Over the past month I have made it my mission to be Girl vs. Wild. Hitting the road and discovering Oklahoma’s amazing state parks. Discovering things I have not discovered, and realizing just how great this state is. The Wichita Wildlife Refuge is a gem to southwestern Oklahoma. It’s also where the buffalo roam, the wild turkeys gobble, and the rattlesnakes hiss. That’s right they even shake their rattles and hiss in November. The 59,020 acres to be exact is located 25 miles northwest of Lawton and keep your eyes peeled for exit 115. You would hate to miss it. I know this tip from personal experience. Trial and error, my friends, trial and error!
I am a big fan of Camp Doris, campsite #6 is my special spot, and closest to the lake.
Here are some facts for you to use as brain food. There are more than 50 mammal species, 240 bird species, 64 reptile and amphibian species, 36 fish species, and take a deep breath. 806 plant species. That adds up to a lot of beauty to take in. So much so that I went two weekends in a row just to try and be able to see all that makes this refuge amazing.
Now, with it being the winter months you might not be in the mood to brave the cold temperatures that stir at night. So load up a daypack and do a short hike. I suggest hiking Elk mtn. Round trip it’s about 4 miles, and when you get to the top it is breathtaking.
On your way out of town be sure to pull over and experience Meers. This is a treasure of a restaurant. If you a feeling extra hungry order the Meers burger made from lean Texas Longhorn beef and coined Oklahoma’s best burger. I give it my stamp of approval. Be sure to save room for dessert though. The cherry cobbler a la mode is what dreams are made of. Seriously my mouth waters just thinking about it.
Lastly from a very wise bear. Only you can prevent forest fires.
Girl vs. Wild,
Jacquelyn
CLICK ON PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES
December 18th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Interesting stuff. Grab a map one day, or a book at the visitor’s center, and see if you can find all the old mines up there. There’s also an old dam some guy built there decades ago that is mostly intact. Tons of cool stuff to see, and the area is home to some of the best rock climbing in the state. Not to mention the wildlife.
I read “Into the Wild.” Great book. Check out Krakauer’s book “Into Thin Air.” An awesome read. This man’s a gifted writer and outdoorsman.
Keep blogging. I love this stuff.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Thank you for the kind words and the tip on the old mines. I put it on my map to check out the next trip I take. I look forward to blogging about the old mines. Please keep sending me places to explore I am always looking for an adventure!
December 23rd, 2007 at 12:14 am
Hi Jacquelyn,
In November I went with friends to Spanish Cave (within the Wichita Mtns Wildlife Refuge) and it was a wonderful hike.
Lots of bouldering and scrambling.
I highly recommend the journey to the cave.
Here are some pics from the outing
www.okcoutdoornetwork.org/06_outing_spanish-cave_sw-oklahoma.htm
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I think I’ve been to this cave, or one a lot like it. Only good way we saw to get in was to shimmy up and down a tree to get in and out. About 15 feet or so. Not the best traction if you’re in hiking boots, I’m afraid. But pretty cool nonetheless.
BTW, never heard of this Web site before. I’ll have to check it out more.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Hey the OKC Outdoor Network is a great site. I have been interested in going to one of the club’s monthly meetings to meet other like minded adventure finders.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Looks cool. I didn’t get to do much in the woods this year. This summer, however, I plan on getting away. Thinking New Mexico, Colorado. Time to find another peak. Bring some like-minded buds along for the ride. Maybe do a little fishing, too.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Time in the woods what are you waiting on. With the proper gear the season never ends. I am heading to camp out in the Beavers Bend area to ring in the New Years!!!!!
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:39 pm
I’m out of time off. However, my schedule this week is going to let me get away for some time in the Wichitas, probably later this week. My thinking is this summer will allow me about a week or so to get lost. Like out-of-cell-range, wilderness lost.
I’ve heard Beavers Bend is awesome. Need to get there sometime.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:45 pm
The Wichitas have a very special place in my outdoors heart!!! If you need any tips let me know I love talking adventure talk.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Sweet. I’ll be sure to do so.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:52 am
I plan on doing a Dog Run Hollow day hike in the Wichita Mtns in January on either a Saturday or Sunday.
It will be a nice little 6 mile (round trip) walk down past French Lake & and past 40 foot hole and back
I will post a comment when I get it set up and maybe you guys can join me.
December 24th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Hey that sounds great.
January 1st, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I love Dog Run Hollow & a hike out to Crab Eyes is very much worth the trip as well.
I love your blog !
Will look forward to following you on your adventures !
Betty S
January 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Hey great I am glad you enjoyed the blog and hope you follow my future adventures. I will have to look up Dog Run Hollow. Happy Trails!