Benton County
Upper Illinois River Water Trail
Quick Facts
Water Trail Distances
Chamber Springs to Siloam Springs Kayak Park: 8.1
Siloam Springs Kayak Park to WOKA Whitewater Park: 7.4
Chamber Springs to WOKA Whitewater Park: 15.5
Maps
- Upper Illinois River Water Trail Map
Georeferenced Map Instructions
- Download the free Avenza Map app from the App Store on mobile device.
- Choose a trail and tap on the geo-referenced map.
- Tap on the map again and choose “Open in Avenza Maps” or choose “More” and tap on the Avenza Map icon.
- Map is saved in Avenza Map app.
- A blue dot marks your location on the map.
- The trail map uses the phone’s GPS. If cell reception is poor, put phone on airplane mode to conserve power.
- Download the free Avenza Map app from the App Store on mobile device.
- Choose a trail and tap on the geo-referenced map.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Choose “Send File” and tap the Avenza Map icon.
- Map is saved in Avenza Map app.
- A blue dot marks your location on the map.
- The trail map uses the phone’s GPS. If cell reception is poor, put phone on airplane mode to conserve power.
River Conditions
Click here to check the U.S. Geological Survey gauge on the Illinois River.
The best level for floating the river is between 200 and 1,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). Experienced floaters only above 1,000 cfs; levels below 200 cfs may be too low to float.
Much of the Illinois River flows through private property marked by fences, signs or purple paint. Avoid trespassing and respect private land. Pack out all trash.
Click here to learn more about the Upper Illinois River.
Caution
Siloam Springs Kayak Park (Fisher Ford) and WOKA Whitewater Park have Class II+ rapids – feel free to carry boats around both to avoid capsizing.
Under Arkansas and Oklahoma law, children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and anyone on a boat must have one ready to use. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have a throwable life preserver (type IV) aboard. Glass containers are illegal in Arkansas in boats such as canoes that can be swamped easily; glass and Styrofoam are illegal on the Illinois River in Oklahoma. Paddlers must securely fasten cooler lids, use attached litter containers and floating holders for beverages.
Visitors with their own kayak, canoe, raft, inner tube or other vessel who plan to float the Illinois River in Oklahoma need a Private Float Permit. Call 918-456-3251 or visit https://grda.com/illinois-river/
Watch for wood ducks, wading birds and nesting bald eagles. Learn about the importance of the river’s streambank habitat at irwp.org.
Anglers fish for smallmouth bass, bream and catfish. Click here to view fishing regulations.
Illinois River Watershed Partnership | 479-203-7084
River Outfitters and Whitewater Parks:
Gypsy Camp and Canoe: https://www.gypsycampcanoe.com/
Illinois River RV and Campground: https://illinoisrivercampground.com/
WOKA Whitewater Park: https://visitwoka.com/
Siloam Springs Whitewater Park: https://www.siloamspringskayakpark.com/