The Illinois River is a remote, natural, scenic flatwater river that is enjoyable by people of all ages and abilities. The river offers many liveries that provide canoe, raft, kayak and tube rentals, shuttles, campgrounds, RV parks, cabins or other improved acommodations and/or general stores conveniently located along Highway 10 (a high-speed River Road, if you will) outside Tahlequah. The river is navigable for about 57 miles from Twin Falls at the Watts, Oklahoma Public Access Area down to the Oklahoma Highway 62 crossing just northeast of Tahlequah. The majority of recreational paddlers who come to the Illinois paddle the sections between Chewey Bridge and Highway 62 with the highest concentration of liveries located for first 15 miles northeast on Oklahoma Highway 10, toward Ellerville.
The Illinois River is a basically a free-flowing stream, with minor regulation from the dam at Lake Francis on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border down to Tenkiller Lake below Tahlequah. Its waters are usually cool and clear, with excellent visibility and abundant fish life to be seen and/or caught, provided you possess a valid Oklahoma fishing license. The riverbanks offer many flat gravel bars for stopping to rest, eat, take photos or just kill a little time on a gorgeous river. The topography is awesome, topped off by seeing Elephant Rock come into view, then paddling very close to it. Elephant Rock is on the section known as the Sparrowhawk Loop, so named because the river and the road wind around Sparrowhawk Mountain. (NOTE: This is a GREAT place for canoeing trips. The distance between two public access areas with parking for the put-in and take-out is only about 2 miles, perhaps less. But, the trip distance is about 12.5 miles by river. If doing self-shuttles, then this trip is ideal because of the short shuttle after a day on the river.
The Illinois also offers good fishing for small mouth bass, buffalo, catfish and other species. The river is especially well known for its small mouth bass fishery. The natural look of the river creates an excellent fishing environment for the occasional as well as the serious fisherman.
Adair, Deleware and Cherokee Counties in northeastern Oklahoma, near the Arkansas border at Fayetteville. Tahlequah, Oklahoma is just a few miles east on SH 10/US Highway 62.
Tulsa 65 miles; Oklahoma City 195 miles; Fayetteville 65 miles; Little Rock 236 miles; Kansas City 275 miles; Dallas 260 miles; Austin 450 miles; San Antonio 530 miles; Houston 506 miles; Albuquerque 737 miles; Phoenix 1,176 miles; Denver 820 miles; Salt Lake City 1,296 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)
The water quality in the Illinois River is generally considered to be excellent and very clear, though the qualify can degrade a little during prolonged periods of low water and hot temperatures. The Illinois River usually has an adequate flow for paddle trips, though the section of about 22 miles above Chewey Bridge will be too low for enjoyable river trips during long droughts. Stages between 3.5 - 4.5 feet on the Tahlequah gauge indicate optimum flow for goods trips. Flood stage is 11 feet.
The Illinois River offers year around river trips, though most liveries are not open during winter months except by prior arrangement. Abundant public access areas assure that you can get on the river anytime there is adequate water - the Illinois is seldom too low to paddle with the exception noted above regarding the section above Chewey. Non-commercial camping and boat launching are allowed from all public access areas on the Illinois River above Tenkiller Lake.
The Illinois River is generally hazard-free except for downed trees spanning or alongside the streambed. There are no rapids worthy of mention and the gradient of the river is very shallow. Occasionally, there are tricky currents caused by water passing over a submerged obstacle such as a boulder or, most likely on this river, a downed tree in the river. Watch for surface signs of something you cannot see. For the most part the river is shallow and clear.
Watts Public Access Area off Highway 59, north of Watts; Low water crossing at 7.5 miles; Private Resort at 14.0 miles; Chewey Bridge Public Access on river left at 21.7 miles; Round Hollow Public Access on river right at 26 miles; Stunkard Public Access on river right at 27 miles; Buck Ford Public Access on river right at 27.5 miles; Peavine Hollow Public Access on river right at 32.5 miles; Comb's Bridge at 34.6 miles; No Head Hollow Public Access on river right at 42.0 miles; Todd Public Access on river left at about 49.0 miles; Echota Public Access on river right at 54.5 miles; Highway 62 bridge at 56.6 miles and Riverside Park Public Access on river right at 56.8 miles. The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission (OSRC) has conveniently placed mileage markers at strategic points along the river, and access points are clearly marked with large brown signs and white lettering, so identifying where you are along the river is easy.
Free camping is available at any of the OSRC public access areas along the river, including Watts Public Access Area off Highway 59, north of Watts; Low water crossing at 7.5 miles; Private Resort at 14.0 miles; Chewey Bridge Public Access at 21.7 miles; Round Hollow Public Access at 26 miles; Stunkard Public Access at 27 miles; Buck Ford Public Access at 27.5 miles; Peavine Hollow Public Access at 32.5 miles; Comb's Bridge at 34.6 miles; No Head Hollow Public Access at 42.0 miles; Echota Public Access at 54.5 miles; Highway 62 bridge at 56.6 miles and Riverside Park Public Access at 56.8 miles. There are also many gravel bars and beaches along the river suitable for overnight camping during downriver trips. Numerous commercial campgrounds are located all along the Illinois River.
Numerous commercial outfitters offering canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals, shuttles and river information are available all along the Illinois River.
The Illinois River is the first river I ever paddled, so it has fond memories for me. While my preference runs toward Class III+ whitewater rivers, the Illinois is a favorite destination because of the scenic beauty and recollections of all the fun we have had on this river over the years. Anyone, regardless of age or skill level, can find something fun to do on the Illinois as long as you are not seeking whitewater excitement. The river is great for overnight canoe-camping trips due to the diligent efforts of the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission and the Illinois River Recreation Area to develop a natural environment into a fun adventure for the whole family. You do need to be aware of and take precautions to avoid the many downed trees littering the riverbed during periods of higher flows, as these become boat-grabbing strainers that can cause you to lose many paddling hours while extracting a pinned boat. The many public access areas are ideal for those wanting frequent places to rest, use a restroom, or camp overnight. Public camping is allowed for up to 7 nights at a time without cost. The close proximity to Highway 10 and the many public access areas along the river give a safety margin that is seldom paralleled by other rivers, and the frequent general stores along the highway provide plenty of places to replenish food, beverages and ice during your trip downriver. Private campgrounds with flush toilets and hot/cold showers are available all along the 32 miles between Highway 62 / 10 intersection and the Highway 10 / Chewey Road turn-off.
