Okatoma Creek
Okatoma Creek is a tributary of the Bouie River in the U.S. state of Mississippi. It is part of the watershed of the Pascagoula River.
| Okatoma Creek Okatoma River | |
|---|---|
| Etymology | Choctaw word meaning "shining water"[1] |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |
| City | Seminary, Mississippi |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 31°56′30″N 89°45′55″W |
| Mouth | Bouie River |
• coordinates | 31°25′50″N 89°24′12″W |
• elevation | 157 ft (48 m) |
| [2] | |
Okatoma Creek is popular for canoeing and kayaking particularly near Seminary, Mississippi, where there are several boat rental businesses. While a far cry from being a challenge to the highly-experienced canoeist, it offers several Class I falls and shoots. It makes for a half-day or full-day trip and can be done comfortably in early spring or late autumn.
The Okatoma Creek (sometimes referred to as the Okatoma River) is known for canoeing, picnicking, and camping. The creek offers many flat spots, is easy to paddle, and boats can be ported past the whitewater when needed. Below each of the whitewater areas, and in other spots along the way, there are beaches for swimming. (There are even a few rope swings along the way.)
The average temperatures in Seminary range from 36–39 °F (2–4 °C) in the winter to 86–89 °F (30–32 °C) in the summer. The spring and fall months have higher amounts of rain and offer better rides on the river; the temperatures then ranging from 60–74 °F (16–23 °C).[3]
Name
Okatoma is a name derived from the Choctaw language purported to mean either (sources vary) "radiant water" or "foggy water".[4]
Variant names include "Lawsons Creek", "Oakatoma Creek", "Ocatona Creek", "Oka Toma Creek", "Okatoma River", "Okatomy Creek", "Okatona Creek", and "Sun Creek".[2]
See also
Notes
- Eubanks, Ralph (2007). Ever is a long time : a journey into Mississippi's dark past, a memoir. New York: Basic Books. ISBN 978-0465009800. OCLC 53897205.
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Okatoma Creek
- Seminary Weather | Seminary MS
- Baca, Keith A. (2007). Native American Place Names in Mississippi. University Press of Mississippi. p. 72. ISBN 978-1-60473-483-6.
References
- Bailey Thompson. "A River Threatened". The SunHerald. Retrieved 2008-04-18.