It’s hard to think of a more leisurely way to spend a steamy summer day than floating down a cool river. All you need is a canoe or a kayak and a few hours to do nothing. Sound tempting? We thought so!

A woman paddling a canoe on the river on a sunny day.

Photo: Filip Mroz/UnSplash

To get started, head over to Beavers Bend River Floats in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, the main outfitter near Beaver’s Bend State Park (and also close to Beavers Bend Creative Escapes cabins). They’ll equip you with canoes or kayaks, then shuttle you upstream. You’ll have the next two and one-half miles to sit back and relax as you slowly paddle along the Lower Mountain Fork River. The Kiamichi Mountains provide a stunning backdrop and you’ll find gorgeous scenery all along the route back to headquarters. Keep an eye out for wildlife too, including deer, littler critters, and even bald eagles.

Trips are offered March through October on a first-come, first-serve basis. With no rapids to maneuver, these are calm, fun excursions that even beginners will be capable of doing and enjoy.

Beavers Bend River Floats
Broken Bow, OK
580-494-6070
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Canoes, $23 (suitable for 2 adults and 2 children)
Kayaks, $12 (one-person capacity)
Free shuttle

Beavers Bend Creative Escapes cabins are located just down the road from Beavers Bend Rivers Floats and convenient to all sorts of outdoor activities. Whether you’ve coming with two or 20, we’ve got a cabin to fit your needs and desires. Check us out!