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A great day for a float!
07/25/2024
As temperatures become scorching in the summer months, the chilly waters of the middle Ouachita River become a perfect destination for visitors looking to cool off.
Each weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, hundreds of people bring tubes, kayaks and canoes to Entergy Arkansas' Remmel Dam to float, paddle and sail their way to the Whitewater Park in Malvern.
Remmel Dam – which has been producing hydroelectricity for the past 100 years – along with Entergy employees who operate the plant – help create this summer pastime with recreational flows that provide the perfect conditions for floating down the river.
To make the most of this fun activity, here are some helpful and important things to know.
RECREATIONAL FLOWS
The best time to float is when temperatures either feel like or are over 90 degrees and sunny. Some clouds are fine but keep an eye on the weather report for possible afternoon showers/storms.
Remmel Dam’s recreational flows normally take place from Noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But, to take advantage of full floating without having to pick up your tube and walk, you need to be on the river at least two hours before the end of the recreational flow window – usually by 3 p.m. Occasionally, the recreational flow schedule is adjusted, based on weather or other activities taking place at the dam or on the river. Visit www.facebook.com/lifeonthelakes for regular updates and times.
Flows above 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) are not recommended for floating. Flows lower than 3,200 cfs may be too low for an enjoyable float, although the higher and lower flow levels can generally be navigated with a kayak. Current conditions for the various waterways can be found through USGS or at https://etrhydro.onerain.com/ where the USGS river flow is listed under the Remmel Dam Site.
PUT IN/TAKE OUT LOCATIONS
The entrance for floating is a boat ramp near the dam. Drive through the gate, which is located just past the Remmel Dam operations entrance at 170 Remmel Dam Road. The gate closes each night at 10 p.m. Be sure to read the posted signs. Note: While the official address for the dam is 170 Remmel Dam Road, some navigational services can have problems directing you to the right location. If you are coming from Interstate 30, make sure you take Exit 98B - Hwy 270 - Hot Springs exit in Malvern.
The exit for floating is at Ouachita River Whitewater Park, located at 904 Riverview Drive in Malvern. While the put in and take out locations are only about 15 minutes apart by road, you will need two cars – one to park at the dam entrance, and the other to park at the Whitewater Park exit. There is a company that provides shuttle service. Diamond Lakes River Shuttle can be found on Facebook @diamondlakesrivershuttle, or call 501-282-2701.
Do not park where there are red markings on the rocks at the dam parking lot. This denotes no-parking zones. They mark the emergency access lanes to the area and the concrete boat ramp located there. Anyone who parks in those areas may be towed.
WHAT TO EXPECT
It generally takes three to four hours to float the river, depending on how many breaks you might take. There are about three gravel-bar locations along the route if you’d like to stop and have lunch or take breaks. Do not stop in areas marked no trespassing, as that is private property.
The center of the river provides faster flow. Pro tip: bring paddles to avoid the bushes, logs and trees near the banks, especially on the lefthand side. Those can be thorny and hazardous to tubes if you run into them!
The depths of the river can vary, depending on location. Some places will allow you to stand. Other spots will be over your head. Life jackets for children and weak swimmers are recommended.
Make sure you begin your float at least two hours before recreational flow ends. If not, you may end up walking for a significant portion of your trip, as the water will fall quickly once the recreational flow is stopped from the dam.
Another important tip: You know you are at the take-out spot when you see the I-30 bridge over the Ouachita River. When you see the bridge, start making your way to the left bank. You can exit the river by climbing the bank, or you can choose to go through the Whitewater Park rapid. There is a boat ramp on the left, after the rapid but before you get to the bridge. Make sure to stay on the far left at the Waterpark to exit, or else the strong currents could push you past the take-out point and you will have to paddle back upstream! It is also helpful to stay in your raft until closer to shore because the currents can be difficult.
Be careful when getting off the tubes. The currents and rocks can be tricky to navigate.
Remember the gates at Remmel Dam close at 10 p.m. each night for security reasons, so plan accordingly.
WHAT TO BRING
- Any non-motorized watercraft. Make sure tubes are rugged enough for the river environment. Tip: Leaf blowers can inflate tubes in no time. Just deflate tubes at the end of the float and load into the car.
- Rope to tether multiple tubes together, so you and your party don’t get separated. Make sure ropes are securely fastened to the tubes!
- Plenty of sunscreen. Plan to reapply several times throughout the float.
- Sunglasses and hats. The river can be very sunny and bright.
- Water shoes – no flip flops! The river bottom and parking lots are rocky, and you need good foot support.
- Life jackets for children or weak swimmers. Life jackets are always a good idea!
- Coolers with snacks, beverages, and a trash bag. Please hydrate in the heat, drink responsibly and take your trash with you.
- Leave no trace!
