Just a short drive from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, lies WOKA Whitewater Park, a watery haven for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. Whether you crave the thrill of whitewater rapids or a scenic mountain bike ride, WOKA offers something for everyone.
Our group of three — Joe, Lisa, and Tina — had a plan to make the most of our day in the area. Although the park opens at 8 am, the concessionaire doesn’t open until 10 am, which means no tube or boat rentals until then. So, the plan was to secure an early parking space, go for a mountain bike ride on the nearby trails, and then return to the park when the concessionaire opens to enjoy the waterpark and cool off.
Mountain Biking Adventures
We started our ride smoothly by following a paved path near the WOKA entrance and overflow parking and then transitioned to the Western Sling Trail, a mile-long green trail that serves as a great introduction to the trail system. Unfortunately, my ride took a turn for the worse here. While navigating the first easy switchback in a counter-clockwise direction, a stick became lodged in the lower pully of my rear derailleur. This caused the derailleur to grab a spoke, wrapping itself around the cassette and abruptly putting an end to my morning of mountain biking as the rear wheel locked up. The incident was unexpected, as the trail was fairly clean, making it a random and unforeseen event.
Tina, who was running on the trails, caught up with us, so I hid my bike in the woods and continued on a brisk walk to finish the trail with her, while Lisa continued her ride. Western Swing is a beautiful and easy trail, and I wish I could have ridden more of the trails. If I hadn’t been excited about playing in the water, I would have taken my bike to the nearby Phat Tire Bike Shop in Siloam Springs in hopes of a quick repair. We did meet a Phat Tire Bike Shop, Siloam Springs employee named “Rocket” while on the trail, who told me that he would be in the shop soon and I could bring my bike by. We decided to enjoy the trails as best we could.
After completing one lap on the Western Swing, Tina continued running, while Lisa was still playing on the trail. I started walking out of the woods with my bike. Lisa caught up with me before I reached the car, and shortly after, Tina also arrived. We had enough time to use the bathhouse changing rooms to get dressed for the water before the concessionaires opened. We were soon ready to get in the water. Before we left the parking lot, an older gentleman pulled up next to our car, his wife was driving. The man rolled down the window. They were cruising around the parking lot, taking in the new park. He said to me, “You know, this used to be a lake. My family used to waterski here. I’m glad people are enjoying it again.” We exchanged some pleasantries and then they drove off. I think he just wanted someone to know that he approved.
Taming the Rapids on a Tube
For a thrilling introduction to whitewater, grab a tube and get ready for a wild ride. WOKA’s rapids are perfect for families and beginners. The park provides life jackets and helmets with tube, kayak, or various board rentals, ensuring a safe and splashy adventure.
Nestled on the Illinois River in Oklahoma, close to Siloam Springs, Arkansas, WOKA Whitewater Park utilizes the controlled water flow from the nearby Lake Frances Dam. The heart of the park is a 1,200-foot-long channel, strategically designed with eight drop features to create thrilling rapids and waves for paddlers of all skill levels.
We chose individual inner tubes for an easy and personal adventure. After multiple runs, we learned to navigate the eddies to control how much time we spent in each pool before the next drop. Some kayakers practiced wave surfing and other whitewater techniques at different water drops. Families with younger children preferred the 4-person rafts, which were easier to keep upright throughout the course.
After completing the course, users would move to the right on the river to exit and take a short walk with their chosen flotation device to the top of the run. Along the way, they would pass numerous permanent umbrellas and rocks, which served as base stations for the various groups using the park.
For those who bring their boats, there is a drop-off point accessible by vehicle above the park and a pick-up point below it.
Pro tip: The WOKA website features a live count of available parking spaces. If the parking lot is full, the park is also at capacity, so it’s a good idea to check before you go. The current parking fee is $10 per vehicle, so carpool with your friends and family. Current rental rates can be found here. Please note that the park does not accept cash.
Beyond the Thrills
WOKA offers more than just heart-pounding activities. The park also provides amenities for a relaxing day out. Visitors can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenic views from the designated picnic areas. Take a refreshing dip in the calm waters below the rapids, or relax on the grassy banks and soak up the sun. If you’re in the mood for a souvenir or some ice cream, the concessionaire has got you covered.
A Perfect Day Trip
After spending a couple of hours in the water, we decided it was time to explore Siloam Springs. We headed over to the Main Street area to find some lunch, enjoy a tasty beverage, and relax. Our first stop was Fratelli’s Wood-Fired Pizzeria on South Broadway to pick up some delicious pies. They were ready before we could even finish a glass of water. Then, we headed over to the Creekside Taproom around the corner, where we could sit outside in the shade, enjoy some Arkansas-made beers, and fill our bellies.
While sitting there, our new trail friend, Rocket, rode by testing a repair on a customer’s bike and stopped to check in on how our day was going. There is just something special about small-town Arkansas friendliness.
Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush on the whitewater or a peaceful escape on the mountain bike trails, WOKA Whitewater Park offers a fun-filled day trip for the whole family. So, pack your sense of adventure (and a swimsuit!), and head to WOKA for an unforgettable experience.
Eddyline Kayaks is also headquartered in Siloam Springs.
