Lake Overholser provides kayakers and ‘SUPers” a great way to connect with nature

Summertime in Oklahoma can often be a true test of the effectiveness of popular suntan lotions or sunblocks found on your local grocery store shelf. Those products provide a source of excellent protection from the Oklahoma sun, especially when you are relaxing at the beach or pool, or even kayaking and paddle boarding on your favorite Oklahoma lake or river.

Oklahoma City offers several excellent venues where you can dip your paddles. One location paddlers have been flocking to in recent years is Lake Overholser, a city-built reservoir located on the west side of Oklahoma City, south of Route 66. There, paddlers can enjoy a casual, scenic adventure as they meander north through the winding marshes of the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge along the North Canadian River where plenty of wildlife – mainly birds, fish and turtles – like to hang out.

Kayakers and SUPers (stand up paddle boarders) can experience a variety of scenery in the wildlife refuge, which comprises about 1,000 acres. If you are a novice to paddle sports and would prefer an easier and more-relaxing paddle, try out the Street Car Lake Wetlands, which features a narrower channel than the North Canadian River, and its banks are lined with cat tails and marsh grass. The North Canadian River channel is wider than the wetland’s channel; however, there are a lot more trees lining its banks. But don’t worry; you will still have plenty of opportunities to spot some wildlife regardless of your location.

To access the Stitchcomb Wildlife Refuge, visitors will need to exit south on East Overholser Drive from NW 39th Expressway and then park in one of the two parking lots located on the northeast bank of the lake. Ramps are available to launch your kayak or paddleboard into the water.

If you do not own your own kayak or paddleboard, there are a couple of places at Lake Overholser where you can rent them. The newly renovated Lake Overholser Boathouse on the east shore of the lake offers RIVERSPORT OKC rentals, as well as kayaking and SUP lessons. Another rental option is RIVERSPORT Flat Tide Rentals at the Route 66 bridge on the northeast side of the lake.