Bourbeuse River

The Bourbeuse River is the northern major tributary of the Meramec River. While considered an Ozarks stream, it flows on the northern edges and is slower and muddier than typical Ozarks streams. Because of its slow nature, it meanders considerably going a distance of 108 miles in the span of just 27 air miles. Most of this is within Franklin County.

Upper Course
The Bourbeuse begins as a small hollow near Saint James, a city in Phelps County. This stretch of the river is dependent on rainfall to maintain its flow. From the start the river meanders. In Gasconade County, the river meets its first two major tributaries: Dry Fork and Brush Creek. Dry Fork is generally a weather dependent and its paucity of springs does not help it either. Near the hamlet of Tea, the river begins its permanent flow. From here on out it is floatable.

Middle Course
The middle section of the Bourbeuse is in Franklin County. Red Oak Creek flows in from the west. This creek is the furthest northwestern tributary in the Meramec Basin. It adds a considerable amount of water into the river. In this section, the meanders become quite apparent. The river also slows down here and the bottom becomes quite muddy as its gradient flattens.

Lower Course
In east central Franklin County, the river is quite slow. The Bourbeuse comes within fifteen miles of the Missouri River at this point near Union. Near the small town of Moselle, the Bourbeuse comes to an end at the Meramec River.

Tributaries

Gasconade County Franklin County
 * 1) Dry Fork
 * 2) Brush Creek
 * 1) Red Oak Creek
 * 2) Little Bourbeuse River
 * 3) Boone Creek
 * 4) Big Creek
 * 5) Spring Creek
 * 6) Voss Creek
 * 7) Birch Creek