Explore the Lower Mountain Fork River, Beavers Bend SP

Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow, Oklahoma is known for its captivating foliage in the fall; however, another distinct feature that it offers is the Lower Mountain Fork River. The Mountain Fork River is accessible via Highway 259-A off of U.S. 259. The lower part of the river winds through Beavers Bend State Park for about 5 miles with Presbyterian Falls in the southern portion and flowing into Broken Bow Lake to the north. Beautiful cypress trees grow along the towering cliffs bordering the river and with its very clear waters and variety of calm streams and rapids, the Mountain Fork River is every photographer’s dream come true both during the daytime and at nighttime.

Aside from numerous photography opportunities, the Mountain Fork River is very popular for brown and rainbow trout fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. About 12 miles of the Mountain Fork River is designated for trout fishing, and the Beavers Bend Fly shop is located along Highway 259-A going across the river, which is where we stocked up on some fly fishing gear to go fishing all along the Mountain Fork River. There are several places to rent canoes and kayaks, one of them being inside the park near the Dogwood and Elm campgrounds (we've rented canoes and kayaks from Beavers Bend River Floats), while others that offer more selection (such as tandem kayaks) are located along Highway 70 south of Beavers Bend State Park. The canoe and kayak rentals offer in between 2 ½ mile to 6 mile trips per rental, depending on your preference.

Any season is beautiful to go canoeing, fishing, and photographing on the Lower Mountain Fork River, with the best times to do so is during the spring through the fall. We have gone canoeing and fishing at Mountain Fork River several times during the summer and it's been so much fun. With so many activities that can be enjoyed among beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder that the Lower Mountain Fork River in Beavers Bend State Park makes it a must-see destination.