise !
Todd Phipps
I live a short drive from the Ouachita river. I have floated the river on tube several times. Usually a group of us go and tie our tubes together.
It is fun, relaxing and a beautiful trip.
There are certain months to enjoy and certain months you do not attempt floating it. Be sure to check the river conditions and flow schedule.
Angela Dunford
Do you know if there are any other access points between Remmel Dam and the Oauchita Whitewater Park? I plan to go hiking first and wondering what my options are if I end up needing to make my float trip in the afternoon a little shorter.
Scott
Hi Angela. In all my trips down this stretch, I don’t recall seeing any other access points. From what I remember, it is mostly private property – and some really nice riverfront homes at that! But I can tell you that you don’t need to worry about making the float shorter. It’s already a short float and when Remmel Dam is generating, the current will get you to Malvern in no time. We always have to stop quite a bit to make the float last all afternoon. So if you need to get to Ouachita WW Park quickly, that won’t be an issue. Just check to make sure they are opening Remmel Dam that day. Hope this helps!
Bart Stafford
Does anyone float this section in tubes, or is it just kayaks/canoes?
Scott Hallmark
Hi Bart. I have seen plenty of folks float this on rafts and tubes. You just need to make darn sure that you’re tube doesn’t leak or gets popped. Because the last half-mile or so of this float is very wide and deep with a strong current. You don’t want to be without something to float on for that part.
Amy
1. Are there any places to rent the rafts/tubes/canoes?
2. What would be the best time to put in, (if the dam generates at 11am), to make it at least a 4 hour excursion?
3. How does it compare to Spring River?
Thx!!
Scott Hallmark
Hi Amy. Thanks for the comments.
1 – Since this article was written, I’ve seen 2 outfitters pop up on social media for renting/shuttling. I have not used them or spoken to them so I can’t vouch for them at all. But the 2 I’ve seen are ORBI Rentals – 501-732-9998, and Adventure Rentals – 501-888-9111.
2 – If he dam generates at 11am, I like to be on the water by 10 or 10:30 to beat the crowd at the put-in and see the water rise. But no matter what time you put-in, you’ll need to take your time and make several stops to make it last 4 hours.
3 – On some days, it can be crowded like the Spring, but I’d say way more under control. The river itself doesn’t compare to the Spring. There’s no big rapids in this one (like Dead Man’s Curve). The water is warmer. Less paddling on this river.
Hope that helps. Have fun!
Jordan
Is it open on Sundays?
Scott Hallmark
Hi Jordan. Yes. It’s not private, so you can go whenever you like.
Michael
I’m staying in hot springs village the 14th-20th of July and am wondering where you would recommend for a nice day trip rafting/canoeing in the area that isn’t to far of a drive from hot springs area? There would be 6 of us, and we’d need to rent and have shuttle service.
Scott Hallmark
Hi Michael. Most of the rivers in AR are pretty low right now. Only a few are floatable unless we get some significant rain soon. Go to the menu and find my Paddling page. There you’ll find links to online tools where you can monitor the water levels for all the rivers in AR. The Lower Ouachita (the one you just read about) is dam-fed, so it’s a good option right now. I’ve heard of 1 or 2 new outfitters in Malvern that service the Lower Ouachita I have not used them but you might check out Adventure Rentals in Malvern – 501-888-9111. Aside from that, I would recommend the Caddo River in Glenwood, 30 minutes west of Hot Springs. I have an article in my blog about that one you can read with all the info you need. Another one is the Upper Ouachita, about an hour west of Hot Springs near Mt. Ida. I also have an article on that one in my blog with info, including outfitter. Those 3 are the closest rivers to Hot Springs that are floatable right now and have outfitters. If those don’t work, there’s always golf in the village or boat rental on Lake Hamilton or Lake Ouachita!
Michael
Thanks for the reply, we actually went down the caddo river today for a short 4 mile canoe trip, I will definitely check out your recommendations in the Malvern area because we’d like to do it at least once more before we head back to Texas, the caddo river wasn’t too bad, it was a good introduction for the kids on river canoeing, I personally would like something with class 3 rapids, there were a few shallow spots today we had to drag the canoes over rocks to get in water on the other side but it wasn’t too bad. Thanks again for the response I will check out some of the other blog posts about the spots you referenced.
John L
I made this float trip last year. We tied 5 double person tubes together, made a giant circle, and floated away. I recommend taking 1 paddle with you just to make sure you avoid any obstacles. There where a couple of trees and low spots. We also used it to “pull over” for lunch. There are a couple of nice spots that you can use like a beach. Not sandy though, rocks. Wear water shoes.
Overall, this was a great, relaxing float and lasted about 3 hours (with the lunch break). I will absolutely do this again. I have extended family in the area, so I travel to Malvern at least once a year.