Gasconade River Trip

May 17 @ 8:00 pm – May 18 @ 5:00 pm    Free – $11.50

The Gasconade, probably named for French settlers from the province of Gascony in southwestern France, is reputed to be one of the most crooked rivers in the world. Entirely within Missouri, the river winds nearly 300 miles from its source near Hartville to the Missouri River, which is an airline distance of about 120 miles. In an area near Waynesville, you can float for 15 miles and be only two miles overland from your put-in. Although it has less gradient than some Ozark rivers, the Gasconade has some surprisingly fast sections, yet is still a good, safe family float stream. Because the river flows through the Mark Twain National Forest, write to the National Park Service Houston Ranger District for maps showing where camping is available.

Dru Pippin describes the Gasconade well in The Rivers of Missouri when he says, “…steep bluffs, gorgeous cuts, hairpin turns, and lazy eddies; hardwoods, softwoods and dogwoods, hidden logs, protruding boulders that weathering has tumbled from adjacent cliffs, wildflowers and shrubs, birds and bees, four-legged creatures quenching their thirst at my water’s edge, while listless white clouds float above as though convoying my trip.” Difficulty: I, seldom II.

We’ll be putting in at Riddle Bridge Access on Route Y (mile marker 129.9) and paddle to the Jerome Access on left, off Route D (mile marker 151.2), stopping on a gravel bar somewhere Saturday night. (Gasconade II section in Paddler’s Guide to Missouri)

We will most likely drive down early Saturday morning. Camping options on Friday evening will be discussed in forum, although Boiling Springs Campground is a good choice. Boiling Spring Campground | Camping & Float Trips

Bring enough food and water for the weekend and check the forecast for the appropriate camping and paddling gear.

This trip is suitable for minors who are strong paddlers (it has a slow current).

Recommended boats: canoes and 12′-14′ kayaks.. 

We will post trip updates on the trip forum.

Trip leader: Eileen Lenkman  eileen.lenkman@sbcglobal.net

To attend this trip/event:

1. You must reserve ticket for each person attending (see tickets below).
   This provides the trip coordinator with important information for safety and communication and gives the club important information we need for reporting to ACA within 30 days of the event.
2. You must fill out an event-specific waiver. This waiver link includes options for ACA members and non-members, as well as adults and minors: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/s6JqGiXvn2KhXKamwXEFy6/

To chat about this event: If you want to chat about who is going, ask questions, arrange carpools, or check last minute updates, please see the relevant post on the Club-Sanctioned Trip Into & Comments section of our forums: Club Sanctioned Trip Info & Comments – St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club (stlcanoekayak.com)