Okatoma Creek is a tributary of the Bouie River in the U.S. state of Mississippi. It is part of the Pascagoula River watershed.
| 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 / 31.94167°N 89.76528°W |
| Mouth | Bouie River |
• coordinates | 31°25′50″N 89°24′12″W / 31.43056°N 89.40333°W |
• elevation | 157 ft (48 m) |
| [2] | |
Okatoma Creek is popular for canoeing and kayaking, particularly near Seminary, Mississippi, where several boat rentals are located. The creek offers several Class I falls and chutes.[3] It has many flat spots, is easy to paddle, and boats can be ported past the whitewater when needed. The creek is also known for picnicking and camping.[4]
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, creating better rides on the river; the temperatures at this time are bet 60–74 °F (16–23 °C).[5]
Name edit
Okatoma is a name derived from the Choctaw language, purported to mean either "radiant water" or "foggy water".[6]
Variant names include "Lawsons Creek," "Oakatoma Creek," "Ocatona Creek," "Oka Toma Creek," "Okatoma River," "Okatomy Creek," "Okatona Creek," and "Sun Creek".[2]
See also edit
Notes edit
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Okatoma Creek
- ^ "Kayak Okatoma Creek". www.theoutbound.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Coleman, Ed; Coleman, Jann (18 October 2021). "7 'Must Know' Tips for Kayaking Okatoma Creek". Coleman Concierge. Archived from the original on 2022-08-29. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
- ^ "Seminary Weather | Seminary MS | Conditions, Forecast, Average". www.idcide.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Baca, Keith A. (2007). Native American Place Names in Mississippi. University Press of Mississippi. p. 72. ISBN 978-1-60473-483-6.
References edit
- Bailey Thompson. "A River Threatened". The SunHerald. Retrieved 2008-04-18.