Floating Oden to the Cave on the Upper Ouachita River is an easy six-mile trip through the Ouachita Mountains. It is a good choice for kids, beginners, fishermen, or anyone looking for a laid-back day on the water. The river has enough current and small shoals to keep the trip interesting. However, it never becomes technical or intimidating.
This is not a float for thrill seekers searching for big rapids and nonstop splashy water. Instead, expect long pools, steady paddling, several good swim holes, and short sections of fast-moving water. It reminded me of our previous float on the Upper Ouachita River. However, the pools on this section are not quite as long or flat. The scenery also improves considerably during the second half of the trip.
Quick Glance
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Riverview Cabins and Canoes: 34.608378, -93.775180
Oden Bridge Put-In: 34.610773, -93.778201
The Dome Scenic Area: 34.621330, -93.732004
The Cave: 34.598790, -93.712857
Goss Landing/The Cave Take-Out: 34.598680, -93.713799
(Copy/Paste Coordinates into GPS or Google Maps search bar)
Directions
The easiest way to float Oden to the Cave is to arrange a shuttle with Riverview Cabins and Canoes. Their property is close to the Oden Bridge put-in, and they offer several float options along the Upper Ouachita River. Depending on your preference, they can transport you to the put-in and pick you up later. They can also move your private vehicle so it is waiting at the take-out.
The price is about the same for either shuttle option, and we found it very reasonable. This would be a fairly simple float to self-shuttle because the trip is only six miles. Even so, paying Riverview to handle the logistics was absolutely worth it. Instead of spending part of the morning moving vehicles, we were able to unload our boats and get on the river.
If you self-shuttle, leave your pickup vehicle at Goss Landing, which most people call The Cave. Then drive to the Oden Bridge access for the put-in. Because rural mapping directions can vary, enter the coordinates from the Quick Glance section directly into your GPS. Cell service was decent at Oden Bridge, so loading maps and coordinating with your group should not be difficult.
What to Expect
The Float
Oden to the Cave on the Upper Ouachita River covers approximately six miles. The difficulty is easy, with a series of long pools separated by shoals and short stretches of faster water. None of the rapids felt more difficult than Class I during our trip. Therefore, this section should be manageable for beginners, families with kids, and paddlers who prefer a relaxing float.
The ideal level appears to be between 3 and 4 feet on the Mount Ida gauge. We floated it at 3.8 feet, with the RiverApp showing a flow of 547 cubic feet per second. That level provided plenty of water and a comfortable current. Meanwhile, 4.5 feet is considered high, and some outfitters may stop putting rental boats on the river at that level. Conditions can change quickly, so always confirm the level before leaving home.
Like several sections of the Upper Ouachita, this float alternates between flat pools and shallow elevation drops. You will need to paddle through the slower stretches. Then, each pool usually ends with a shoal that carries you into the next section. The shoals add just enough speed to break up the paddling without creating much difficulty.
This is a lazy scenic float rather than a whitewater trip. Paddlers looking for large waves and technical rapids will probably leave disappointed. However, anyone wanting a quiet river day should enjoy it. The calm pools are also well suited for fishing, and this section looks like excellent smallmouth bass water. I know the Ouachita River farther downstream has great smallmouth fishing, so I suspect this stretch does too.
Scenery and Features
The first couple of miles are pleasant, although there is nothing particularly dramatic along the riverbanks. The river winds through a green corridor of trees with a mix of muddy banks, gravel, and occasional rocky areas. You will not see any major bluffs, mountain views, or unusual formations during this opening stretch. However, the clean water and peaceful surroundings still make it enjoyable. Around three miles into the float, the river begins to change. The banks become rockier, more boulders appear, and the scenery starts to feel more rugged and visually interesting.
