Enjoying a Louisiana Waterway at the Whiskey Chitto

The Ouiska Chitto Creek, which begins flowing from the southern boundary of Fort Polk, in Vernon Parish, meanders for some 70 miles through Vernon, Beauregard and Allen Parish before entering the Calcasieu River. While this creek moves to the Calcasieu River, it flows through Kisatchie National Forest, as well as private camps and several prehistoric sites. As the Ouiska Chitto Creek passes through Allen Parish, 6 Mile Creek empties into it, at this point Ouiska Chitto Creek becomes Ouiska Chitto River and enters the Calcasieu River. Activities on this waterway include canoeing, camping, fishing, sunbathing and tubing. The habitat surrounding this creek is mixed pine-hardwood forest of various ages located on low, rolling well-drained hills. Traveling down this waterway, a person will have the opportunity to see wildlife, such as deer, turkeys, raccoon and other animals as well as livestock such as cattle.

Canoeing is one of the most popular activities on the Ouiska Chitta, which is also called the Whiskey Chitto. Canoe trips can be taken virtually any day, 7 days per week, launch times are generally between 7am, and noon, with pickup times beginning at 2pm and ending at 7pm. These times are individually regulated by the private canoe rental companies located on the Ouiska Chitto. Some of these canoeing companies are T & J Rental, Riverfront Canoe Rental, White Sands Canoe, Adventure Canoeing and Tubing Outfitters. A few things are recommended for anyone wishing to take one of these interesting and exciting trips. These are an ice chest with plenty of drinks, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera, change of clothes and waterproof containers or bags to put it all in. No glass containers are allowed on the Ouiska Chitto by state law. All canoe trips can be cancelled due to the weather or river conditions not being favorable.

T & J Canoe Rental is located at 11439 Hwy 26 in Mittie, LA, telephone 877-852-2663. This canoe rental company offers 5 ½ acres parking, indoor restrooms, showers and changing rooms, and a "You Paddle We Drive Policy". T & J Canoe Rental offers canoe on weekends, weekdays, and overnight canoe rentals. Primitive RV parking is also available for $20 per night and has access to beach showers, indoor restrooms and pavilion. Launch time is recommended between 7am and 10 am and pickup time is 2pm to 5pm.

River Front Canoe Rentals, located 1 mile from the takeout point of the canoe trip, off Highway 26 in Mittie, LA and approximately 3 minutes from the end of the trip, can be reached by calling 888-419-0362. This canoe rental company offers trips during the weekdays, during the weekends and on holidays, and even offers overnight trips. The cost of these trips ranges from $25 to $50 and are available from 7am to 7pm. River Front Canoe Rentals offers its guests restrooms, changing room, showers as well as canoes, life jackets, paddles and back rests.

White Sands Canoe, located on the lower Ouiska Chitto on highway 26 near Mittie, La. can be reached at 1-800-621-9306. This canoe rental company offers its customers primitive campsites, shuttle service, a general store, a restaurant, showers, restrooms, propane and gas along with canoe trips. Launches begin at 8 am and last until noon, pick ups begin at 2:30pm and last until 5pm. Any canoe returned after 5pm will receive a $10 late fee.

Adventure Canoeing and Tubing Outfitters, located on 190 west in Leblanc, LA, can be reached at 337-461-1606 or 337-207-6396. This company offers its customers canoes, tubing and camping equipment, is open all season, offers hunting and fishing guides, has gourmet cooking and fast, friendly service. Canoe trips and tube trips can range from under 2 hours to all day as well as overnight trips.

The Ouiska Chitto or Whiskey Chitto, either way you want to call it, offers lots of activities, from canoeing or tubing down its cool, spring fed water, to sunbathing on its pure white sand beaches, to fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, spotted bass and bream.