Do You Know How Deep the Arkansas River is?

If you've ever driven through the great state of Arkansas chances are you crossed over the Arkansas River on a bridge.

A while back I did a story on the deepest lake in Arkansas now it's time to find out just how deep is the Arkansas River.

Arkansas River

The Arkansas River is the 6th largest river in the United States it stretches 1,460 miles and flows through four states. The upper part of the river begins in the Rocky Mountains and flows through a canyon that is as deep as 1,250 feet named the  Royal Gorge where white water rafting is very popular. The river then begins to flatten and widen as it continues to flow through Colorado on its way to Kansas and finally eastern Oklahoma where it connects with Arkansas from east to west and then merges with the mighty Mississippi River.

The river separates the Ozark Mountains from the Ouachita Mountains with some of the highest points located in what is called the Arkansas River Valley with several scenic views along the winding river.

Pretty Dam Deep

According to A-Z Animals, depths can vary in such a big river but according to a Geological Survey, the river can be 27 feet deep or more depending on the waterway. In a report in 2022, they found the river to be as deep as 50 feet. The average depth of the Arkansas River is around 9 feet.

The McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System spans 445 miles and is near the lower portion of the Arkansas River. This allows for a shipping channel for commercial ships and barges to navigate through delivering their goods and products being shipped every year.

The Arkansas River is known for its world-class trout fishing, as well as other recreational activities like white water rafting and kayaking in the upper portion of the river. Fish and Wildlife are abundant along the Arkansas River such as large-mouth bass, hybrid striped bass, great horned owls and red-tailed hawks can be seen flying near the river. the historical significance of this area is very interesting going back to the 1500s and the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto.

The Arkansas River is just one of the many wonders of the Natural State.