Access Site
MO
French Bottom Access (St. Joseph)
Source: missouri_department_of_conservation Updated 1 year ago
City: Saint Joseph, MO
County: Buchanan County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 39.78079467, -94.87589204
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Missouri River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
French Bottom Access is a public boat ramp on the Missouri River in St. Joseph, conveniently located off U.S. 229 (Highland Avenue exit) on MacArthur Drive, between Remington and the casino parking area. This Missouri Department of Conservation facility provides direct access to one of North America's major rivers and is open to the public for launching and landing boats. The area also offers primitive camping near the ramp for paddlers planning multi-day trips.
The Missouri River at this location is a substantial waterway—a major stream (Stream Order 10) with an average flow of approximately 121,000 cubic feet per second and strong current velocities around 7.4 feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for a powerful, wide river with swift water and significant commercial and recreational boat traffic. The gentle average gradient (3.9 ft/mile) means relatively steady conditions, but the high flow volume demands respect for safety. This is an excellent put-in or take-out point for canoeists and kayakers planning paddling trips on this section of the Missouri River.
The Missouri River at this location is a substantial waterway—a major stream (Stream Order 10) with an average flow of approximately 121,000 cubic feet per second and strong current velocities around 7.4 feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for a powerful, wide river with swift water and significant commercial and recreational boat traffic. The gentle average gradient (3.9 ft/mile) means relatively steady conditions, but the high flow volume demands respect for safety. This is an excellent put-in or take-out point for canoeists and kayakers planning paddling trips on this section of the Missouri River.