Kings River Northwest Arkansas
Posted by starwoodgal on May 26, 2009
Kings River - Northwest Arkansas
Well folks! The warm weather has finally arrived and so has the rain. You have to pick your battles because without the rain showers, this river will dwindle down to small deep pools and lots of areas that are not float-able. We’re grateful for the rain.
The Kings River is located in Northwest Arkansas about an hour from my house. Several miles of secluded river flowing through National forests and private property. You can see lots of wild life and occasional cattle herd drinking from the river. There are several outfitters all along the river where you can rent canoes or kayaks. We purchased our own canoe last year and float quite often on the Kings and Buffalo Rivers.
The boys (husband and son) met the in-laws in Berryville on Saturday morning and did a short float. About 5 miles or so. They had great weather as the rain did not move in until later Saturday night.
My son, Daniel, caught this Small Mouth. Daniel apparently thinks he's Wolverine.
Wolverine, I mean, Daniel and another fish he caught. (We throw them back.)
I met hubby and the in-laws on Sunday morning and we floated a longer stretch of the river. It rained quite hard on us the last couple of miles, but what’s a little rain if the lightening and thunder stay away.
Tim caught this 'War Mouth'. They fight like crazy for being a small fish.
In laws: Kay and Trent Mallett
River Sun Fish. Very tropical!
Take a break on a rock shoal. The men cast while the girls find a tree.
Don't worry. We threw this baby back.
Me, taking in the view.
While the Buffalo National River is very famous, beautiful, and a blast to float, it can be quite crowded as far as rivers go. Especially on holiday weekends. So, if you’re ever in Northwest Arkansas and you’re looking for a quiet less crowded float – check out the Kings River. It is the ‘river less traveled’.
Time to head back to reality and work. Happy Tuesday! 
Mental P Mama said
What fun! Well, except for the rainy part. That Wolverine is a cutie;)
Neena said
This looks like a beautiful place. We drove down from Missouri to Bloomer, AR and went 4 wheeling on Mt. Magazine with friends. They’ve gone for years. This was only our second trip. We too were rained on, but it was worth it. The scenery this time of the year is so refresing.
dcamurray said
How absolutely beautiful!! The fish are even pretty!!! Looks like a really good time!
GypsyBiscuit said
I’ve been floating the Buffalo for years but never have done the Kings. As much time as we’ve spent in Eureka Springs and Berryville it is surprising that we’ve never made it to the Kings River.
You & Tim, me & Him need to set up a solid date to “just do it” sometime in the next several weeks.
Deal?
starwoodgal said
@GypsyBiscuit – Tim and I are planning to go back soon. June is perfect before the water gets too low. And, YES – Y’all need to go with us. We could stay overnight in Eureka and go downtown.
starwoodgal said
@Neena – Believe it or not, my husband use to live in Paris, Arkansas not that far from Bloomer. We lived in Fort Smith and drove through Bloomer to visit with his parents in Paris.
Neena said
We drove through Paris to get to Mt. Magazine. It seems like such a nice town. My friend and I have shopped in a couple of the stores and like to eat lunch there also. She and her husband lived in Fort Smith for many years before moving to the country. After our long weekend, we headed back to St. Joseph, MO and our friends that we stayed came along in their car and we stopped in Rogers to have Chinese and enjoy the shopping. We thought of you when we were in the kitchen store around the corner from the Chinese. This also breaks up our trip home and makes the parting a little easier.
starwoodgal said
@ Neena – Where you at PF Changs? If so, you were just about 3/4 of a mile from my house. I wish I had known y’all were passing through.
My husband and I lived/worked in Van Buren/Fort Smith for 18 years and still have a lot of friends down there. If you’re ever back down this way or passing through please let me know.
Neena said
Oh yes, PF Changs is a must each time we come down that way. I would love to let you know when we come back through. It may be soon since we have now fallen in love with 4 wheeling. Have a great weekend.