Sourcing from its headwaters in Pontotoc County, it flows down through western Johnson County where the Blue River takes in the waters of Little Blue Creek just southeast of Connerville. The river begins to widen starting at E 1790 Road a few miles southeast of Connerville, then flows generally south into the Blue River Wildlife Management Area, a state-managed preserve with camping, hiking and river access between SH 7 and E 1890 Road just below Cheadle Falls. From there, teh Blue River flows southward into Bryan County and its confluence with teh Red River. Private property issues limit paddling to the area within the Blue River WMA, so most of the river should be considered off-limits unless advance permission for appropriate landowners has been secured.

Unfortunately, you need to be able to get to the Blue right before, during or right after it peaks following a major rainfall event in order to have adequate flow for enjoyable paddling. You can, however, enjoy excellent trout fishing on the river, as it is stocked between November and May. Its close proximity to Oklahoma City, Tulsa and the Dallas-Fort Worth area make the Blue River a prime destination for area paddlers when it rains in or near Johnson County. You will need strong intermediate or higher level whitewater skills, and owing to the remote nature of the surrounding area both swiftwater rescue and First Aid skills would be valuable assets.

The first 5.5 miles below the SH 7 bridge feature near non-stop fun, with over 50 ledges, at least a half dozen of at least 6 feet, two of which may be ten feet high or more. The river tends to channalize, forming islands that are covered with dense vegetation in the form of trees, shrubs and perennial grasses. There are plenty of places to get snagged by strainers, so vigilance is the word of the day when paddling here.

Johnson County, Oklahoma, just northeast of Lake Texoma and north of Durant. Dallas is about 150 miles to the south.

Oklahoma City 175 miles; Tulsa 150 miles; Dallas 150 miles; Austin 340 miles; San Antonio 420 miles; Houston 396 miles; Little Rock miles; Kansas City miles; Albuquerque miles; Phoenix miles; Denver miles; Salt Lake City miles (all distances are approximate, and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)

Good, but definitely not drinkable without purification. Natural minerals and agricultural run-off produce unwanted results if water is swallowed without treatment. The water is generally free of industrial, commercial and residential pollutants due to the remoteness of the surrounding area which borders the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge and runs through the Blue River WMA.

The Blue River is local rainfall dependent, and river running can only occur during or immediately after a major rainfall event occurs within the drainage basin. Optimum conditions ussually occur between November and May, but may develop after any significant rain storm or thunderstorm.

The Blue River is frought with hazards, not the least of which include deadfall logjams, broken tree stumps, islands with standing trees and shrubs, boulders and other things that can injure a paddler or destroy boats and gear. There are about 50 ledge drops, some as high as 6-12 feet, and most of them are in areas where deadfall debris presents a considerable risk of injury if not run properly. Every drop should be carefully scouted before running, and hitting your chosen line is mandatory.

SH 7 bridge between US Highway 377 and Wapanucka aat 0.0 miles;

Caamping is permitted year-round in the Blue River WMA, where designated campsites and river access can be found. There are no commercial campgrounds located near this reach of the Blue River. Conventional accommodations can be found in nearly Durant and Tishomingo.

There are no known outfitter, livery or shuttle services available on or near the Blue River. Be sure to take boats and gear, then run your own shuttles between SH 7 and any of the access points below.