Dr. Bernard Bruns Access

Dr. Bernard Bruns Access provides public boat launch and carry-in access to the Maries River near Westphalia in Osage County. This access point is ideal for canoeists, kayakers, and paddlers with small, portable watercraft. The site is situated in the river's floodplain, which supports ephemeral wetlands during periods of high water and flooding.

The Maries River in this area offers a scenic paddling experience through the Missouri Ozarks region. Paddlers should be aware that water levels and conditions can vary significantly depending on recent rainfall and seasonal flow patterns. The access point's location near Loose Creek provides a natural starting point for downstream explorations of the Maries River watershed. This is a day-use access area best suited for paddlers with experience on moving water, as conditions can change with weather and water flow.