North Fork of White River, MO
The water will be crystal clear. This river is decorated with springs, riffles, trees, caves, cliffs, wildlife and a national forest. Some of the springs flow with such volume they make waves. We found one spring that could actually be surfed. So far, this is the most beautiful river I have seen. It is a 6-7 hour drive from Wichita so I recommend scheduling off that Friday also. Camp with us at the river or stay in nearby West Plains, MO. Bring your family and any new KCKA member you can recruit.
The best time for a KCKA trip is in the early Spring or Fall when few others will be on the river. Hundreds of canoes are available from various outfitters. Crowds of idiots with plenty of beer and no PFD will be present from Memorial Day through two weeks after Labor Day. I have floated when no other boats were seen and it is really nice. The river is almost all spring fed. The water never gets warm and can get a thin film of ice in winter. Be sure to wear proper paddle clothing to prevent hypothermia in all expected and unexpected weather conditions.
Testimonial: By Clifton Finley
Assorted Photos on the North Fork of White River
Motels, Restaurants, Emergency Services:
West Plains is about 30 miles east. This is a pretty nice sized town with plenty of services including a good strong Sprint PCS signal.
Mountain Grove is about 30 miles to the north. I noticed the following in Mtn Grove; Sonic, McDonalds, Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut, Wal-Mart 24 hr Superstore, Days Inn, Mtn Grove Motel, Gas and a good Sprint PCS signal.
Roy's Store and CONOCO has a nice restaurant and country store in Dora. They have a little bit of everything - hardware, groceries, gas, prepared food, pay phone, etc.
Riverside Canoe has phone on bath house that can be used with calling card. Also usable Sprint digital roam signal from their campground.
Hammond Mill Campground has pay phone and no cell signal.
River Gage:
07057500 North Fork River near Tecumseh, MO
Float History:
Experiences at different water levels
Weather Links:
Links Specific to North Fork of White River
Mark Twain National Forest - Hammond Mill - Driving Directions
Twin Bridges Canoe & Campground, Inc.
Description of Trips on North Fork - Twin Bridges
MDC Conservation Atlas On-line
River of Life Farm - Located at the Falls and has cabins for rent.
Roy's Store - Dora, MO
WichitaPaddler.com - Home Page
© 2005 Chris Collins, All Rights Reserved