Just before the four-mile mark, look toward the distant hillside for a local landmark known as “The Dome.” It is simply a large, white, dome-shaped barn, but it marks the beginning of the prettiest part of the float. Soon after passing it, beautiful rocky bluffs begin lining the left side of the river. The current also picks up as the water passes across solid bedrock and winds around several large rocks. Nothing in this section is especially difficult, but it is much livelier than the pools upstream. With the bluffs rising beside the river and the faster water carrying us along, this was easily my favorite part of the trip. We also found several excellent swim holes along the way. My definition of a good swim hole is a clean gravel bar beside clear, moving water that is at least waist deep, and this float delivered several spots that met those requirements.
The final landmark is The Cave, which sits near the take-out. The best way to describe it is as a triangular, A-shaped rock formation protruding from an otherwise muddy and wooded riverbank. There are no surrounding cliffs or large rock walls. Instead, it stands by itself among the trees and greenery, which makes it even more interesting. The Cave is not especially deep, and you can see nearly the entire formation from your boat. You can also walk up into it before finishing the float. The formal name of the access is Goss Landing, but most local paddlers seem to know it simply as The Cave take-out. Once you see the formation, you will know your day on the river is almost over.
Plan Your Trip
Floating Time: Approximately 3-5 hours depending on flow and stops
Cell Service: Decent at Oden Bridge and available through most, if not all, of the float
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Closest Outfitters: Riverview Cabins and Canoes, Ouachita Campground at Edendell, and Two Spirits near Fulton Branch
Riverview Cabins and Canoes handled our shuttle, and the process could not have been easier. They offer several trips along the Upper Ouachita, so you can choose an option based on the distance and time you want to spend on the water. For this route, you can ride with them to the put-in and get picked up later, or you can arrange to have your private vehicle moved to Goss Landing. The price is about the same for either option and is very reasonable. Although Oden to the Cave would be fairly easy to self-shuttle, letting Riverview handle the logistics was absolutely worth the cost. Ouachita Campground at Edendell is another nearby resource for paddlers, while Two Spirits may serve sections near Fulton Branch. However, shuttle routes and rental availability can change with river levels and the season, so call ahead before making firm plans.
The best conditions for Oden to the Cave appear to be in the 3-to-4-foot range on the Mount Ida gauge. We floated it at 3.8 feet, with the RiverApp showing 547 cfs, and that provided plenty of water with a comfortable current. At 4.5 feet, the river is considered high, and some outfitters may stop putting boats on the water. Before leaving home, check current conditions through American Whitewater or RiverApp. If the level is close to the upper limit, call a local outfitter for firsthand information. Cell service was decent at Oden Bridge and remained available through most, if not all, of our float. Even so, it is still a good idea to download maps and confirm meeting plans before getting on the river.
Although this is an easy float, everyone should still wear a properly fitted personal flotation device. Downed trees, strainers, and other obstacles can appear after storms, so stay alert even in the slower pools. Bring drinking water, sunscreen, food, and a dry bag for anything that cannot get wet. Dogs are allowed, but they should be comfortable around boats, moving water, and other people. Finally, pack out everything you bring and follow Leave No Trace practices. The clean gravel bars and swimming holes are a major part of what makes this section enjoyable, so please help keep them that way.
Accommodations
Riverview Cabins and Canoes has 14 cabins available in several sizes, making it one of the most convenient places to stay near the put-in. Staying there also simplifies morning logistics if you plan to use their shuttle service. Meanwhile, Ouachita Campground at Edendell offers RV sites, tent camping, and one glamping site. Additional cabins and vacation rentals are available throughout the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, ranging from small rustic cabins to larger properties for families or groups. The area becomes busier during warm-weather weekends, so reserve accommodations early when possible.
Floating Oden to the Cave on the Upper Ouachita River is a simple and relaxing way to spend a day in the Ouachita Mountains. The first half is quiet and easygoing, while the second half brings rocky banks, small bluffs, faster water, and the unusual cave formation near the take-out. It may not deliver big rapids, but that is not the point. This is a scenic river float for slowing down, swimming, fishing, and enjoying an easy day on the water.
