Okatoma Creek

Coordinates: 31°25′50″N 89°24′12″W / 31.43056°N 89.40333°W / 31.43056; -89.40333
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Okatoma Creek
Okatoma River
EtymologyChoctaw word meaning "shining water"[1]
Location
CountryUnited States
StateMississippi
CitySeminary, Mississippi
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • coordinates31°56′30″N 89°45′55″W / 31.94167°N 89.76528°W / 31.94167; -89.76528
MouthBouie River
 • coordinates
31°25′50″N 89°24′12″W / 31.43056°N 89.40333°W / 31.43056; -89.40333
 • elevation
157 ft (48 m)
[2]

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 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]

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Okatoma Creek
  3. ^ "Kayak Okatoma Creek". www.theoutbound.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "Seminary Weather | Seminary MS | Conditions, Forecast, Average". www.idcide.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  6. ^ Baca, Keith A. (2007). Native American Place Names in Mississippi. University Press of Mississippi. p. 72. ISBN 978-1-60473-483-6.

References[edit]

External links[edit]