SH-88 begins in Inola and heads northwest out of town, paralleling a Union Pacific rail line.

Approximately one mile later, the highway passes near the McFarlin railroad siding.

[5] The highway then passes under Interstate 44, the Will Rogers Turnpike, though no interchange exists.

After emerging from the west side of town, the highway turns onto a due north course, which it continues along until it reaches Lake Oologah.

[6] Prior to the construction of the Lake Oologah Dam, Highway 88 proceeded on a more southerly course north of Claremore, crossing the Verdigris River downstream of the current dam location and ending at US-169 south of Oologah.