East Gate
East Gate Access is a small gravel boat/canoe access for the Big Piney River.
Starting from East Gate and floating down the river you can do a nice short paddle of 3 miles to Crossroads River Access, or a longer trip of 11 miles to Bookers Bend.
Starting upriver, and traveling downriver from Slabtown to East Gate you can paddle or boat to Ross Bridge, a 10 mile trip. This section is faster and shallower. Between Ross Bridge and East Gate, a 12-mile float, you will be floating through Fort Leonard Wood. Ross Bridge will be the last take-out before you float through Fort Leonard Wood.
General Information
January - December
Quiet Hours: 10pm to 6am
When visiting, please remember
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash
- Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- No glass or polystyrene on the river.
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- No camping
No fees
When boating with your dog, follow all Missouri State boating laws and only allow your animal on pet-friendly shorelines.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
- Occasionally, bring your dog to land so that they can relieve themselves.
There are no outfitters authorized to operate at this location. Check with the http://www.missouricanoe.org/ for information on rentals.
Address: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.764515
Longitude: -92.058539
Directions
From Rolla,
- head west on Interstate 44 for 16 miles;
- Take exit 169 for Hwy J, follow Hwy J to the left/south for 10 miles.
- Follow the signs to Fort Leonard Wood on East Gate Road. Fort Leonard Wood access is not necessary.
- Make a slight right onto East Gate Road and drive for 1 mile.
- The access site is on the right, before the bridge for the Big Piney River.
Travel Considerations
For Stream Flow and Flooding forecast visit the USGS website
Parking
3 vehicles with trailers
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
This river has variating runs and riffles with some pools. The bottom is mostly gravel.
The boat launch is single-lane gravel launch.
The bottom of the river is gravel, and can be a little murky when it rains. This is a smallmouth bass special management area with M-DOC and is stocked with bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass
Fish Species
smallmouth, largemouth, rock bass (or google-eye), panfish
Special Designations
Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area
Fishing Mode
boat, shore, wade
Fishing Platform
None
Water Temperature
cold
Fishing Method
fly, pole/rod & reel
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
This area has a gravel boat ramp, and is suitable for launching a motorboat or non- motorized watercraft.
This is a great, family-friendly river for those looking for a leisurely trip with beautiful scenery. The river is fed by numerous springs and is usually floatable year-round, unless it’s been particularly dry.
The river at this launch is deep and slower moving.
Boating - Motorized Info
This area has a dirt and gravel boat ramp, and is suitable for launching a motorboat or non- motorized watercraft.
This is a great, family-friendly river for those looking for a leisurely trip with beautiful scenery. The river is fed by numerous springs and is usually floatable year-round, unless it’s been particularly dry.
The river at this launch is deep and slower moving.
Recreation Groups
This is a great, family-friendly river for those looking for a leisurely trip with beautiful scenery.