Fellow adventurers, have you decided it’s finally time to try a multi-day float? And if you have, are you wondering where that float should be? Well, good – I know just the place!
Okay Deuce, where?
I’m glad you asked!
Ah, just the place!
No, not the bow of Blue Steel. You’re welcome there of course, but I’m talking about the Lower Buffalo wilderness. If you have even a passing interest in float camping the lower Buffalo River should be on your bucket list! At just under thirty miles this reach has it all – iconic scenery, superb swimming, great fishing and surprisingly good flow. In fact, it’s one of Arkansas Adventure Guide’s favorite three day floats. No access (below Rush) means no day floating traffic, and thanks to the decrease in elevation the lower river basin holds water longer than the upper and middle, which means the lower Buff is an option when the rest of the river isn’t. There is also an abundance of gravel bars for parties of any size.
Just put my bed over there, guys.
Rush is the final facility on the Buff and is easily reached via smooth gravel road directly off Highway 14. While the road in is suitable for any vehicle, direct access to the river requires decent ground clearance and possibly four wheel drive. In addition to river access Rush offers a campground and network of interpretive hiking trails. If you can spare a few hours before or after your trip they’ll be well-spent immersing yourself in the history of the abandoned settlement, which originated as a zinc mining town.
The Old General Store and Town Hub
The original smelter – built to test zinc deposits for silver that never materialized.
Like the rest of the Buffalo the lower gets a little help from her friends, and one of her besties is Clabber Creek. Clabber Creek joins the party just below Rush and creates a nice little rapid known as Clabber Creek Shoals. A great beginning to a great trip, Clabber is really just a straightforward series of standing waves that are easily enjoyed in a canoe, kayak or raft. However, boat control is required to avoid a swim, either because the boat swamps (fills with too much water) or drops sideways into the trough of one of the waves. Keeping the bow pointed downstream is usually enough to prevent this, but the meat of the rapid is easily avoided if one is so inclined. Just go river left.
Kinneth and Trenton “T-Bone” Wallace in the left line at Clabber
In addition to excellent swimming and fishing a lower Buffalo float will treat you to some amazing scenery. In fact, some of the best known points of interest on the river, including Woodcock Bluff and Elephant Head Rock, are found down there. Speaking of Elephant Head Rock – when you reach the elephant you’re near the White River – more on that in a moment.
Did I mention the swimming?
Elephant Head
According to conventional wisdom the lower Buffalo takeout is Buffalo City. This is certainly an option, but a better option in my opinion is Shipps Ferry on the White River. One of my favorite things about this trip is the singular experience of floating from one river into another. Taking out at Shipps only adds an hour (at the most) to the trip, and it eliminates the need to paddle up the White, possibly against very strong current if Bull Shoals dam is releasing water.
MIst At the Mouth
Now, at this point you may be wondering whether you have the kind of boat you need for this trip. I’ve got great news! If you’re reading this you probably do, but even if you don’t you can rent it. The lower Buff is suitable for pretty much any moving water capable craft provided the pilot of said craft is equipped with a little common sense.
Explain, Deuce.
In the photo above there is a raft, a tandem canoe and two recreational kayaks. Any of them is a suitable conveyance for this adventure. However, any vessel that can’t reasonably be expected to withstand the rigors of a river trip, which include but aren’t limited to sharp rocks, abrasive gravel, sharp limbs, strainers, water splashing over the bow that must be either dumped or drained, and the capacity for two nights worth of gear, food and beer is not, fellow adventurer. Remember, while this isn’t a particularly difficult trip it is a wilderness trip with no travel possible other than by foot or boat. Once you launch you’re committed, so please be sure your boat is up to the task.
Finally, if you’re lucky there may be a curtain of mist waiting at the confluence to welcome you onto the White. Sadly that will mean the adventure is near its end, but it will also mean it’s time to begin planning another one. What are you waiting for?
See you out there!
Deuce
- Kayaks 101 - August 6, 2023
- Just the Place – Lower Buffalo River - September 20, 2022
- Sweet Release - June 23, 2022
